Pretty Pattern, Wrong Planet: How to Avoid Client Project Fails
Jun 30, 2025When Your Design Dreams Are Shattered by a Client's “Meh”
This post is all about professional communication. There is nothing more important than nailing this skill. If you don't you're going to be faced with the prospect of wasted hours and lukewarm client responses.
If you've spent any amount of time in the world of pattern design, you probably know the feeling. A client hires you. You guys chat or email about client's design. You draw your heart out. Then you present what you think is an absolutely gorgeous pattern design that is not only what they want, but one that will lead to you being hired as their one and only surface pattern designer forever. Only... you watch their face do that weird thing where they're trying to find something nice to say. You're like, wait, what just happened? And your client is clearly thinking, "This is... not what I had in mind."
Welcome to the club nobody wants to join – the My Pattern Missed the Mark Support Group. Membership fees are paid in wasted hours and creative heartbreak.
But here's the good news: there's a simple method that can transform your client work so that you are designing with confidence. It’s a 5-step, stage-by-stage approach, and it's been my secret weapon for building stronger client relationships and delivering designs that actually see the light of day.
Why Some Designs Crash and Burn (Spoiler: It's Not About Talent)
Let's get real for a hot minute. The pattern design world is filled with incredibly talented artists who struggle with client work. And it's not because they can't create gorgeous designs – it's because they're skipping one crucial step: collaboration.
Here's what usually happens: Designer A, let’s call her Mildred, gets excited about a project, dives headfirst into creating that vision, spends weeks perfecting every detail, and then... Oh no! The client either wants major changes or, worse yet, the project gets shelved entirely.
The brutal truth? Mildred was playing an expensive guessing game with her time and creativity. Working in isolation and not communicating with her client each step of the way resulted in a design mismatch that probably could have been avoided.
My "Dress Disaster" Wake-Up Call
Time for a little story from the archives of "Mandy's Misadventures in Design Land."
So, when I was first starting out I landed a gig with a children's dress company. I was thrilled! They wanted ME to design a custom pattern for them. Was I ready to prove myself! I unleashed my creativity like a glitter explosion at a unicorn party.
I threw myself into this project with the passion of a thousand suns. Envision a crisp ivory dress adorned with tiny wildflowers dancing along the hemline. And the crown jewel? Playful little butterflies fluttering across the bodice like they'd just escaped from a fairy tale. In my designer brain, it was absolutely magical. I even created a mockup that made my artistic heart sing.
I presented it to the client with all the confidence of someone unveiling the Mona Lisa, and she responded with, "Oh, this is great.”
And then... silence.
Nothing.
The creative equivalent of basically being ghosted.
And guess what? That pattern never saw the light of day. It never graced a single dress. It was like I'd created the cutest imaginary friend that no one else could see.
Talk about a reality check! This was an eye-opener for me. I'd gotten so caught up in my vision that I forgot to check in with my client to see if it aligned with what they actually needed.
The Stage-by-Stage Method: Your Backstage Pass to Success
After that humbling experience, I developed a process that has saved my bacon more times than I can count. Here's my step-by-step (stage-by-stage) method that you can absolutely steal:
Stage 1: Start with a Sketch (The "Let's Get On the Same Planet" Phase)
Begin with a rough outline and a proposed color palette. This isn't about creating art – it's about establishing direction.
What to include:
- Basic composition layout
- Color palette suggestions (3-5 colors max)
- Simple motif placement
- Overall theme confirmation
Pro tip: I always make it clear that this is just a starting point and encourage clients to share feedback on the direction I'm taking before I invest serious time.
Stage 2: First Version - Flat Colors (The "Foundation Check" Phase)
Once the sketch gets the thumbs up, create a version with flat colors. This shows the overall flow of the pattern with base colors, but don't dive into details like shading or textures yet.
Why this works:
- Clients can visualize the final composition
- Color adjustments are easy at this stage
- You haven't invested hours in details that might change
Stage 3: Second Version - Add the Magic (The "Make It Sparkle" Phase)
Now's when you let your creativity really shine! Add all those beautiful details, shading, and textures that make the design pop.
Key reminder: Always ask for suggestions and show that you're open to feedback. This is not about your feelings. This is about being professional.
Stage 4: Final Draft (The "Dot the I's and Cross the T's" Phase)
Polish up any last details based on the client's input. This is where you ensure every filler piece is exactly where it needs to be, and the pattern is seamless.
Essential check: Use my Free Seamless Pattern Tester to make sure your repeat is perfect before final delivery. Trust me, catching errors here saves massive headaches later!
Stage 5: Delivery (The "Ta-Da!" Moment)
Depending on your contract, send either the layered file (for exclusive deals) or a high-resolution JPEG (for non-exclusive deals).
Why This Method Is a Game-Changer
Working in stages isn't just about avoiding disasters – it's about building a sustainable creative business. Here's why it works:
1. Keeps clients engaged: No more "surprise reveals" that miss the mark 2. Prevents scope creep: Changes happen early when they're easier to implement 3. Builds trust: Clients feel heard and involved in the process 4. Saves your sanity: No more 40-hour projects that get scrapped
Level Up Your Client Work Skills
If you're ready to master the art of professional pattern design, my Procreate Pattern Collection Masterclass walks you through creating business-ready collections from start to finish. You'll learn not just the technical skills, but the professional processes that separate hobbyists from successful pattern designers.
If you’re working in Photoshop, Photoshop Patterns Unleashed includes workflow strategies that streamline your client projects and make revisions a breeze.
The Foundation: Know Your Design Fundamentals
Before you even take on client work, make sure your design foundation is rock-solid. My free Designing with Insight Email Course covers the five key aspects that every professional pattern designer needs to master: composition, color palette, scale, theme, and technical excellence.
Quick reality check: If you're not confident in these fundamentals, client work will feel like swimming upstream. Get these basics down first, then tackle the collaborative aspects.
Your Next Steps (Because Knowledge Without Action Is Just Entertainment)
Ready to transform your client relationships? Here's what to do:
- Download my free pattern tester to ensure your technical skills are on point
- Start implementing the stage-by-stage method on your next project (even personal ones!)
- Join my weekly newsletter for ongoing tips and encouragement – because this creative entrepreneur life can get lonely sometimes. My 3,2,1...Let's Design newsletter delivers practical tips, business encouragement, and the occasional reality check right to your inbox.
No More Crying Over Scrapped Client Projects
Remember, asking for feedback isn't a sign of weakness – it's a superpower that can save you from your own "dress disaster." The stage-by-stage method isn't just about avoiding mistakes; it's about building a professional practice that clients love working with.
Your creativity is your superpower, but collaboration is what turns that creativity into a thriving business. Now go forth and create some magic – the organized, professional, client-approved kind of magic!
What's your biggest client work challenge? Comment below and I might feature it in an upcoming newsletter or blog post.
