How does one handle being asked to design something in a style they have no skill or knowledge in?
I am being asked to create a diagram or illustration of a virus attaching to a water droplet which causes it to become heavy and fall to the gound. I sent something over in my style which is very Lifestyle design and it was not liked. I was told that it needs to be an illustration which I have zero skill or know how in. How do I respond to this when it is a request coming from the CEO directly to me and my boss has zero design skill or understanding?
Replies9
- I would say be honest and maybe draft up some ideas and see what they think of the draft concept sketches or diagrams.
- I think that for this you need to develop as a designer. The company I work for helps me with this. When you understand each other, then you begin to develop your skills and work together on various presentations while using https://slidepeak.com/google-slides-presentation-design to improve your skills. This is a very good way to develop your design career when you work together.
- Ica has it nailed good luck xx
- Good evening Ashley,Honesty is the best policy! The more information you are given the better. Ask your client to please forward an "example" of what he or she considers an "illustration" or "diagram" - a VISUAL AID is best, as this will serve as an indication as to what "art style" your client desires. You will then be in a better position to judge what your client is visualising, ergo, whether your client wishes to have a realistic representation of a virus or whether his or she prefers a more stylised version - something artistic!The "example" your client should forward can be of any object, an apple say, what you're needing to assess is the "type or style of drawing" i.e the manner in which your subject matter needs to be presented. Hopes this helps. Remember, what I visualise and what you visualise differs, so be honest and be confident. Kind regards, Ica Pavoncelli.
- @Joe Durr Unfortunately it is not other wise I totally would. I am an in-house designer at a mid sized company that still has the small company mentality. In other words everyone does anything and everything to help get it done. I would outsource it if I had the time, but we work on an ASAP scheduel
- Hey,Interesting situation. 3 options I would suggest:1 I have always found honesty the best policy - I would rather be told that that something is not in a style skill set than go round the houses trying to pin something down that couldn't ever be achieved.2 The second option - does it need to be a design - could you look at photo stock for instance.3 Brief it out to someone who can maybe?
- Normally a CEO, or the person responsible, would hire somebody for their particular style, but sometimes, due to limited time available, they have to make quick decisions. It really depends on many things..If I were you, unless I know I am certainly able to handle the request, I decline it very politely and, as Wajeeha Abbasi said, I suggest someone I think would better suit the CEO needs.
- I generally tell them from the start that I have a particular illustration style and if you are not looking for that, I can't help them. I also usually share another artists/ Illustrator's details who has the kind of style they are looking for. This way, I am supporting fellow artists too.
- If it’s freelance, subcontract!
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