24/03/2025
Someone reached out, offering to create three motion graphics for our business. His pitch was confident and straightforward. In the message he sent to me, he said:
"I want to make you 3 engaging motion graphics. These will enhance your page, increase engagement, and set you apart from your competitors.
If you like the designs, then you pay me just ₦5,000 (for all three). No obligation, no upfront payment—if I don’t impress you, you don’t pay."
I appreciated his confidence and the no-risk approach. However, instead of asking for samples of his previous work, I decided to let him proceed.
The next day, he delivered the designs. Unfortunately, they didn’t meet expectations.
I rejected the designs for the 3 reasons.
1. The work wasn’t impressive.
2. He completely ignored our brand guidelines, which are available online.
3. He missed crucial business details that were easy to find. He got our business name right but overlooked key elements.
While I respect his bold approach, I believe he needs to refine his skills before fully committing to this business model. Creating work upfront with no assurance of payment can lead to wasted effort and resources.
I suggested he build a strong portfolio showcasing his best work. That way, instead of creating custom designs for every potential client, he can simply share his portfolio. If someone likes what they see, they’ll be willing to pay.
This approach would save him time, effort, and disappointment while allowing him to attract clients who genuinely appreciate his style and expertise.