We all have these types of customers, I'm sure. Just thought I'd share this little story.
Last week when this deal was going down, I was extremely frustrated and didn't even want to go to work to deal with it. I'm supposed to be preparing for this job today, but I just can't seem to get into it!
We do a lot of work for local car dealers. Most of them are difficult to work for but I cringe everytime this particular one needs something done. I have no control over these dealers. The boss has always been the one to take care of them. I just do the work.
I was given a hand drawn idea of what this guy wanted. It's going to be 3mil vinyl on both sides of a cube van parked out by the road. I know from experience that he just likes certain things and there is no convincing him otherwise.
To get to the truck centre part of the dealership, you have to drive over a small bridge, this is why they call it "The Island" and thus the "Island" theme to the sale.
I drew up my interpretation of his drawing (pic#1) I knew he'd have to have "The Island's" on an arc like he drew (he loves that!) He also wanted the suns as bullet points. The first drawing was presented to him. "Not bad, but were going to use a bigger truck now, so we can fit more info on it"
So, I revise my drawing, trying to keep all the copy organized neatly (pic#2)I thought it worked pretty good. He gets this drawing and replies "Well, it OK, but I'd just like to make a few changes"
After going through a bunch of changes, doing EXACTLY what he was asking, I ended up with Pic#3. This, in this guys eyes, is "Perfect!!"
Some jobs you get to have fun with, others, you have to bite your tongue and "Just do it!"
Have a Great Weekend everyone! Posted by Richard Bustamante (Member # 370) on :
"I like the middle one."
As far as design, I always like to see a reverse panel somewhere. It's a combonation of copy, and a graphic line. Great for seperation within a layout.
I know how you feel. When a customer is like that; it makes it hard to go along with the job. Not so much whether you can do the job, but just the fact that your dealing with all this imput.
I like the middle one also..... Tell him "if you will refrain from Designing Signs....I will quit Selling Cars !!!" Shep'
[ November 01, 2002, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: Arvil Shep' Shepherd ]
Posted by Wilson Ardmore (Member # 3230) on :
It definately has to be the top one. It has the best inpact value. Thats what we were taught in design studies during apprenticeship training. Example: Most bilbords have very little copy and need to be seen and understood in a matter of seconds. Too much distortion and add ons create clutter that is not design savvy. Your client will appreciate a professional style and keep you coming back. A phrase we used in the billboard game: "It looks far away at a distance" If thats the case, then the design ain't workin'. Too much strain on the eyes. BTW....Thanks for choosing the great fonts and clip.
CrazyJack (Ardmore's Channel)
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
Terry, I think you should change the black line of text in the 3rd version to "OPIUM USED"
It is amazing how close your first version and the final one is. One line of text changed and the black text added. Did you point this out to the client?
Posted by Glen Perye Jr (Member # 159) on :
Boy sign people can be so silly, stop and think about it from the the car saleman point of veiw (after all used car people are thrid from the bottom of the food chain, just ahead of laywers and politico's.) He gave you a white van to work from.Why pay for white lettering on a blue panel. and we all know you have to have the dealers name on it. You wouldn't want the guy who did the sign design to get demoted back to the used car porter would you. And stop and think about it, everybody knows they sell cars and trucks, so vehicles is a word he does want to pay for! also the GM logo you want to imply that these rust buckets have been gone over with a mechinac that can see let alone know what needs to be fixed. Besides the copy reads Optimum Used ! IN car talk that means they have had the sh*t drove out of them! And nobody can come back on them for False Advertising.
I'd charge em extra and know that you will deal with idiots again. The biggest problem with doing signs is that the people, that are in business. Probally shouldn't be. they have NO understanding of the perceived valve of signs or that they can bring in or drive away customers. Now you know why the boss is having you deal with them The problem Terry is not with you or the designs, its with them.
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