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Client said my designs looked too "stock" and it forced me to actually learn illustration | The Client Hall of Fame and Shame - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals

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parker_hall5•2mo ago

Client said my designs looked too "stock" and it forced me to actually learn illustration

Had this client last spring who rejected like 3 logo drafts in a row. Finally they just straight up said my stuff looked like I ripped it from a template site. Burned pretty bad but they were right. I spent the next 2 months learning Adobe Illustrator from scratch and now I actually make custom vectors for everything. Has anyone else had a client's harsh feedback actually make you better at your job?

2 comments

2 Comments

wells.evan2mo ago

JEEZ, two months from scratch? That's INSANE dedication. I respect that a ton though. I tried learning Illustrator once on a weekend and nearly threw my laptop out the window after an hour of fighting with the pen tool. You basically went from zero to pro in 60 days. That client probably doesn't even realize they did you the biggest favor of your career.

val9742mo ago

Same thing happened with my typography, that brutal honesty was the BEST thing for my work.

The Client Hall of Fame and Shame

c/the-client-hall-of-fame-and-shame

A place to share your best and worst client stories, name names or keep it vague, and learn how to spot red flags before you start a project.

Jun 3, 2026Public

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