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Most people believe that it is easier to work with people who are close to you. But in reality it is even more challenging than working for clients you don’t know. This is because when you design for friends and family, there is a clash of relationship involved. Not only you must remain professional as a logo designer, you must also look after the intimate side of the relationship. Striking a balance between the two is one of the most difficult things to achieve for logo designers.

I remember the first time when one of my friends approached me for a design project. I was in two minds whether to refuse the logo design project or do it free of charge. I felt obliged to offer a cheap deal since it was a matter of friends. But to my surprise, my friend was quite professional with the whole dealing and asked me for my standard rates. Even though I did offer him a discounted rate, he insisted on the regular remuneration.

But this kind of situation doesn’t happen every time you work for friends or family. So, as a professional logo designer, here is how you should handle a logo design project for your closed ones:

1. Straighten Out Expectations:

The first and foremost thing that needs to be done is to straighten out all expectations. Just like any regular client, you should be clear with your friends or family members about the course of action. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding the subject as you might end up spoiling both relationships. Never over-commit yourself in front of your friends. For instance, if you have a list of pending projects, you must not jump your friend’s project ahead. Remember, you must retain your logo design clients too. Instead, give them a turnaround time for the project that is realistic and achievable.

2. Don’t Be Assuming:

One of the biggest logo design mistake is to be assuming. Creative professionals have a propensity to feel uneasy when a friend asks them work for them. They would start assuming that since it is a matter of friendship, they are obligated to give a cheap rate. But many a time assumptions may not be true. What if the person isn’t expecting it for free or very cheap? You might end up working for someone who was willing to pay you upfront in the first place. Hence, the next time your friend approaches you for a design related favor, develop a price quote for them on paper.  This will evade the issues of misunderstanding and get rid of wrong assumptions between the two of you.

3. Keep a Fixed Policy:

Another good technique that you can employ is keeping a fixed policy. Instead of facing such embarrassing moments with your friends and relatives, establish a “Friends and Family Discount”. That way, not only will you be doing a huge favor on your relatives, but also avoid working for free. Make sure that your discount policy is only restricted to actual friends and family members. A ‘friend of a friend’ or ‘long-distance relative’ must not be eligible for this rule.

4. Be Professional Rather Than Casual:

Sometimes, while working for a friend or a close relative, we tend to become casual and informal. In the process, we end up damaging our reputation as a professional logo designer. Handle the project as a professional from day one. Keep the communication hours restricted to the standard 9 to 5 timings (or whatsoever). You don’t want to talk about design projects on social get-togethers. If you don’t implement this professionalism without any exceptions, you will wind up ruining your family dinners, friendly gathering and other social events.

5. Don’t Feel Afraid To End Things:

A major hazard of working for a friend or relative is to save the relation. If things start to turn ugly, don’t hesitate to end the project or else it may end your friendship. Just like in any normal client project, if things don’t seem workable, stop the venture before it leaves a dent on your relationship with your friends or family. Don’t make the mistake of dragging the project only because it is a matter of friends and family. Always feel free to terminate the project before it has adverse effects on your friendship.