album design, do you let them have input?

[Hohanna]

I have just run into a problem for the first time. I let the client pick images for their albums, then reserve the right to add or delete to complete the design. I delivered a very expensive album (with 4 parent albums) and the bride hates 2 images I added that I thought were fine, and added to the design. She is furious and demands a redo. I never let clients proof the design because I don't want to have a back and forth thing forever with their ideas and desires. What do you guys do?
Thanks,
Hohanna

[Bartek]

Well, think about it...it's their album that they keep for the rest of their lives. Wouldn't you want to have some input if you were in their shoes?

We design the 1st draft ourselves, and then send it to them. Sometimes the love it right away with no changes but most of the time they like to swap out photos they don't like of themselves (perfectly normal) or add a few. If you do it well, there is not as much back & forth as you would think. :)

I have just run into a problem for the first time. I let the client pick images for their albums, then reserve the right to add or delete to complete the design. I delivered a very expensive album (with 4 parent albums) and the bride hates 2 images I added that I thought were fine, and added to the design. She is furious and demands a redo. I never let clients proof the design because I don't want to have a back and forth thing forever with their ideas and desires. What do you guys do?
Thanks,
Hohanna

[razyl]

Absolutely! It can sometimes be a headache getting all the changes done but like Bartek said it's their album so I'd expect people would want full input.

[*Mike*]

The problem I see is that you don't have a system in place that allows clients clear expectations.

I've seen several systems that work... The most common being that the bride is able to make a limited number of revisions at no cost, and then additional changes can be made for a nominal fee. You could continue to let them choose images as they are now.

Personally, I like this option better... let the couple pick x number of images that they absolutely love and want in the album. Then let them pick x number that they never want to see again and guarantee that they will not be used. Then you design the book around their picks, adding as necessary but without anything from their banned list. Optionally, you could then do the same limited number revisions with any additional changes at a charge.

We no longer include the client in the design of the album... They see it for the first time after it's been completed. But, our clients know that going in and appreciate it. :)

[collierportraits]

We design. Client changes (once) and then we print! Done. No problems this way... ;) At least not yet.

[Hohanna]

Thanks for all that input. I like the idea about requesting a banned list so I don't run into this. I was thinking I would start asking them if they approved of what few I want to add but making them work at a list sounds more thorough.


Another issue for this bride is she is disappointed in the layout I did. Not enough "artistic creativity" as in more overlays and not one image on a page. I was truly at a loss to design most of her pages which were one formal after another. I like a clean look, black background, and actually did have several pages with overlays.

Have you ever run into people that are disappointed in your design? It's one thing to want to change out a pic or two, but where do you draw the line letting them tell you how to design it?

I am curious how those of you that do offer x number of changes for free, then charge, how do you spell out what they can request as a change?

Thanks so much for your time and input.
Hohanna

[*Mike*]

Have you ever run into people that are disappointed in your design? It's one thing to want to change out a pic or two, but where do you draw the line letting them tell you how to design it?

We haven't. And as long as the samples you're showing are representative of your work - and you make that clear - then you should be good. In the past, when we have had clients that want to be extremely hands-on in the album design we steer them towards a traditional matted album. But, we go through all that at contract signing... That way they can determine everything - images, sizes, mat layouts, cover and cameo, etc.

[lil_miss]

Even if I designed it with images they wanted or images I had chosen, I would still let them approve the final design/layout to ensure it was what they were wanting.. I know i wouldnt be happy at all if I'd forked out a large sum of money but didnt get to approve it till the album arrived...

[tim]

I predesign albums with no initial input from the customer, but I let the customer change whatever they want with no additional charges. I do the changes with them in my office, me at the PC them in front of the big TV. I usually end up with one session like this, 30 minutes of rework after they're gone, and a couple more tweaks later before it's printed. Sure it takes a little extra time, but I like to provide good customer service.

It's their album, they'll have it for the rest of their lives, I want it to be what they want though I guide them if they look like they're making bad choices.

Hoanna, my album company (Queensberry) can redo individual pages or images, yours might be able to do the same at a much lower cost than a full redo.

[gheesom]

I usually allow them to pick about 10 images that they must have in the album, then I design they approve. I'll change if they request.
if they don't get back to me within a couple of months, I predesign the album and let them see it, that helps speed things along.

[bnlearle]

I predesign pages - more than the client ordered. Then they pick the pages. I'll allow a couple "can you put this picture there?" requests.

[Bobster]

couple pick the photographs, i put the design together, they get 1 set of changes and it goes to print

i would never add or take out anything without consent from the couple!

[bnlearle]

Agreed about the consent. My couples know that the albums are mine to make - but I still send a preview and wait for an okay. Definitely a good thing to do from here on out ;)

[Bobster]

that's it, they're the ones spending the $, although they're trusting you to put the design together in your style, they still need to make sure they see what the finished product is going to look like, after all they're the ones who will be looking at it for the rest of their lives..