Big mistakes to avoid when working with creatives: A guide for business people

Working with artists can be tricky for business folks. Things can go wrong even when you have the best intentions. As an illustrator and designer who’s been around the block, I’ve seen firsthand the common mistakes that can mess up great projects. Let’s talk about five big no-nos business people often make when working with artists, and how to steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Not having the proper brief

Think about going to the dentist without telling them what hurts. Weird, right? But many businesses do something similar when they talk to artists without giving them the full picture. A good brief is super important for any creative project. It should include:

• What you want to achieve

• Who you’re trying to reach

• Your brand’s style

• What exactly you need (how many things and what type)

• Any examples or ideas you already have

• When you need it done and what investments you have

Remember, artists can’t read minds. The more details you give, the better they can make what you want. If the artist asks you loads of questions (see mistake #2 from the previous blog post for artists), that’s actually great — it means they really want to get what you’re after.

Mistake #2: Keeping in secret your budget

For some reason, people often don’t like to talk about how much they can spend. But why not? It’s a big part of any project. Being open about money can save time for everyone and help artists suggest ideas that fit what you can afford. Sometimes, it might even get you a better deal. Even if you think you don’t have a set budget, you do — it might just be “as cheap as possible.” Don’t be shy about it. It’s normal to talk about money in business.

Mistake #3: Disappearing after getting a quote

We all get busy, but it’s not cool to ghost an artist after they’ve spent time figuring out a price for you. Always reply, even if it’s a ‘no’. It keeps things friendly and professional, shows you respect their time, and keeps the door open for working together later. And returning to the question of money, the artist might have other ideas that fit your budget better. Just saying “We’ve decided to go another way” is quick to write and shows you’re a pro.

Mistake #4: Moving pixels and trying to control everything

You wouldn’t grab your dentist’s tools and show them how to do their job (yeah, I love this example), would you? So why do it with artists? When you hire a creative professional, you’re not just paying for their time — you’re getting their skills, unique style, and creative problem-solving. Being too controlling can stop the artist from coming up with cool ideas, make the end result look boring, and frustrate everyone involved. Instead, tell the artist what you like at the start (see mistake #1), then let them do their thing. Trust them — after all, that’s why you picked them, right?

Mistake #5: The feedback mess

Artists usually have a set number of times they’ll change things for you (usually 2–3 rounds of revisions). If you give them feedback all over the place or at random times, it can cause problems. To make things work better:

• Get everyone’s thoughts before you tell the artist what to change

• Organize your ideas before you share them

• Stick to the number of change rounds you agreed on

• Be clear about what you want different

Giving feedback the right way can save time, keep costs down, and make sure everyone’s on the same page about what you want.

Final thoughts

When clients and artists work together, it’s a team effort. You’re working towards the same goal, even if it’s just for one project. By avoiding these common mistakes, you set things up for a smooth and successful partnership.

Good communication, respecting each other, and trusting the creative process can turn your project from okay to awesome. So, next time you work with an artist, keep these tips in mind — you’ll be glad you did!

Thanks for reading!