Running a creative business comes with its fair share of, well, characters. The clients who keep things “interesting”, challenging… and occasionally, a bit maddening.
To help you spot the tell-tale signs, here’s a rundown of six types of nightmare client to steer clear of (if you value your sanity!), and how to deal with it if you do come up against one.
And if you’re keen on a client list full of dream collaborations instead? I’ve got your back – read on to find out how!
1. Victor Virgin
Victor’s enthusiasm for your work is undeniable – but unfortunately, so is his complete lack of creative project knowledge. He’s the client who asks for a “logo that’ll go viral” or a brand colour scheme that “just feels like spring.” When it comes to creative concepts, Victor is a bit like a kid in a sweet shop: full of excitement but without a clue where to start. He’s all for big ideas, just as long as you can “work your magic.” With Victor, your challenge isn’t just to create, but to educate.
Killer Tip: Start with a clear, no-jargon walkthrough of your process. Share why each step is essential (in simple terms) and suggest he makes one or two big decisions up front to keep things on track. This way, Victor feels involved, but you’re not teaching a full course every call.
2. Kerry Know-It-Already
Kerry’s the client who feels she’s one online course away from running her own creative business. She’ll request a “timeless yet trendy” design (nope, not an oxymoron at all) and throw in pointers from her vast Pinterest research. Kerry’s main issue? She trusts her instincts over your expertise. You’re there to bring her vision to life, but not to suggest improvements – oh no, Kerry “knows best.” Working with her can sometimes feel like playing a game where the rules are made up on the spot and she’s the referee.
Killer Tip: Right from the start, set your boundaries and explain the value of your expertise. Offer two or three clear options to direct her focus and encourage her to choose. This keeps her vision part of the process but limits any excessive “Pinterest brainstorming” sessions.
3. Tommy Tightwad
Tommy is a savvy saver, the king of “creative budget management.” Translation: he’s got the budget of a university student and a wish list that would rival Buckingham Palace’s. Tommy’s after champagne quality on a tap water budget, and his favourite phrase is, “Can you do mates rates?” Tommy’s got all the enthusiasm for premium work but zero desire to pay for it. Working with him means more time negotiating than creating, and before you know it, you’re questioning whether “exposure” counts as a payment method.
Killer Tip: For Tommy, transparency is key. Be upfront about pricing and what’s included, but don’t discount unless it benefits you. Offer payment plans if that works for you or suggest simpler versions that align with his budget. Remind him why quality work is an investment.
4. Fiona Flip Flopper
Meet Fiona, the ever-changing visionary. Today, she’s inspired by minimalism; tomorrow, she’s all about colour pops and bold textures. By the end of the week, she’ll be back to basics, wondering if black and white might be the way to go. Working with Fiona is a bit like being a hamster on a wheel, forever revising, rehashing, and reworking – all without much progress. By the time the project finally wraps, you’ll have produced more “final versions” than you can count.
Killer Tip: Implement a limit on revisions policy. Set a cap in the contract and charge extra for additional rounds. Suggest scheduled check-ins so she can give input without disrupting the process – and make each sign-off final to keep things moving.
5. Sally Scopecreeper
Sally starts with a simple project: maybe a logo or a single product shoot. But she has a sneaky habit of tacking on extra requests. Soon, that logo expands into a full brand package, and a “quick shoot” spirals into an elaborate, all-day ordeal. Sally is the embodiment of “while we’re at it,” and her projects inevitably expand until they’re as sprawling as a Marvel movie plotline. Working with her means the scope of the project is as limitless as Sally’s ideas (and, sadly, often as unpaid as the extras).
Killer Tip: Clearly outline deliverables in the contract and confirm that “extras” will be added costs. Politely, but firmly, redirect her to the original plan when she adds requests. Use a change order form if needed to keep things official and scope in check.
5. Peter Pay Late (or Not at All)
Peter is the Houdini of the creative business world. Just when payment is due, Peter performs his greatest magic trick: disappearing. You’ll send reminders, gentle nudges, and polite follow-ups, only to hear every excuse under the sun. Peter’s cash flow is “just in review,” “awaiting approval,” or “should be with you by the end of the week” – forever. Eventually, your once-exciting project turns into an unpaid invoice chase.
Killer Tip: Implement a “50% up front, balance upon completion” payment policy, with the option to stop work if payment isn’t received. Set late fees for any overdue payments. If Peter protests, remind him that this policy is to protect the creative work and the working relationship.
How to Avoid These Client Nightmares
If any of these sound way too familiar, it might be time for a change! Building a successful creative business means knowing your worth, setting boundaries and occasionally, saying no to the Victors, Tommys, and Peters of the world.
Looking for help to attract the right clients – the ones who pay, respect your time, and value your work? Drop me a line!
Together, we can build a creative business that’s full of clients you’ll actually enjoy working with. Because there’s nothing better than turning your talent into a sustainable, joyful business – minus the drama.
P.S. This blog was inspired by the awesome Client Badassery Secrets by Kim Krause Schwalm. It’s a must-read for copywriters (and creatives for that matter) looking to master their client relationships.
P.P.S. Images were created by OpenAI’s DALL-E with a wee nudge from me.