Five things I would never do as a graphic designer

Okay besties, let’s chat.

Veteran professionals are sharing the 5 things they’d never do across social platforms, and I figured I would write a blog about it.

So here are the five things I’d never do as a Graphic Designer.

Routinely discount my services

Clients who want your work cheap or for free are NOT your friends. College isn’t cheap, and it takes years to learn how to do things skillfully and efficiently. Not to mention, the clients who haggle with you, will be the ones that need the most revisions and are never happy.

Retain difficult clients

Clients that think they are the design or strategy experts are not worth whatever they’re paying you. Your work will go to waste and you will become frustrated arguing with someone that doesn’t have your education or experience. Not worth it!

Not have a contract

Contracts save time and sanity. There are very few clients I don’t have a contract with because they have never been difficult and truly are just a joy. But that is not the norm. Not having a contract can prevent you from being paid, and allow clients to abuse you. Set an explicit contract with terms of your job and don’t do anything past that point.

Try to copy other styles

As with anything, we all have our own style. This extends beyond designers. But with designers, it’s important to remember one thing: your style is your own. If you’re a minimalist, there’s no shame in that. If you’re someone that prefers illustration-based design – great! Whatever your aesthetic, stick to it. And never be proud of the steps you took to get to that point. Your portfolio should show this evolution in real-time.

Use free design platform templates and offer them to a paying client

I absolutely love that platforms like Canva have simplified graphic design to where anyone can make something beautiful. I think it is in poor taste (and ethics) to take a template and sell it to a paying client. Being a small business that utilizes Canva is one thing. But being a marketing professional that uses it to make a profit from designs that are not their own is tacky.

For example, let’s talk about designing a logo. Designers should provide an original piece of work, not something repurposed that millions of people can access. Part of being a designer means creating something timeless, while correctly telling the brand’s story.