If you've been doing design for a while, you probably tend to fall into a recognizable pattern. Clients generally don't like taking creative risks and usually demand a pretty average-looking design. So, ever the Customer Pleaser, you continually churn out the designs your clients expect; the solutions they want to see. While this may be a good business move, it will inevitably hold you back from making new discoveries or tapping into new markets. It will hold you back from opening new doors. Designers need to constantly learn more and grow in order to remain competitive and successful.

When delivering website mockups, I generally do two designs: one which meets the Client's expectations, and one which pushes the envelope. I'll have some idea, or solution which  know they hadn't thought of, and which is probably outside their comfort zone. I always begin my presentation by admitting that the second design is somewhat outside the bounds of what they were expecting, but that I would like the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of the design, anyway, in the hopes that they choose some elements or concepts from the design, at the very least.

I would say that 99% of the time, the Client chooses the Comfortable design as the general direction of the website. Occasionally, they may even decide to hand-pick a few concepts from the Daring design, but that doesn't happen very often. However, the more daring designs are great exercises for myself, and, of course, I can still include them in my portfolio.

The other day I was completely surprised! I had completed a design which I thought was actually pretty good, and I was sure the Client would choose it. I still needed to do another mockup so I decided to have some fun with it. I came up with messaging and imagery which I thought would at least make them smile, but I did not think for a second they would actually choose it! In my presentation, I pointed out the benefits of the fun design, and, surprise, surprise! They chose that one! They admitted that initially they were going to go for the more staid direction, but decided the fun option would really set them apart from the competition and make people have a second look.

Here's to taking the creative leap! Your Client may just surprise you!