Everyday, Designers/Entrepreneurs get faced with 'Clients from Hell' 😄. when faced with one, what do you do? Did I hear "send them back to hell?"

Let's be real, some Clients expects their designer to have third eye like the Three-eyed-raven; to see and know what they're thinking and need. The worst part, is having their spouse interfering, leading to endless design reviews and frustration, the list would be endless should I continued to enlist the Designers' frustration. Hence, most Designers want to get as much information from their client about a design project as possible, which ofcourse is a healthy practice, but it does have it's limitations, especially, when your client has no information to give to you, because he/she has got no idea, but know what he/she wants, sounds confusing right? Yeah, it's that confusing. Sometimes, a client after raining praises at a graphic content and already approved, will call you in the morning to tell you "Hey, I like the design very much, but I feel something is missing." 😄Don't panic, just know that his/her spouse has just disapproved the colour or told him/her that the design is missing something.

However, as a professional Designer, we need to understand the psychology of humans. I've made a logo design with a brief of only the brand name and services. The client can't communicate what he wants, but he knew what he wanted, according to him, "You were highly recommended, and I came to you, because I believe you won't stress me with providing too much information. I know what I want, a logo that will compete among top international global brands when placed side by side, it should be captivating and engaging, name your price."

I had to think from three different aspects, from the part of:
1. What I think is his idea, and would appreciate.
2. What is captivating to me, and I would gladly engage with.
3. What I think the brand's target market would appreciate and engage with.

at the end, he picked number 2, from which I developed the brand guidelines, office stationeries, print materials, website and other branding materials.

To cut down the story, I got other Clients from him, and he did mention that his previous Designer asked too many questions that got him pissed and he went mute on him.

In summary, try to give your clients from Hell a Heavenly treatment  and they'll remain loyal, atleast for the time being.

Let me reiterate, it's a healthy practise as a designer to get as much necessary information about a project as possible, but in a case where the client lacks idea, but know he/she wants something formidable to work with, it's your obligation to think for him/her.

what are your thoughts?