Working with a Graphic Artist?

Do I dare....

[Bluetuna]

I have the possibility to work with a graphic artist who has a client that has no web presence. The graphic artist currently does all of their print work. Since they have used this graphic artist for years, they approached them with the idea of a web site. The graphic artist then asked me if we could design the site together, but I will "build" the whole thing. So, for anyone that has done this before, can you tell me the pitfalls to watch for? How did you work out billing? Any precautionary suggestions would help me greatly. I have never worked with "designer". I am afraid I will become the graphic artist's tech monkey!

[MWpro]

"I am afraid I will become the graphic artist's tech monkey! "

Nothing wrong with this - as long as you're getting paid.

My advice would just to get a nice contract drawn up and establish in it that the client would be paying you for your web design services and that your money wouldn't go to the gfx artist.

[malexandrou]

I've been involved in such arrangements. The one thing I would advise is that there should be only one point of contact with the client. Don't have the client talk to both of you separately. It can lead to confusion and finger-pointing.

Marios

[tbear]

I worked once with a graphic artist (he knew nothing about the web) and I did exactly what he asked, which ended up in being a graphically oriented web site. Printed it looked fine but as a web site a non-runner.
I think there are basic conceptual differences between the two.
My first job in print after 3 years web designing was a small disaster for the same reasons.
You may have to explain some basic principles regarding image useage and text useage. With luck they will be open minded and grasp the difference between the printed copy and seeing it on a monitor.

[graywolf]

You have to be really careful, it can be a very frustrating experience. If the artist has no/little web experience it can be a rough go. If the client has little/no web experience its even worse. I work with a lot of print people and they have a really hard time with the concept of not having absolute control over how things layout, font styles, image complexity/size/download time, and having copy written for web use (not repusing existing print).

[webwoman]

I once was hired to maintain and optimize a site that had been created by a graphic artist. What a nightmare! It is a completely different concept with different importances, and requirements - graphic design/web design. I begged the client to let me tear the thing down and make a new one - even offered to duplicate the look and feel of it, but he had just spent $10,000 on the site. So - my advice would be to get everyone up front to agree that since it is a WEB SITE, the WEB designer has seniority over the graphic designer in *all* matters.

-webwoman

[Marketing Guy]

We have jsut started a graphic designer at work over the past month (the boss realised it wasn't my forte in life! ;)).

The main problems that can occur is from a graphic design poinbt of view, the objective is to make something to look good.

As others have said, and you're no doubt aware, there are distinct differences between web and print media.

My advice would be to start off by explaining broadly what you are trying to achieve in terms of SEO and web design.

To begin with you should both work together to come up with an overall feel and look for the website.

During this process you can use the creative ideas from the designer and also let him know what you can do and what you cant do - and more importantly why.

Then knock together a template based on the design and add your own spacefiller graphics where the work from the designer is to go. This way they will know what they need to do in terms of image sizes, etc.

Make it clear to the client that you are the web designer and as the final product is a website, if he wants results then you have final say. The designer should be there to help you achieve that.

However, if the client gets sold by the graphic designer on a jazzy website, then explain the possible pitfalls with this.

If that doesnt work, just make the site the way the client wants it. They're happy and you'll get paid.

Scott :)

[OhMyPixel]

I find that working with a graphic artist is useful. Basically I allow them to design whatever they want and then implement the design into web format. Obviously there are going to be minor adjustments but colors, logo's, images, and typography should be able to transfer to the web relatively well.

[OntheEdge]

All I would do is consider the designer as no different than an extension of your client. I would work with the Designer the same way I work with clients who have their heart set on a certain look, but don't understand the web.
I agree with the point that they are hiring him, not you. Make sure that contract specifies both your work and provides remedy for unexpected horn-locking with their golden boy.

On a personal note, although I encourage my clients to get involved in projects and learn, I shy away from situations were the results are likely to be inferior, due to too many aspects being out of my control.
On the wall in a mechanic's shop...
"Our Rate: $30/hr if we do all the work, $60/hr if you help"