In the creative world, you’ll occasionally encounter clients who push deadlines, expect constant updates, or request countless revisions. While it’s tempting to oblige in hopes of maintaining a good relationship, setting clear boundaries with clients is essential to avoid burnout and deliver quality work.
The first step is open communication. Establish your process from the beginning, and make sure the client understands your workflow and timelines. For revision-heavy clients, define a set number of revisions in the contract. If they need more, be upfront about the additional cost. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to push back on requests that aren’t within the agreed-upon scope.
Send regular email updates to document progress and confirm any changes to ensure everyone’s on the same page. And remember, if a client crosses a line, it’s okay to take a step back or even decline future work with them.
And if they still ask for 15 revisions, gently remind them that Picasso only painted one Mona Lisa.
