My client asked for a 'simple logo' and sent back 47 revision notes on the first draft

I'm a freelance graphic designer, and this client hired me for a $500 logo. They said they wanted something 'clean and modern'. I sent the first concept, which I thought was solid. Two days later, I got a PDF with 47 numbered comments. One note said 'make the blue more corporate, but also friendly', and another asked if the icon could 'evoke growth without being a tree'. I spent 10 hours just on that revision round, which killed my profit. I learned to put a hard cap on revision rounds in my contract, like 3 rounds max for that price point. Now I send a style guide questionnaire before I even start sketching. Has anyone else had a 'simple' job blow up like this, and how do you handle scope creep without sounding rude?

3 comments

3 Comments

hannah_craig1mo ago

People want simple but can't describe what that means. Your contract fix is smart, saves the headache later.

hollyscott1mo agoMost Upvoted

My last "simple" website project had 32 feedback points on the homepage mockup alone. I started using a super detailed project brief form after that, it filters out the clients who can't make up their mind.

kelly_rivera1mo ago

32 feedback points sounds like a client who actually cares about their project. That detailed brief form @hollyscott uses might just scare away good people who have a vision but aren't good at filling out forms. Sometimes the best ideas come from a messy back and forth, not from a box they have to check. A client giving lots of notes is trying to get it right, not trying to be difficult.