Want versus need
Quoted from Dave Trott’s blog where he discusses the client/designer relationship between Steve Jobs and Paul Rand. Worth mentioning that Rand was nearing the end of a distinguished career, and didn’t necessarily need Jobs as a client. But there’s still a lesson to be learned.
And here’s a look at the NeXT logo presentation Rand produced for Jobs (on Logo Design Love).
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brilliant quote! I wish this would sit well with most of my clients, however i fear it would not! haha
As you say, he didn’t need the client, whereas most designers do. I find the Rand/Jobs story quite interesting but not very inspiring.
The story always reminds me that it’s my job to withhold ideas as much as it is to share them. A lesson I learned the hard way.
A very interesting conversation indeed.
In regards to Abbas’ comment, I understand it may be an ambitious scenario to imagine when you need the work but maybe Rand’s confidence in his own ability is something to aspire to. At the end of the day, even Rand had to start somewhere.
If you, as the designer, don’t know what’s the best solution to the client’s problem; how would he know?
Further, isn’t our job to know what the best option is?
Let’s suppose that this situation is not always feasible. The big problem is that most designers are not even trying.
I loved that conversation between Jobs and Rand. It’s really refreshing to read something like that.
These days though, working in a busy branding studio, that sort of scenario would just never happen unfortunately. :-( I think the industry has changed a lot since Rand’s days.
We can always dream though, eh?! ;-)
@CA
“The big problem is that most designers are not even trying.”
Very true. The catalyst for this is that a lot of studios who employ designers, don’t expect them to ‘try’. I’ve worked for a few who just wanted the job out the door as quickly as possible and didn’t want me to spend time perfecting. That’s why I now concentrate my efforts on freelance work, I can now work to my own standards — which are much higher.
Nice quote David, but I guess it can be expanded outside of the design realm to other walks of life.
We only see the finished results, not the work behind the scenes that made the result what it is.
Very encouraging, thanks David.
I dream about being able to say something like this to a client. Unfortunately that’s not the way it works for most of us.
In regards to designers not trying. It’s a product of the ‘We need it yesterday’ client and the studios who meet this demand. I do things everyday that are the best I can do in the time I have, but not the best I can do. A sad truth.
Ahh.. such an epic quote any designer would love to utter one day.
I’ll keep that quote in mind, and hopefully speak the same verbatim to clients. That is of course, given that I’ve finally reached that level :)
Just to add something, the way Rand stated that he’s the one to pick instead of laying options is a very valid point. Other than actually laying ‘options’ which would only confuse the client in picking something more aesthetically pleasing, when the client actually does the picking, a designer’s job of doing so has been denied.
Then again, isn’t it supposed to be where a designer and client should meet half way wherein the end product is more likely considered a collaboration?
… But yeah, the way Rand establishes his dominance over corporate identity IS a factor. :\ #confused. lol
Its a tough situation. Do we decide or let the client decide?
Its something I’ve been contemplating myself lately.
On one hand clients want to feel apart of the design process and don’t want to risk loosing control, so they want to have the final decision. In most cases it works out fine becuase it is more or a collaboration (as Ken says above).
On another note sometimes clients blunder the final design with tweaks that don’t work. :)