How To Deal With Difficult Clients - for creative professionals

The toughest thing about any creative profession are clients who are difficult to work with. In this video I offer 6 ways to deal with troublesome clients and methods to keep good clients from becoming nightmares. Here are a bunch of ways to make sure all your clients are a dream.
This video is targeted to my audience of entrepreneurs and creative professionals but is also useful and actionable for anyone interested in brand strategy, business planning, design, marketing and communications.
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Philip VanDusen is the founder of Verhaal Brand Design, a strategic design and branding consultancy in the New York City metro area. He is an accomplished creative executive and expert in strategic branding, graphic design and creative management. Philip gives design, branding, marketing and business advice to creative professionals and entrepreneurs on building successful creative practices and brands.
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[@marytpublishing]

2 more videos and I'll have them all watched! One of the earliest things I learned from you, Philip, is "Done, not perfect!" . It has really improved my life. And I've passed that on to two other professionals - they appreciated the mindset shift! Thanks so much. Will be in contact with branding design help.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Mary - so nice to see you here again! I'm honored you are liking my content so much. "Done, not perfect" is what made launching this channel possible. I'm such a freakin' perfectionist that I had to just let go and start. That's my other main mantra: "Start". Soooo many people just never do it - out of fear, out of worry about what people will think, when success is gained by just starting. Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead....I'm happy to help. Hope to connect with you soon.

[@doublestufforeo123]

My client is actually just stupid which makes the entire experience DIFFICULT

[@PhilipVanDusen]

😄😆😂😜

[@TheLuminousOne]

Thanks Elle, tell us what you really think of us!

[@tonyjackson934]

I sooo needed to hear this, as a freelance illustrator I'm experiencing my first ever VERY difficult client. Wish I could Force choke him through my PC. Lol Thanks for the advice.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Tony - you and me both brother!

[@KWwest]

I’ve had a sore throat for three days from screaming at my phone after reading the plethora of controlling shitty texts from my design client. It’s Saturday at 6:30 pm and after spending 25 hours on design for 5 different & complicated bathroom feature tile designs, (which she wanted and approved already - which required spreadsheets to track vendors & quantities and area placement plus 3 hours of onsite review with my tile man) she marked up the plan saying MY DESIGN IS ALL WRONG and sent her markups on the installation specs to me now to implement at 8am Monday. I started to call 3 people who’s calming advice/listening skills help, then thought I have to fix this, talking about it calms but doesn’t provide directions. So I searched for how to deal w/ difficult clients and you popped up. Amazed that others in different creative businesses have the same shitty clients! So thanks for great video! I’m getting a drink now. Monday I’ll address the elephant in the room with confident professionalism and facts.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

K, thanks for this comment, too (in addition to your other one today...) You are absolutely right to 1) vent with friends and colleagues and NOT your client and 2) take some time to cool down before you speak to them again. Preferably the next day at least. Here's a suggestion: get approvals on your stages in writing - even an email approval before you move to the next step. That way if the client reverses course you can charge them a "change order". Be SURE to outline this process in your contract so when it happens you can refer back to the contract terms and conditions for process, approvals and payment. Good luck with you client! Let me know how it goes.

[@KWwest]

@@PhilipVanDusen really appreciate your thoughtful response. Thank you for reenforcing the hold off until cooled down. I realized I was glad I read client’s last email/text on my day off - it’s given me time to sort out my knee jerk wanna be not so pleasant reply for Monday…even though she’s invaded my weekend … better contract inclusions would:will better deal with future project add-ons & resentment for any client expected unpaid work.

[@alaaalzahrani4758]

At the first three minutes I took a deep breath an I wanted a drink

[@PhilipVanDusen]

LOLOLOL.

[@athomewithhollie]

Me too lol. Co create? More than she has been already?

[@elliadzn4804]

being a graphic designer for a long time ....sometimes client is a nightmare ... thx for sharing this

[@PhilipVanDusen]

ellia, my pleasure. I love my clients, but they sometimes drive me nuts, too.

[@genxlife]

If creating art is as easy as clients claim it is, then THEY SHOULD DO IT THEMSELVES!!!E

[@PhilipVanDusen]

😂

[@OfftoShambala]

They love your previous work, and nothing they’ve done previously on their own, looked good, but then they doubt all the ideas you place before them. And you end up just being a drafts person of their design and the project turns out to have a sophomoric or worse, look and you’d rather not even have your name on it.. and you shouldn’t, because you weren’t really designing anything.

[@pearlivory3483]

Scope creep is a thing for me and understanding of the complexity. Tax professional.

[@giulias.5104]

I just started to offer murals in a new area where I moved, and it is challenging. People with no idea of what are they talking about, want to have the mural done their way, not listening to suggestions from a professional painter. But then there will be my signature under that work! ...I just wish I didn't need them, to have the possibility to say no. 😤

[@devinfarkas8871]

Thank you so much Philip. We've dealt with some pain in the ass clients, but nothing like this current client that we're working with. He's one of those that will ask for so many revisions and no matter how much we do, it will never be good enough for him. He offered to pay us more for our work on it, but from day-1 we knew he was gonna be like this. Originally a 30 second edit, wants to extend it to a 90 second edit. He loved it at first, then 3 days later he said he hated it. We don't have the time nor budget to do V15, V16, V17, etc. Really needed this, thanks Philip. Sometimes you just gotta know when to fire a client when it becomes too toxic

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Devin, with video editing I could see this being a real problem. In my case, for design I have a clause in my proposal that says 2-3 revisions are targeted - and revisions that fall outside of that target are subject to fee increases. That way at least I can make the call as to when to institute them. If th video goes for a 30 sec video to a 90 sec video that would certainly fall outside of any specific deliverable outlined in your proposal, right? But, yes, if they are actually just toxic - then move on.

[@KiraMerrell]

I’m a videographer and my clients (lawyers) are killing me right now. I asked them what they wanted and they didn’t give me a great description of it. They actually told me “you’re the videographer. The script is what we’re hiring you for.” In short, I ended up writing four different scripts and they approved of them so I was preparing for the shoot. Then a couple of days before, they ended up getting covid. So when we rescheduled, they said they didn’t want to use the scripts I had made anymore and that they wanted to do something “simple” their own way. Well it’s been a month now and I still can’t get them to tell me their plan and we are suppose to shoot tomorrow, but now we are rescheduling again because of the rain. They also wanted to hire a drone operator for the shoot which I am subcontracting out for, but they won’t even tell me if they just want shots of their facility or of them talking to the drone. I explained to them that my work is like studying for a test. If I don’t know what kinds of things are going to be on the test, I don’t know how to prepare for it which means my test results might be poor. Even though I said that, they STILL didn’t give me any answers 😑

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Kira - possibly getting more "granular" with your project management would help. Setting a very specific calendar with milestones that have to be met before work proceeds. ie. a script sign=off before shoots are scheduled, kill-fees (in the terms and conditions contract) for phases that are changed or deadlines that aren't met. There have to be very specific contractual terms set up - and signed off on by the client - when the project begins. I hope that helps - and I wish you luck with this nightmare client.

[@sleepmeditation147]

I feel you. I am dealing with a similar client that I want to force choke.

[@KWwest]

Note to self: say no to lawyers.

[@TheLuminousOne]

Duh-brained, aren't they.

[@morecoffee2463]

I’m dealing with a really challenging situation rn that doesn’t really seem to fit in any “category”. I quit my junior design job at a Startup because the head of communications and marketing thought she was a creative director (spoiler: she had absolutely no clue about communicating with creative professionals - eg. she asked me for a logo and expected a CI, turns out she didn’t know the difference). They ended up hiring me as a freelancer after I quit bc they couldn’t find another junior designer. The biggest challenge has been that the head of comm doesn’t seem to understand (in terms of my workflow) that I am no longer employed there and am not “under” her in the work hierarchy. She expects me to do what she tells me with no retort, won’t let me communicate directly with the client aka the CEO of the startup, wants to tell me when I have to work etc. She even gave me work to do that I thought was for the startup but I found out later was for a completely different client and she told them “the company’s designer” would design it, as if I still worked there! I was flabbergasted!! The Startup isn’t even a creative agency so I have no Idea where that came from. Finding a good balance and communicating to her what freelancing means has been really challenging.

[@UnpopularTre]

Im subscribing!!!! All you had to say was “ can’t live with them, can’t live without them” and ya got me

[@AA-lq5pu]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Somehow just hearing the words, like scope creep and knowing that this is a thing and that other creators go through this, makes me feel better. Also understanding that they have a tendency to want to be apart of the design projects since it is better than working on spreadsheets helps me to see things more clearly. I honestly don't have a problem if I know I am being paid for my time, but if they get a bargain and then want to make endless changes, that is when I start to feel resentful. I am going to create different packages for different amounts of revisions. good luck to all of my fellow creators

[@PhilipVanDusen]

MJ, Glad I could help by validating some of the things you have been experiencing. I make it clear to my clients that while we target 2-3 rounds of revisions - excessive rounds will require a "change order" and an incremental increase in fees.

[@morecoffee2463]

Coming to the comment section so I feel less alone 😂

[@Thr33Sh33ts]

I was sitting here staring at a piece I'm currently working on and didn't feel motivated to really work on it since it's super detailed and my client wants a lot. Listening to your vid motivated me to continue working on it. Thank you.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Awesome! I hope they like it - and appreciate your hard work.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

I also LOVE your avatar BTW

[@Thr33Sh33ts]

@@PhilipVanDusen thank you! Took me a bit to figure out the best way to represent myself and my "brand". This is the result! Oh and they loved the work, and commissioned me for more pieces, along with others that have sought me out!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@@Thr33Sh33ts BOOM! Awesome - thanks for circling back and letting me know! Congrats.

[@creativeopinions8250]

I ended up here because I just landed 2 very difficult clients! One punishes me by taking work away from me (like if I don't answer her texts within seconds she gets upset, or if I say I'm eating dinner, (she says "fine I'll just do this myself!) or if I say I'm with another client, she gets insulted! WTF) The other client gives me lots of work and when the bill comes is very surprised and tells me I didn't ask for this, I didn't ask for that, whatttt? how can designing MailChimp automation take that long! meanwhile the freaking Mailchimp design looks stunning! sadly I need the money and can't afford to get rid of them just yet! aaaaaaa I just needed to vent.

[@OfftoShambala]

I feel you!

[@gorkemyacan9758]

I love all my clients, they are all helping me through my design and thought process. Their constructive criticism makes my work perfect. No matter how many times I designed the same thing for others or the same client I always love it when they told me how to do my job. It keeps me on the edge. I realized my account name is my real name so....

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

I'm dealing with a well paying client who keeps wanting more and more elements (and new ideas everyday) thrown into footage they either don't have or just doesn't work for comedic events/hits. I don't mind the challenge of having a new spreadsheet after every draft but, there doesn't feel like there's any co creation. I was sought out for my previous meme videos and had signed on because I'd thought I'd have creative control but, it seems like the only creative input at this point is that I've just arrange the clips/scene lmao.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Very good points! I just had a friend wanting me to change something to the placement of text below a logo, but he did not pay for it. I let him kindly know that this is visually the best option. It was a way to say no. In other cases, with clients who pay well, I will show them other options and explain why they don't work; that is also co-creation.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Janne - you are totally right! Great techniques for dealing with your clients!

[@joannaluiza7080]

That's so great! Thank you so much for this video!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks Joanna! Glad you liked it.

[@maimohamed3590]

Yay these great advices 👌 thank you always🙏🙌🙌😎

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Mai - how are you? Thanks as always!❤

[@teddeherrera8567]

Great video it help me with a very difficult client it help me understand both them and myself . Thank you

[@optumcss]

I am your new subscriber Thank you very much for this video and many more like it..

[@ronysad]

Philip Thanks A lot for sharing all this information you know about design and entrepreneurship. its so helpful and helps me grow. all your episodes are what i was looking for until i landed on you. Love from Uganda.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Kisambira, Uganda! So cool! You're very welcome. Be sure to check out the other videos in my catalog. There's tons of great stuff there!

[@WanderlustVisuals]

This video was so informative thank you 🙏🏽

[@HowToGrowTaller3]

Sir, you talk so clearly to the point and no fluff in between, loved the video! 🤩🙏

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks a ton

[@triniticoclough6387]

Me personally. At some point my skills are valuable and I will not have someone waste my time. The client gets one revision. Only one ! After the adjustments are made and all is well.. you don’t get another shot at digging for other things. If you want changes beyond the first revision it’s going to come at your expense. You only get one revision, any others you will pay for ! Sometimes clients hire you for your skills only to be a passenger driver. It’s like look you hired me for my skills and my taste. Who hires a painter to paint something and then dictates how the painting process should go?

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Triniti- for a fine artist the single revision rule makes sense - but for a graphic designer - not so much.

[@triniticoclough6387]

@@PhilipVanDusen in all fairness my rule applies to music mixing. However if I was a graphic designer the same rule would apply. I value myself and whatever I’m doing. Most companies don’t offer any such revision for anything and they barely want to refund you if they have to. Even then the refund is not instant. It takes several days to even weeks to see the refund. I do this also at my discretion. If I find myself with a pleasing and reasonable client, I am willing to loosing up a bit but the client will be informed of my benevolence so that my generosity is not being taking advantage of! They always say the customer is always right. Nope not always ! I don’t need every customer !

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks for the clarification Triniti! And thanks for you excellent comments.

[@inesmanui5649]

I will watch this again and again :) thank you so much!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@akshaylondhe9703]

Thank you so much!🤘

[@Nightengale003]

I've been dealing with a very difficult client. He is someone who changes every little detail. I really dont know how to handle it. I get the sketch done and it gets approved so I move on to the next step. I come back with the inked and flat colored piece and he comes back with a long email on what to fix. This is my first time really handling a project so large by myself and the project isn't moving forward because of how many fixes and revisions come to me. Any advice on how to either stop this or how to handle? Also this has been going on since the character concept stage where the pieces I was creating weren't meeting what he was wanting. Again really slowing down my process and almost making it to where it doesn't feel like my art. This project has also stopped me from getting any other commissions because it very time consuming. If anyone has a tip that would be nice.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

If it is "design" it isn't "art" even if it is illustration (character art) for a client...It is what will please the client and work for his/her business. When you are in the proposal stage (get the proposal and the project phases in writing) include the targeted number of revision rounds (generally 2-3) and stipulate that after that additional fees may be required. You have to charge more money for an unusual number of rounds of revisions. But you have to get it in writing before the project starts. A hard lesson to learn now - but it's one you won't forget in the future.

[@Nightengale003]

@@PhilipVanDusen thank you for the advice definitely will keep this all on mind.

[@shubhrangshusanyal5037]

This is exactly what im facing right now.

[@paalijay]

Going through the exact same thing right now and man it’s frustrating. It’s been a week now and this person make me do every single little detail. And do you know the price?? Only 40 FING DOLLARSSS!!!

[@valerieblomquist1253]

@@paalijay bro I’d hand that 40 bucks back and tell them to piss up a rope

[@CloudFlame]

give them an inch and they'll take a mile..don't open those floodgates especially if they're not paying a lot ..put them in their place so to speak ..firm but fair or they walk all over you.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

That's one way of looking at it. But in my experience the strong-arm way seldom works. Unless they are paying pennies, and then you just set up expectations at the beginning about rounds of revisions and limitations on creative input.

[@CloudFlame]

I agree, that does sound a lot more practical. I was in the midst of battling a client at the time of the comment, and was quite angry...I don't regret what I did, but it didn't go as planned. Lesson learned.

[@ArtandKitchen_]

I fall in my bed everytime my client blames everything at me.. i just need money that's why I stay with him

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Mara - build your client list. Never put all your eggs ion one basket. That's what gives you power in the relationship.

[@ArtandKitchen_]

@@PhilipVanDusen Yeah, I already left him this 2021.. because he wanted to even pay me lesser with his small rate. I'd rather spend the time he won't pay with other clients. Thank you!

[@Sssssss527]

I am a hair stylist who had a challenging client coming in and out of my frustration I found you looking for quality advice how to handle it because I was more emotion about it then practicality. Thank you so much for this balanced advice. She wanted to make changes to an appt last minute, after we had already decided on a plan. After listening to your video, I realized if I set my emotions aside, put myself in her shoes, I was able to solve the issues but agreeing to some that was possible, and explaining why others were not doable, time wise and to keep in her budget previously discussed. I had options for a later appt, to add on next visit etc. she felt heard (or so it seemed from her gratuity and reschedule and later quality review on my page) and I stayed within the pay quotient I try to maintain, and not rush through a hair color so the outcome was optimal. Really thank you. Win/win 🙏🏼

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Shelly- that is the kind of comment I LOVE. It's so cool you were able to find a way to put these suggestions to use so perfectly in your business. Thank yo so much for taking the time to share your story with me. I hope to see you back around. I have a lot of great videos that apply to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Look through my back catalog of over 150 videos!

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

Good on you, last minute changes are expected but, rarely welcomed. Luckily you found solid perspective.

[@KWwest]

…Interacting with a designer is a lot of fun!….that was one clients’ reason to not pay my complete invoice! She said “why should I pay you for that day- it was a fun girl day out. “ I was dumbfounded. I no longer choose to include design services in my work after her. She was my friend so I charged 1/3rd my rate as a favor - stupid me -NEVER doing that again, expensive lesson & not working w/friends either.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

K, great story! Thanks for sharing it. The most expensive lessons are the ones we tend to remember the best - and the longest.😇

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

Relationships are complex. If you guys were pals and you didn't establish that during the project you're on the clock, that's entirely on your end and you shouldn't cut off your friendship.

[@KWwest]

@@uppercutgrandma4425 Yes I agree! We had a contract - very detailed one - that she signed because I saw her in action with many other hired and stiffed in some way. Here's just ONE example: She called the State Dept of Transportation on the furniture movers. At the last minute when her furniture was all loaded in the van, she asked that they just pick up all the outdoor concrete statuary and fountains. They were floored and would have accommodated it if it was in the original contract so, they created a change order which she signed for an agreed cost! After the backbreaking work was done and everything delivered to the new home, she said that didn't look like that much work and refused to pay!! (Half the semi was just the HUGE outdoor containers, etc.) The movers were gigantic guys, professional & knew how to get it done - which she thought made it look ez. They wouldn't unload until she paid, the Dept of Transportation arrived and I negotiated with the State for her because she couldn't be bothered. I had to ask the husband to open his wallet, give me all the cash he had, sent him to the ATM for the balance and then handed it to the movers, with the moving company Owner on speaker phone, and the State Dept of Transportation watching me hand the cash to the movers if they wanted their furniture off loaded. I had to keep the peace, and separate the owners from the movers because of the incredible tension she created, while the PO'd movers who wanted out-of-there, just dropped the furniture in the room, which required me to negotiate a way to get the furniture placed correctly. Oh, the icing on the cake...she stole our signed contract for the design work out of my project folder!! Never in 35 years have I misplaced a contract - she is a narcissist, liar, manipulator & thief to a degree of which I've never encountered - then behind the back of EVERY PERSON SHE DIDN'T WANT TO PAY - & ALL THISE SHE STIFFED, she'd run them down in front of every person, friends, family, strangers that she came in contact with - including online! All to justify her non-payment and superiority & to make sure everyone knew she was the victim. I called her out many times and told her it was inappropriate to continue disparaging so many that truly gave her more service that she paid for. She was an expensive education for me and exhausting - this was just one of the many stupefying events she created. The reality is that some folks are really swindling pro's who look and act like upstanding folks, when really it's simply a façade and their intentions are to get as much as possible without being in compliance with their contract and paying for services rendered. After 5 years of working with her without incident on many prior design projects, I was shook by how much she didn't care about our friendship, which also included family members, other friends and many acquaintances. My take away to a prosperous business is not engaging with friends or family, create a fool-proof contract - as best as possible, stopping all work when the contract terms are violated until remedied - using all resources available, and lastly, listening to your sixth sense or gut, to vet out the looser potential clients. Geeze, what a rant, after recalling all the above, I need a vacation. If you read this far - thank you...

[@vassyakun01]

Very useful! Thank you.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Vassya, You're very welcome. Be sure to check out the other videos in my catalog. There's tons of great stuff there!

[@gavinphx]

Thanks for taking the time to make this

[@PhilipVanDusen]

My pleasure!

[@Wendy-xe4gk]

Thanks, good stuff!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

You're welcome!

[@andrekemp5059]

Super strong Advice. Thank you very mutch for you making this golden gift of honor of Business Design.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

😎

[@robertschofield5865]

Wow, I never really considered that the client finds working with a designer exciting, and that they are secretly jealous of us.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Yes, I can tell you with confidence THAT IS the case!

[@dopestweirdo8703]

Just watched this video as I'm helping my friend with his business and made a mistake for letting my friend get to involved with the creative process. He's a good person but his cockiness is getting to his head 🙃

[@orpheus6398]

I just had a really awful client. After I gave him the artwork he was like: "Body is disproportionate and hands too big and it sucks that you have to pay for a revision". I ignored his comment, but I really wanna say to him that's why it's written in the fucking title of this commission that it's IN MY STYLE AND NO REVISION because you're paying me $15, if you want it to be realistic, go print your fucking brother. Man I really hate it when people who knows nothing gives you critiques and thinks they know more. This is literally the reason why I don't draw in front of other people who can't draw. Cause they keep telling me how to do it when they don't even know how.

[@OfftoShambala]

I feel you

[@JuJackMarketingCompany]

Its not worth having your own business if your going to be this nice and let them control you. Clients pay your "fee" to do the work for them. Just make sure its in writing prior to them paying your fee. I like to interview each client to listen to their needs and to also explain how we are going to make it happen. If the client does not cooperate after the interview, we part ways.

[@ToriGirlytar]

I'm not professional but you make some valid points that easily carry over into other areas! Thank you!

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Tori- I post for entrepreneurs as well as creative pros! LOTS of what I do videos on works with other industries!

[@shotmediafilms9971]

Thank you for this video, I'm going through this right now it's so frustrating 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@uppercutgrandma4425]

What was your horror story?

[@leinardesteves3987]

I have a client who's paying very little for the workload she gave me. I don't mind, I'm only starting out. But the worst part is her attitude, she asks for updates every single day when I'm also working on other commissions and the ways he talks to me is just rude as if she's paying a lot of money when she hasn't even paid half of the commission she's asking for.

[@ak_0195]

As a student these tips are very good for in future to deal with client i believe atleast for me so, thank you once again Sir for the enlightment.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

You rock Anu!

[@francisarthur-collinsjr4621]

Great insight...

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks Francis! Good to see you back!

[@GurpreetSingh-ki9wv]

Thanks a lot fir making a video.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

So nice of you

[@timberpovee]

Thanx!

[@shubhrangshusanyal5037]

I only understood the first point, it was really helpful, and ill try to implement it

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks shubhrangshu sanyal!

[@kristagraverson6847]

I had a super rude client today. I’ve found that attorneys and doctors are the WORST to work with, especially in the finance field.

[@jeremynewell9903]

Most of my clients are a combination of all of the above.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

🤐

[@defdac]

The Spreadsheet-AD-wannabe-procrastination sounds like Dunning-Kruger infused bikeshedding :)

[@PhilipVanDusen]

defdac! Dude, I had to Google "bikeshedding" - yeah, I'm a dope. But you are totally right on with the comment...

[@cameron9225]

my client is a pain in the ass im firing him midway if he ask for one more revision

[@PhilipVanDusen]

I suggest you specifically target the number of revisions 2-3 in your design project contract (you did have them sign a contract, right?) In the contract it will say anything past 3 revisions will require additional compensation. In my career I've only had to use it once. Whatever isn't written down BEFORE to project starts - if it goes bad, it's on you, not them.

[@buddyrye9190]

I simply fire them before they get a chance to put me under their thumb. You create scarcity for them in the process. I also write in my contract an indemnification clause that says my firm can opt out at anytime with no claims by either party. Know your worth.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Truth!

[@positivevibes1306]

I have all of the above right now

[@user-ci2wg1pp4p]

The problem is when a customer hire a bad designer. The person calls herself a designer and delivers Canva work 😢.

[@Chris-ik2hj]

What do you do when your client is threatening you by text when you refund them what they demanded

[@OfftoShambala]

What happened? I’d get a restraining order and block them.

[@chaniceboyd4648]

sighs.. i had to let this client go.. i couldn't continue..

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Sorry about that - but its the way it goes sometimes - all clients cant be good ones...

[@leahweinberger583]

Creative brief, and defined project rules.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

That would be a very short video…but entirely accurate.

[@leahweinberger583]

@@PhilipVanDusen ah but my videos are stunningly beautiful. They'd be VERY entertained as the message flashed repeatedly on the screen. :)

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@@leahweinberger583 😂

[@p_campbell]

The one question that makes my asshole pucker, (after the job has already started) is how much is this going to cost???😭

[@PhilipVanDusen]

One question P; why would you ever start a job before the client knows when it's going to cost?

[@p_campbell]

Im sorry i should have been more specific. I start with my cost per hour then add in materials needed. It is the estimate. So mid way through when a customer want the total. I have to give another estimate. You have no real idea of the 'total' till the job is finished and you do a final tally

[@PhilipVanDusen]

@@p_campbell unless you are on retainer, I would recommend against working hourly. If you are working hourly you have to make an estimate to your best knowledge, and then stick to it. You can't keep a running hourly calculation and surprised the client at the end. The same thing happens when you price jobs on a project basis, you have to make an estimate to the best of your ability and live with it. The ability to be accurate and profitable comes with time and experience.

[@beewell1600]

paused on 1:30 just to say that this is what i was looking for...

[@vivekpandey9106]

Background music is slightly annoying

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Yeah, I've stopped using background music now. I've found it is too polarizing. Some people just hate certain genre's and I can't afford to lose viewers over something as peripheral to the video as the background music. Some people say "too loud!", others say "too soft!" - I freakin' can't be bothered anymore...LOL.

[@vivekpandey9106]

@@PhilipVanDusen I get that, I just find this background music distracting. Loud or soft if the music is in sync with the video, no one realises it's in there and it does the job. Just my thought.

[@fernandamacdowell9779]

Philip VanDusen yes please do please I can’t can’t can’t pay attention 😔😔

[@stms.africa4690]

Tom Hopkins does a perfect run down on dealing with difficult customers. This vid is too focused for creative people. Most people need a broad strategy for dealing with difficult customers.

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Tony, My channel is geared towards creative professionals and entrepreneurs building personal brands. So, yes it is tightly focused - and the topic is incredibly broad when you think about the range of business categories and their nuances.

[@forton615]

dubstep is soo 2010

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Thanks for watching.

[@fernandamacdowell9779]

Why this nursery music in the background? Inhale ADHD and have such a hard time to listening to what you are saying 😭😭😭

[@PhilipVanDusen]

Sorry you didn't like it. Background music is very divisive I've discovered - I rarely use it in videos any more.