The art of advocating vs. defending your design ideas
In graphic design, success isn’t just about the work you produce—it’s also about how you present it. Over my 28 years in the industry, working with big and small businesses, I've noticed something crucial: how designers approach presenting their ideas can make all the difference.
Some designers enthusiastically advocate for their ideas, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and trust. Others, often without realising it, become defensive, guarding their concepts so tightly that they can alienate their clients. Let’s explore why advocating beats defending every time and how you can strike the perfect balance in your client relationships.
Advocacy: the power of positivity
Advocating for your ideas means stepping into the room (or Zoom call) with an open mind and a clear plan. You’re not just saying, “Here’s my design; take it or leave it.” Instead, you’re inviting your client into your creative process. Advocacy is about storytelling—connecting your design choices to the client’s goals and showing them how you’ve translated their needs into a visual solution.
Here’s what advocacy looks like in practice:
Clear Communication: Explaining the “why” behind your design decisions.
Confidence: Speaking with assurance about your work without arrogance.
Collaboration: Welcoming feedback and making the client feel like a co-creator.
When you advocate effectively, you build a partnership. You show your client that you’re on their side, working to create something that truly works for their brand or project.
Defensiveness: the risk of rigidity
Now, let’s talk about defensiveness. It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially when you’ve poured hours of thought and effort into a design. However, being overly defensive can create walls between you and your client.
Here’s what defensiveness might look like:
Brushing off or dismissing feedback.
Over-explaining to the point of shutting down dialogue.
Digging in your heels on every design decision, even when adjustments could help.
Defensiveness can convey that you’re more invested in your design than the client’s goals. While it’s natural to feel protective of your ideas, it’s important to remember that the best designs often result from collaboration and compromise.
Finding the sweet spot
So, how do you balance advocating for your ideas with being open to feedback? Here are some practical tips:
1. Understand Your Audience
Every client is different. Some know their way around design terminology, while others know what they like when they see it. Could you tailor your presentation to their level of understanding and priorities? This helps build rapport and makes your ideas more accessible.
2. Welcome Feedback with Open Arms
Instead of seeing feedback as criticism, view it as an opportunity. Ask questions like:
“What resonates with you most about this design?”
“Is there anything you feel could be stronger?”
Feedback helps refine your work and shows the client you value their input.
3. Explain Your Choices
Clients love a peek behind the curtain. If you’ve chosen a bold colour scheme, explain how it aligns with the brand’s personality. If you’ve used a minimalist font, share why it complements their modern, tech-savvy image.
4. Be Willing to Adapt
Design is rarely a straight path. Be flexible and open to change, but don’t abandon your professional judgment. If a client suggests something that might undermine the design, explain your concerns calmly and professionally.
5. Know When to Stand Firm
Some design elements are non-negotiable because they’re critical to the project’s success. When this happens, explain why these choices matter. Most clients will appreciate your expertise if you handle it respectfully.
Real-Life Examples from My Experience
A client once wanted their logo in neon green—nothing else would do. I knew the shade they had in mind clashed with the calm, approachable tone they wanted for their brand. Instead of saying, “No, that’s a bad idea,” I showed them examples of how shades of green communicated different feelings.
We found a middle ground by advocating for a more muted green and showing them the reasoning behind it. The result? A brand they loved and felt proud of.
Why This Matters for Business Owners and Marketing Directors
If you’re a business owner or marketing director reading this, you’ve probably worked with designers who were either too defensive or too passive. Neither approach leads to great outcomes.
What you want is a designer who:
Listens to your needs.
Advocates for their ideas with thought and care.
Knows how to take feedback and adapt.
That’s where I come in. Over the years, I’ve helped countless businesses navigate the design process, making sure their ideas are heard and brought to life practically. Whether it’s a complete rebrand, a website refresh, or a packaging project, I aim to build trust and create designs that resonate.
Design is a collaborative process, and how you present your ideas is just as important as the ideas themselves. Advocacy, not defensiveness, builds trust and creates space for great work to flourish.
Let your designs speak—and advocate for themselves!
