20 Things Never to Say To A Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are an essential part of any creative or marketing team, but working with them effectively can sometimes be a challenge. Miscommunication or misunderstandings can derail projects and lead to frustration on both sides. By avoiding certain phrases and improving your communication skills, you’ll make the design process smoother for everyone involved.

Here are 20 things you should never say to a graphic designer—and what to do instead:

1. “We don’t have the final copy, but can you start designing?”

Why not: Content drives design, not the other way around. Starting without finalized content can lead to wasted time and revisions.
Do this instead: Finalize your copy as much as possible before handing it over to the designer.

2. “Can you do something quick for me?”

Why not: What seems quick to you may actually be more time-consuming than you think.
Do this instead: Ask how long the task will take and respect the designer’s time.

3. “Can we get it in a format we can edit?”

Why not: Editable design files often require specialized software and expertise.
Do this instead: If you need editable elements, ask the designer to suggest tools like Canva for minor updates.

4. “Can you make multiple versions so I can decide?”

Why not: Creating multiple versions takes significant time and effort, and graphic designers deserve to be compensated for their work.
Do this instead: Provide a clear creative brief upfront to guide the design process.

5. “Can you just Photoshop it?”

Why not: While powerful, Photoshop isn’t a magic wand for impossible edits or bad design choices.
Do this instead: Trust the designer’s judgment on what will look best.

6. “This is the last change, I promise!”

Why not: Repeatedly requesting “final” changes can strain a designer’s schedule and patience.
Do this instead: Compile all your revisions in one list to save time and streamline the process.

7. “Can you make it look just like this other designer’s work?”

Why not: Copying another designer’s work is unethical and can lead to legal issues.
Do this instead: Share inspiration and explain what you like about certain designs.

8. “I found this image online—can we use it?”

Why not: Using unlicensed images can result in legal issues and poor-quality designs.
Do this instead: Ask the designer to use stock photo sites or suggest copyright-free resources.

9. “Can you have it done by tomorrow?”

Why not: Great design takes time. Rushing may compromise the quality of the final product.
Do this instead: Discuss deadlines early and allow the designer to provide a realistic timeline.

10. “Can you lower your rate? Someone else charges less.”

Why not: Graphic designers set their rates based on experience, expertise, and the value they provide.
Do this instead: Choose a designer whose pricing fits your budget or discuss the scope of work to adjust costs.

11. “I’ll need these extra items too—can you include them?”

Why not: Adding new deliverables mid-project changes the scope of work and timeline.
Do this instead: Define the full scope of the project upfront in a creative brief.

12. “Can you make it pop?”

Why not: Vague feedback like “make it pop” is difficult to interpret.
Do this instead: Be specific about the changes you want, such as color adjustments or layout tweaks.

13. “Just grab the logo from our website.”

Why not: Low-resolution logos from websites are not suitable for professional designs.
Do this instead: Provide high-resolution or vector files of your logo.

14. “Let’s go back to your first idea.”

Why not: Constantly revisiting earlier concepts wastes time and shows indecision.
Do this instead: Trust the designer’s expertise and make decisions thoughtfully.

15. “I started this design in Word—can you finish it?”

Why not: Programs like Word or Paint aren’t designed for professional-quality graphics.
Do this instead: Let the designer handle the entire project using professional tools.

16. “Can you do it for free? It’ll be great exposure!”

Why not: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills, and professional design work deserves fair compensation.
Do this instead: Budget appropriately for graphic design services.

17. “Unlimited revisions are included, right?”

Why not: Endless revisions can lead to project delays and undervalue the designer’s time.
Do this instead: Agree on a reasonable number of revisions upfront.

18. “How much for [vague project description]?”

Why not: Without details, it’s impossible to provide an accurate quote.
Do this instead: Share project specifics, like goals, deadlines, and required deliverables, before asking for pricing.

19. “Can I contact you anytime?”

Why not: Designers have schedules, and expecting 24/7 availability is unreasonable.
Do this instead: Respect their working hours and preferred communication methods.

20. “You’re the expert—just do your magic!”

Why not: Designers need guidance to ensure the final product meets your needs.
Do this instead: Provide a clear vision or examples to help steer their creative process.

Final Thoughts

Working with a graphic designer is a collaborative process. Clear communication, mutual respect, and thoughtful planning will help ensure the best outcomes for your projects. Remember, a little preparation on your part can make all the difference!

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