When you’re a graphic designer, especially a logo designer like me, you’ll often find yourself working with new and interesting people. Some are launching their first business, full of excitement and inexperience. Others may run established companies turning over millions. This mix is what makes our job so exciting.
Most of the time, working with clients is a joy. But occasionally, you’ll run into situations where things become… less than ideal. Some clients can be demanding, disrespectful, or even abusive. Sadly, when money is involved, people can sometimes show their true colours.
As designers, especially those of us who are self-employed, it’s vital to know how to handle this. And it all comes down to setting clear boundaries. Just like using an umbrella to protect yourself when it rains, you need tools and methods to protect yourself in business too.
Why boundaries matter
For much of my life, I’ve been a bit of a people-pleaser. I’ve always wanted to do the best work possible and go above and beyond. In previous jobs, I’d start early, skip lunch breaks, and stay late – all in the hopes of impressing others. But looking back, I can see that this rarely led to genuine appreciation. If anything, it taught people that they could take advantage of my time and dedication.
As a self-employed individual, you gain the freedom to set your own rules. You choose who you work with, when you work, and how you work. And that’s incredibly empowering… as long as you use it wisely.
My clients are mostly incredible. However, over the years, I’ve had a few who were… challenging. And instead of letting those situations walk all over me (as I might have done in the past), I’ve learned to set strong, clear boundaries, and I want to help you do the same.
So here’s a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that I hope will help you to also set clear boundaries in your graphic design business.
1. Always use a contract
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many designers skip this step, especially in the early days. A good contract doesn’t just formalise your agreement; it protects you from being taken advantage of.
Make sure your contract includes:
The number of revision rounds
I offer up to four rounds of revisions. While I don’t strictly enforce this in every case, especially if the changes are simple and reasonable, it establishes a clear boundary. This protects me from endless tweaks. If a project starts to exceed what’s fair, I have the option to either pause or charge for the extra time. The key is that it’s my choice, not the client’s expectation.
Payment terms and schedules
Clients need to know exactly when payments are due. I require 50% upfront before starting the project, with the final 50% due before delivering any files. This structure prevents delays and ensures clients have a clear incentive to pay promptly. More importantly, it keeps me from chasing late payments, protecting my time and income.
What happens if the client delays the project
Early in my career, I didn’t include provisions for project delays in my contract, so if a client vanished for weeks or months and then reappeared (yes, that’s happened!), I had no protection. Now, my contract specifies that if I don’t hear from a client within 30 days, a fee will apply to resume the project. This is reasonable: I need to revisit files, refresh my memory on the brief, and adjust my schedule. That takes time, and I deserve to be compensated for it. Plus, if too much time passes, my pricing might change.
A clear clause about ending the project if needed
In design, you will eventually need to end a project. This could be due to an abusive client, illness, or any unexpected situation. To protect yourself and avoid surprises, ensure your contract outlines how to end a project if necessary. Clear terms give both you and your clients peace of mind, ensuring everyone knows what to expect if things don’t work out.
Your contract serves as a safety net when clients push your boundaries. However, you don’t need to argue, or be scared. Simply refer to the terms they’ve already agreed to.
2. Learn to spot red flags early
Spot red flags early! If something feels off in your initial conversations with a client, trust your gut. Red flags might include:
- Being vague about budget or scope
- Refusing to sign a contract
- Comparing you constantly to cheaper designers
- Making unreasonable demands before you’ve even started
You’re under no obligation to take on every project. Spotting reg flags early (the video below breaks down 65 of them!) and saying no is one of the most powerful tools you have.
3. Don’t tolerate abuse… EVER!
Just because someone pays you doesn’t mean they own you. Money doesn’t give anyone the right to be rude, disrespectful, or abusive.
A while back, I worked with someone who started off great. But as the project progressed, the tone of their emails became increasingly aggressive and demeaning. On video calls, he was pleasant and even admitted he struggled with how he communicates in writing.
His emails crossed a line. I told him, very clearly and professionally, that while I could tolerate it, I didn’t need to… and wouldn’t. I let him know that if the behaviour continued, I’d have to end the project.
Sadly, it did. So I made the difficult choice to walk away. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was absolutely the right one. No amount of money is worth being bullied or made to feel small. No project is worth compromising your wellbeing. It was a relief to fire that client, and I have no regrets.
4. Confidence makes a huge difference
As I mentioned already, earlier in my career, I struggled with saying no. I was a people pleaser… someone who just wanted to do great work and keep clients happy. Looking back, even if I’d read a blog like this, I probably wouldn’t have acted on it. Why? I lacked confidence in myself and my abilities. I felt like I needed every job. And because of that mindset, I allowed situations I really shouldn’t have.
With time, and to be honest, with personal growth, that changed. I now have the confidence to put my foot down when needed. I know I work hard. I know I do my best work. And I genuinely care about helping my clients succeed. That’s something worth protecting, and you should too.
For me, hosting the Logo Geek Podcast has been a big part of building confidence. So has being a guest on other shows. But honestly, one of the most transformative things for me has been therapy. It helped me understand why I struggled to set boundaries in the first place… both personally and professionally. And it gave me the tools to change that.
If you’re finding it hard to stand up for yourself or say no, you’re not alone. And you don’t need to be “broken” to benefit from mental health support. If you’re looking for help, I’d highly recommend BetterHelp – they’ve been a game-changer for me… and they’re not paying me to recommend them either.
5. Set your working hours (and stick to them)
One of the big perks of being self-employed is the flexibility. But that doesn’t mean you should be available 24/7. If you respond to emails late at night or during weekends, you set the expectation that you’re always on call.
Set clear working hours, and communicate them. You don’t need to be rude about it. A simple line in your email signature like “My working hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm” can go a long way.
Boundaries around time are just as important as boundaries around behaviour.
6. Remember: You’re in control
When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to say yes to everything. But as you grow, you’ll realise that saying no, or even walking away, is often the most empowering thing you can do.
You became self-employed for a reason. You get to decide how your business runs. You get to decide who you work with. You get to create a working life that supports your health, happiness, and creativity… not one that drains it.
So set your boundaries. Stick to them. And trust that the right clients, the ones who value and respect you, will appreciate them too.
Final thoughts
Setting boundaries doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you professional.
It protects your time, your mental health, and your passion for design. It helps ensure that every project is a partnership… not a power struggle.
Most importantly? It helps you build a business you actually enjoy running.
Have you had to set boundaries with a client? Or walk away from a toxic project? I’d love to hear your story. Share it on social, and make sure to tag me. I’m @logogeek everywhere.