This Might Put You Off Working With Me as a Graphic Designer. Good.
Let me start by saying something a little controversial… I don't think (in fact I know!) I'm right for everyone. There. I said it.
I've been doing this long enough to know that the best client relationships - the ones that produce the best work - happen when there's a genuine fit. And honestly? I'd rather be upfront about that now than have us both discover it halfway through a project. My process is collaborative, considered and built around doing things properly. That's great news for the right client - and a bit of a red flag for the wrong one.
So in the spirit of saving us both some time, here are eight things that might just put you off working with me. You've been warned.
1. You want it done by Friday
My process involves research, strategy, sketching (albeit badly), refining and more coffee than is probably healthy. I get to know you, your business, your competitors and your audience before I put pen to paper (or cursor to screen). That takes time and that time is what makes the difference between a logo that looks nice and a brand identity that actually works. If you need something turned around in 48 hours, I'm not your person. But if you're willing to give the process the time it deserves? That's where the magic happens.
2. You want the cheapest option
I'm a specialist with over a twenty years of experience in the graphic design industry. I invest serious time into every single project - research, concept development, amends, final files, the lot. That's reflected in my pricing, and I make no apology for it. If your budget is tight and you're hoping to get a full brand identity for the cost of a meal out, there are tools out there that can help you DIY it. But if you're a mid-sized business that's serious about standing out, then you already know that cheap rarely means good.
3. You want to design things yourself (but with my hands)
I love collaboration, I genuinely do. I always ask lots of questions, and keep you involved throughout the whole process. And I always explain my thinking behind any designs I show you. But I do need a bit of creative trust in return. When I share my concepts with you, I want you to review them with your audience in mind, not just your own personal taste. And please don't upload my work into AI to ask it for feedback or design tweaks! You’re paying for strategic human expertise, not a machine's generic opinion. Design isn't about what an algorithm or a personal preference dictates; it's about what actually works for the people you're trying to reach. If you want to direct every font choice yourself or crowdsource revisions from a bot, we're probably not the right fit.
4. You think branding is just a logo
A logo is one part of a brand identity, a small (but important!) part. What I create is the full picture: the colours, the fonts, the visual language, the consistency that makes your business recognisable and memorable across every touchpoint. If you're looking for a quick logo with no real strategy behind it, you might find me a little too thorough. I can't help it. Strategy is baked into everything I do.
5. You’re not ready to commit to the process
Working with me means completing a briefing document (thoroughly…please don’t just spend 5 minutes on it), showing up for feedback rounds, and communicating with me clearly when something isn't right. I make the process as smooth and painless as possible. Most clients tell me working with me is easier than they expected, but it does require your involvement. If you're too busy to engage with the project, the results will reflect that. And neither of us wants that.
6. You expect 9-5 availability
I don't work standard hours, and I never have. My schedule is flexible, which actually works brilliantly for most of my clients. But if you need someone sitting by their inbox from nine to five, ready to respond within the hour, that's not really how I work. What I can promise is that I'm responsive, reliable and genuinely invested in your project. I'll always keep you updated on where things are and when to expect to hear from me. It just might be at 7pm on a Tuesday.
7. You want something that looks like everyone else
This one might surprise you, but hear me out. With AI-generated brand identities flooding the market, it has never been easier to end up with something generic. Something that could belong to any business in your industry (or any industry if the AI slop I see every day is anything to go by.) I'm not interested in that, and you shouldn't be either. I create brand identities that are considered and designed to make your business stand out. If blending in sounds appealing, we're definitely not the right fit.
8. You don’t like coffee
I run on the stuff. It fuels every mood board, every concept and every round of amends. If you're a tea person, I'll won’t hold it against you. But if you turn up to our first call with a green smoothie and no caffeine in sight, I can't guarantee I won't judge you…just a little.
Still here? Good.
If you've read all of that and thought "none of that sounds like me" - brilliant. That's exactly the kind of client I love working with.
When we're the right fit, the whole process is different. You get a designer who's genuinely invested in your business, and I get a client who trusts me and the process. That combination is where the best work comes from, the kind that makes your audience stop scrolling, builds recognition over time, and actually moves your business forward.
I work with mid-sized businesses who value great design, understand the investment involved, and want a brand identity that genuinely reflects who they are and what they do. If that's you, contact me here.
