So, you’re ready to land your first brand design client, congrats! It’s a big step, but before you dive in, let’s make sure you’ve got your bases covered. As exciting as this milestone is, navigating your first client project can come with a lot of learning curves. Don’t worry though, I’ve been there (and made a few mistakes along the way), but that’s why I’m here to guide you through what you need to know to make the process smooth, professional, and hopefully lots of fun.

Here are the 10 things every brand designer should know before signing that first client:

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1. Clarify Your Services

‍Before you even take on your first client, get crystal clear on what services you offer. Are you strictly doing brand identity (logo, color palette, typography)? Or are you also handling social media templates, packaging, or web design? Having a clear service list sets expectations and helps avoid confusion down the line. Trust me, the last thing you want is a client asking for a website when you thought you were just designing a business card. (Pro tip: If you need help outlining your services, Onboarding and Offboarding guide can be a lifesaver!) 

2. Set Up a Solid Contract‍

I know, I know, contracts aren’t the most exciting part of being creative, but they’re non-negotiable. A well-written contract outlines the project scope, payment terms, deadlines, and revisions. It’s your safety net and helps protect you from potential headaches. (Been there, done that.) If you're not sure where to start, I talk all about Contract must haves in my Podcast here, check it out for more advice!)

3. Understand Their Brand and Audience‍

Before you can create a brand identity that resonates, you need to understand your client’s brand at its core. Dive deep into their mission, vision, and values. Who is their target audience? What’s their competition doing? This is where research comes in, and it’s what separates the designers who just make things look pretty from those who create brands that last. (Need help with this stage? My Brand Questionnaire Guide is perfect for getting the right answers to these essential questions.)

‍4. Master the Art of Communication‍

Clear, consistent communication is key to a successful project. Set expectations early—when you’ll check in, how often you’ll update them, and how you prefer to communicate (email, Slack, Zoom, carrier pigeon lol ). Remember, clients aren’t mind-readers. Keeping them in the loop makes for a much smoother experience on both ends and helps avoid those dreaded "So… how's it going?" emails.

5. Have a Clear Process‍

Clients love when you have a process because it shows that you’re a pro who knows what you’re doing. Map out your design process step-by-step, from the initial discovery phase to final file delivery. Make sure your client understands how each phase works and what they can expect at each stage. Bonus: Having a structured process will also give you confidence, especially when things feel overwhelming. (Psst! My Click-up Template has everything you need to get your process organized.)

‍6. Set Boundaries from Day One‍

Ah, boundaries. They’re crucial, especially when you’re working with clients for the first time. Establish working hours, timelines, and your availability. Setting these boundaries early will save you from the dreaded 10 p.m. "Can you make this quick change?" text. You’ll thank me later.

7. Revisions: Know When to Say ‘Enough’‍

Clients will likely want revisions, it’s part of the game. But here’s the deal: unlimited revisions can lead to burnout fast. Make sure your contract includes a clear revision policy, whether that’s two rounds of edits or a set number of tweaks. Learn how to guide your client toward making confident decisions so you’re not stuck in an endless loop of "just one more change.

8. Pricing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All‍

Pricing your services can feel tricky, especially in the beginning. But here’s a tip: don’t undercharge just because you’re new. You’re still delivering value, and that’s worth something. Whether you opt for hourly rates or flat fees, make sure you’re accounting for your time, expertise, and the scope of work. And yes, that includes the time spent on research, client calls, and revisions. (I dive deep into pricing strategies and how to confidently charge what you’re worth in my Pricing Workshop,  they’ve helped so many designers get it right.)

9. Be Ready for Client Feedback‍

Receiving feedback, especially for the first time, can feel intimidating. But remember, feedback is part of the process. It’s not about taking it personally; it’s about improving the final product to meet your client’s needs. The key here? Learn to filter out constructive feedback from nitpicking and know when to stand your ground on creative decisions.

10. Confidence Is Key

‍Here’s something that every designer needs to hear: you’re ready. You’ve got the skills, and now it’s about trusting them. There’s no magic switch that flips once you sign a client. you grow by doing. So show up with confidence, embrace the learning process, and know that even seasoned designers are constantly evolving. (If you want a pep talk or some real talk about imposter syndrome, check out my podcast, I share personal stories of how I overcame those same doubts when I first started.)

There you have it, besties! Everything you need to prepare yourself for before you sign that first client! 

xx love, Alyssa