You Found a Good Designer, But Are You Ready?

Hello, I’m a product designer who’s been in this industry for years. From logos to websites, mobile apps to brand identities, I’ve worked on hundreds of projects. And in this process, I’ve realized that a successful design project doesn’t end with just finding a good designer.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a designer to grow your business, or you’ve already found one. Congratulations! But I want to ask you an honest question:

Are you really ready to work with a good designer?

The Value of Saying “No”

Let me share a secret: The easiest thing for a designer is to say “okay” to the client. Make money, keep the client happy, everyone’s satisfied… Right?

Wrong.

A good designer will tell you “no” when you ask for something that’s not right for your brand. And believe me, these “no’s” are worth their weight in gold.

Last year, I was working with a tech startup. “We want bright, neon colors,” they said. “Make it eye-catching!”

I paused. I thought. And I said “No.”

“Your target audience is corporate executives aged 35-50. Neon colors will drive them away. You need a professional, trust-inspiring palette.”

At first, I saw the disappointment on their faces. But I explained, showed examples, presented competitor analyses. Eventually, they were convinced.

Today? That startup is recognized as one of the most trusted brands in their industry.

Let’s Think Through the Table Example

What happens if you go to a carpenter and say “Make me a nice table”?

They’ll ask questions, won’t they? How big should it be? What wood? What will you use it for?

But if you say “You’re the expert, you know best”… The result will probably be disappointing.

Design works the same way. Saying “I want a modern logo” is like saying “I want a nice table.” Everyone’s idea of “modern” is different.

The Trust Issue

Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of clients. My most successful projects have always been with clients who had these qualities:

1. Those who know how to listen
I had an e-commerce client. “I want red buttons, make them stand out,” he said.
“Research shows that green buttons get 30% more clicks in your industry,” I replied.
He listened. We tested. It really worked out that way.

2. Those who ask questions
“Why did you choose this font?”
“Why is this color better?”
Asking questions isn’t a sign of distrust, quite the opposite – it shows interest. And I love these questions because they give me a chance to explain my thinking.

3. Those who are patient
A logo design doesn’t finish in 2 days. A good website isn’t ready in 1 week.
My patient clients always got higher quality work. Because I worked comfortably too, and my creativity flourished.

So Why Can’t You Trust?

I understand. Maybe you’ve had bad experiences before. Maybe the person you met as a “designer” was just someone who knew Photoshop. Maybe they took your money and left the job half done.

But remember this: A good designer doesn’t just make “pretty things.” They’re your brand’s strategic partner.

I tell my clients this: “You’re the expert in your business, I’m the expert in mine. If we work together, we’ll create wonders.”

A Few Suggestions for You

Prepare your brief but be flexible

• Define your target audience
• Set your budget
• Show examples
• But be open to the designer’s suggestions

Don’t panic at the first draft
The first design might not be exactly what you wanted. That’s normal! Give constructive feedback:

• ❌ “This isn’t it”
• ✅ “The color tones feel a bit too cold, can we try warmer tones?”

Be involved in the process
Attend discovery meetings. Answer my questions. Talk about your competitors. The more information you provide, the better results you’ll get.

Final Word: The Spirit of Partnership

Working with a designer is like a marriage. It requires mutual trust, respect, and communication.

If you don’t trust your designer, there are two possibilities:

1. You’re working with the wrong designer
2. You’re not ready for this partnership yet

Whichever it is, you need to resolve this situation. Because neither good design nor a happy client comes from a partnership without trust.

Remember: When your designer says “no” to you, they’re actually saying “yes” to your brand. Listen to those “no’s.” Because those no’s might be the decisions that put you one step ahead of your competitors.

Are you ready? Really ready?

Because finding a good designer is easy. But building a real partnership with them… That’s where true success lies.