Beyond 'I Don't Like It'

The Art Of Feedback

avatar Mosope Kara
4 min read
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Hey creative collaborators!

You've got a vision and we're ready to bring it to life. Whether it's a custom illustration, a sleek menu design, or those dapper groomsmen boxes, the journey from idea to final masterpiece is always a team effort. Think of it like a fantastic dance – it truly takes two to tango!

That's why today, we want to chat about one of the most crucial steps in our collaborative process: Giving Feedback. It's where your voice truly shapes the project, and when done right, it makes all the difference in getting you that 'wow!' result. This isn't just for our clients, but also for fellow creatives and anyone working on a collaborative project – because good feedback is truly an art form!


The Feedback Fumble: Why "I Don't Like It" Isn't Quite Enough

We've all been there. You see a design, and your gut reaction is... "Nah, not feeling it." While your instincts are super important, just saying "I don't like it" is a bit like telling your tailor, "This shirt doesn't fit," without saying where it's tight or loose. We want to fix it, but we need some clues!

Unconstructive feedback can lead to:

  • Guessing Games: We might try several rounds of changes that still don't hit the mark.
  • Frustration: For both you and us!
  • Delays: The quicker we get precise feedback, the faster we can deliver your perfect design.

The goal is to get to your dream result efficiently and enjoy the creative journey together. So, how do we make feedback truly shine?


Feedback That Fuels Creativity: Simple Steps to Supercharge Your Input

Good feedback is like a well-aimed arrow – it hits the target and guides us precisely. Here's how you can give feedback that truly helps us make magic:

  1. Be Specific, Not Just General: Instead of: "I don't like the colors." Try this: "The blue feels a bit too cold for the warm, festive mood we discussed. Could we try a softer, more inviting shade of blue, or maybe introduce more gold accents?"
     
    • Pro-Tip: Point to specific elements. "The font on the title feels heavy," rather than "I don't like the text." 
  2. Refer Back to the Brief (The 'Why'): Always connect your feedback to the initial goals or feeling we discussed. This reminds us of the core purpose. Instead of: "Change this image." Try this: "The current image doesn't quite convey the sense of calm and serenity we were aiming for in the brief. Do you have options that feel more peaceful?"
  3. Describe the Feeling or Effect You Want: Sometimes you might not know the design term, and that's totally fine! Describe the emotion or reaction you want the design to evoke. Instead of: "Make it pop more." Try this: "I want this section to feel more exciting and grab attention – maybe a bolder color here, or a dynamic angle on that graphic?"
  4. Suggest (But Stay Open to Our Expertise): It's helpful to suggest solutions, but remember we're the design experts! Your idea might be perfect, or it might spark an even better solution from our end. Instead of: "Change this to red." Try this: "I'm thinking about a warmer color for this element, perhaps something in the red family, to make it stand out. What are your thoughts on that, or do you have other suggestions?"
  5. Consolidate Your Feedback (One Clear List): If multiple people are giving feedback, try to compile it into one clear list. This avoids conflicting instructions and ensures nothing gets missed. A simple numbered list works wonders!
  6. Be Timely & Trust the Process: Design is iterative, meaning we build on each stage. Timely feedback keeps the project moving smoothly. And remember, we've walked many clients through this path – trust that together, we'll get to that perfect outcome!


The Payoff: Why Great Feedback is Game-Changing

When we truly collaborate on feedback, everyone wins:

  • Faster Turnarounds: Less back-and-forth means your project gets completed quicker.
  • Better Results: Your final design will be exactly what you envisioned, and then some!
  • Stronger Relationships: It builds trust and a smoother working dynamic.
  • Creative Growth: For us, understanding your specific needs helps us grow as designers.


Ready to Create Something Incredible, Together?

So, there you have it – the art of giving feedback that truly shines. At its heart, design is a collaborative effort, and we're passionate about working hand-in-hand with you. By combining your vision with our expertise, we can craft something truly great!

Remember, it takes two to tango, and we're ready for our next creative dance with you!



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