Ooh… shiny!
Okay, can we just be honest here?
An acquaintance/friend is starting their own business and they need creative. They aren’t able/willing to pay for an full identity, but they have sent me examples of what they’re piecing together on their own. And it is… not good.
While they have asked for my opinion, I get the impression that it’s more of the “isn’t it grand?” variety instead of “what criticism can you offer?” So I’m struggling with my response. Should I be completely (and in this case, brutally) honest? Or do I simply nod and smile, and say it’s coming along nicely?
It’s hard for me to fib. And it’s straining every fiber of my being not to shout “OMG, just let me do it!” and redesign her logo, sign, collateral… everything. I want her to succeed, so I want to give her the benefit of my “expertise”. But I should be paid for that work, and I know that’s not going to happen, so I won’t grab the reins from her. But she has asked for my opinion… and why ask a professional if you don’t want a professional response?
Hoo boy.
Tags: criticism
November 5th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Here’s an approach that might work:
Start out by pointing out something that’s going right. Good color choice maybe, or nice sense of whimsy.
Then point out just one area or element that seems fundamentally troubled — maybe one that, if she could get it right, would improve the other areas.
And then mention a resource like a book or website that would help her get back on the right path. For example, I often recommend Robin Williams’s “Non-Designer’s Design Book” (http://www.amazon.com/Non-Designers-Design-Book-3rd-Designers/dp/0321534042/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225934254&sr=8-2), which has great examples and doesn’t overwhelm.
Definitely don’t just fix all of it yourself for no money. But also don’t give all the feedback you’d ordinarily give — not because you’ll overwhelm her, but because she won’t be able to absorb it all at once, and she’ll instead feel confused and then maybe upset that you aren’t supporting her creativity.
Just my two cents — maybe just one part of this plan will be enough to help you feel like you’ve been true to yourself and your profession, but also have been helpful as a friend.