In freelancing, it’s not the number of clients you have that will make or break your freelance business, but the kind of clients you have. There are a variety of clients out there, some are easy to work with, others make you feel like you want to give up freelancing forever. Sometimes you see the signs early; other times you will only realize that you working with a client from hell when you get burned midway to the project.

(Image Source: FreelanceSwitch)

Truth be told, as a freelancer, you will bump into one or more of the following clients as you stay longer in the freelancing feel. If you have a choice in it, avoid them like the plague. If you don’t, there are other ways to get around the problem and prevent further damage.

So keep your eyes peeled and watch out for the client who:

1. Doesn’t know what he wants

We’ve all had clients who are not sure of what they want. What do they mean by ‘a new look’? Do they mean the logo, the entire website or just a new web copy? Usually, the scope of the project can be cleared up quickly by asking the right questions. Having and using a standard list of questions is a great way to clear the confusion and get to the heart of the problem before any work is started.

(Image Source: FreelanceSwitch)

But every now and then you get a client who can’t explain what they want even with after answering all the burning questions you have, or they simply don’t agree with your assessment, for example, while it’s obvious from their responses that what they need is a rebranding exercise, they’re adamant that all they want is just a new logo. Watch out for said client – there’s a high chance they’ll never be satisfied. The worst part is when they come back saying that your work was faulty and despite not being able to tell you what they wanted, they somehow know that your work is not what they were looking for.

2. Runs through freelancers extremely fast

If your client mentions having a lot of trouble with their previous freelancer (or freelancers) then watch out! One or two problematic freelancers are a common occurrence but if they have a history of running through them really fast, then the problem might be the client.

Where possible, ask around in freelancing forums or in your network about the client before you accept their projects. Try to get hold of the freelancer who had worked for them and see what he has to say. If the problem turns out to be the client, turn down the offer as best as you can.

3. Wants the ‘Best’ rate

When a client asks for your best rate, that’s code for your cheapest rates. Before long, you will feel like you are bargaining your self-worth away. Gently remind your client that your rates are reflective of the quality of the work you put in. Never lower your rates beyond recovery. If you give them a low rate now, they will expect the same low rates for future projects.

(Image Source: Webdesigner Depot)

4. Thinks his nephew can do it better

We’ve all probably heard this one. It could be a jab at your prices, or at your ability to understand their gibberish and read their minds. When expectations don’t meet, tempers may flare and they might give you weird excuses on what they didn’t like about your work; excuses like one of his many designer nephews can do better.

If their niece and nephew could do it better they wouldn’t have to come to you, things like that. But honestly if they don’t like your work, they’re more than welcome to get their own family members to do it for them (for free). But remember to let them know that since they’re rejecting your work, they can’t use it, as you still own the copyright.

5. Doesn’t want to sign a contract

Having a contract is standard practice. If you don’t have one, please do, even if it’s just pasting the contents of the emails you exchanged with the client while you are both ironing out the details. Turn it into a document and send it to the client for signing. If the client refuse to ink the contract, you may run into problems later on down the project. The whole situation for refusing a black-and-white reeks of trouble. If they say something along the lines of "we trust you and you can trust us too" just tell them that it’s to prevent confusion and double work in the future.

Just so we’re clear, negotiating on contract terms and clauses is fine. It’s the "not signing or delaying of the signing" that is a warning sign. Even if a customer has said that they’ll sign it, on the side of caution, don’t start work on the project until you get a copy of the signed contract back.

Related: 8 Contract Clauses You Should Never Freelance Without

6. Does not communicate on time

You’re working on a time-sensitive project for a client. You meet your end of the bargain and send the work for approval or review. Then you wait for them to get back to you. One week later you’re still waiting and then out of the blue they get back to you, saying they need changes done, and within 2 days, because they have a deadline to meet.

Who doesn’t dislike a client like that? Send the client an email reminding him that he hasn’t sent you the information or feedback you requested on time and as a result you will not be able to meet their deadline now. While we’re on the subject…

7. Always wants rushed work

If you rush work often enough for a particular client, the client might begin to expect the same from you every time. Talk to your client about not regularly doing any rush work. Even if they’re paying you more, the stress of pulling all-nighters does not justify the money.

If the customer does not ease up on the rush work, it might be time to say bye-bye to him. You don’t want to burn out after all – unless you’re happy with the customer always wanting rush work and putting pressure on you, because that’s when you do your best work. In that case, by all means keep at it!

8. Is a bad paymaster

Just because a client pays doesn’t make them a good paymaster. A client is a bad paymaster if he pays late, changes the payment schedule and pays in installments, or pays less than agreed (I’ve had that happen to me before).

(Image Source: Webdesigner Depot)

Find a client who pays on time or better yet pays in advance and stick with that client instead of this one. If you’re tempted to give them a chance, think long and hard. In my experience, if a client starts delaying payments or changes the terms mid-project, it’s a clear sign of trouble.

9. Wants you to do spec work

Spec work (spec here is short for speculative, not specifications) is the bane of a freelancer designer’s career. I’ve never understood why clients ask for spec work, but some do. The work that you pour into your spec work (if it is requested by the client) will not be paid if the client does not like what they see, so you can see the risk factor here.

In my opinion, clients should pay for sample work that they asked the freelancer to do, whether they hire him or not, simply because spec work eats into our billable hours. There are of course exceptions but 9 out of 10 times, spec work is counter-productive to your freelancing goals.

Instead, show them your portfolio, accummulated from the past work you have done for previous clients or what you have done during your spare time.

10. Promises future work if you work for peanuts now

Ever had an email from a prospect who says he’ll have more work for you in the future if you work for next to nothing now? Or that he’ll pay you more once his business/service gets established and he’s earning big bucks? Newsflash: That’s never going to happen. Unless it’s an uncle who is ripping off his nephews and nieces.

11. Is never satisfied

You work hard on a project, put in all you have and send it to the client. They send it back to you for major edits. You make the changes; send it to the client again only to have it sent back to you again for changes, and again and again and again. Unless you really messed up the project it’s safe to say that when a client keeps sending back your work to you for changes, they’re never going to be satisfied.

(Image Source: FreelanceSwitch)

Charging for the changes usually puts a stop to it. And once you’re finally done with the project and have greener pastures to graze on, let go of this client.

Letting go of problem clients

Avoiding clients who might pose problems in the future is a smart move; What’s not smart is judging prospective clients harshly. They’re not always at fault. Freelancers are known to be a problematic bunch too. You can bet that clients have signs they keep an eye out for when it comes to freelancers they work with as well. No one likes to admit they’re wrong but before you judge that a client unfit to work with, take a good look at the relationship and yourself. Is your work above reproach? Did you communicate effectively with the cleint, meet deadlines and go out of your way to cooperate with clients? Most importantly, do you treat your clients the way you want to be treated?

A lot of times, what we as freelancers see as signs of trouble in a client is usually just an oversight on the client’s end. Talk it through with your client, let your client know the problem you’re facing and see what they can do about rectifying it before making the decision to continue working with them or finding another client. Have you dealt with a client like any of the ones listed above? How did you resolve the situation?

Related posts:

1. 5 Ways to Tame Difficult and Problematic Clients
2. Freelancers: How to Work Better with Your Clients
3. How to Deal with Criticism in The Freelancing World
4. Roadmap to Freelancing: Getting the Deal (Part 2)

Editor’s note: This article is contributed by Dmytro. Dmytro is an SEO-specialist and entrepreneur from Sevastopol (Ukraine). He is co-owner of Land-of-web (http://www.land-of-web.com), the website that is aimed to make the life of web designers and web developers easier.

The icon is on one of the first thing a user sees of a new mobile app. There isn’t much space to play around so this tiny picture has to do all the work, giving an intuitive representation of what users are going to get with the app. Different operating systems impose different specifications. As a result, icon shape, size and even the illustrative artwork may differ. Some operating systems demand that the icon be as simple as possible while others, on the contrary, prefer stretching the limits of creativity.

The iOS platform, for one, is known for placing a higher premium on aesthetics and a zealous attention to detail, keeping designers on their toes with the icon design process. On the other hand, this creates another platform for them to showcase their creativity and talent, which brings about many extraordinary and uncommon designs.

The collection below lists some of the amazing iOS icon designs that were sketched and modeled after mundane, ordinary stuff. Several examples are made so realistic that it is really difficult to believe that these shots aren’t just simple manipulated photos.

Read Also: 40 Free And Useful GUI Icon Sets For Designers

Hamburger App. A well-executed icon with enormous attention to detail. There are even sesame seeds on the bun and grease on the paper! (Image Source: Erfan Nuriyev)

Jelly Cake icon. It looks really fresh and finger-licking good. The meticulous approach in creating the layer of jelly and the top of the cake encourages one to just grab it and eat it. (Image Source: Erfan Nuriyev)

Sandwich iOS icon. Sandwich is an awesome example of how to properly make food into an app icon. If you do not have any skills on 3D rendering, one way out is to create unforgettable photomanipulation, and adding some special effects that makes the photo look a bit imaginary. (Image Source: Ryan Ford)

Oreo. Julian has transformed a yummy cookie into an easily recognizable brand icon, using both specific print on the top and little signature crumbs at the bottom to complete the whole look. (Image Source: Julian Burford)

Pizza App iOS Icon. This deisgn shows an excellent combo of cardboard texture, shadows and perspective. (Image Source: Ryan Ford)

Whiskey iPhone Icon. You may not see it but a lot of work goes behind this design. The ice cubes, the rippled glass effect on the base and the shading of the contents make the icon look like a photo of a glass of whiskey. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Cola iOS Icon. The design forces you to look at an ordinary Coke can from a different angle. As usual, there is a lot of focus on tiny details such as water droplets and the metal finish which makes the icon look impressive. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Cheers iOS Icon. A great example of using the non-standard can shape. Check out the detail on the metal surface near the top, and how the designer messed with different gradients and warm coloring to add depth and vividness. (Image Source: Mikael Eidenberg)

Tic-Tac Box Icon. Despite some funky-looking Tic-Tacs, the container and label look incredible. (Image Source: Jackie Tran)

Teapot iPhone/iOS Icon. This icon features truly decorative water effects that are complemented with highlights on the rim as well as flawless reflections. (Image Source: Cuberto)

Drink Carryall iOS Icon. Check out the smart use of textures and perspective that bring this drink carryall alive. (Image Source: Ryan Ford)

Boxing Glove iPhone Icon. A nice representation of flattened boxing gloves with the right leather texture and detailed stitched elements. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Swim Shorts iPhone Icon. This design can make you buy an application just for the icon, which sends out freshness and cheerfulness. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Icon Sneaker. Sneaker has a fantastic combination of different textures. Although some holes do not look the same, but the perfectly inserted laces hide this flaw. (Image Source: Sosoa)

Dribbble App icon. A beautifully illustrated cap with flawless white textile texture and a brilliant and detailed handiwork to the brim of the cap. (Image Source: Ramotion)

Radio iOS Icon. The radio icon carries an appealing retro design with various blue color tones and reflections. (Image Source: Román Jusdado)

Playstation One Icon. A legendary old-school console made with advanced techniques, that, undoubtedly, brings back sweet memories. (Image Source: Raphael Lopes)

Record Player iOS Icon. Here’s another retro device that was recreated with meticulous attention to perspective and lights, ins and outs. Warm colors and wood texture are definitely the winning features here. (Image Source: Román Jusdado)

Radio App Icon. Featuring another vintage device, that unlike others is made not so much realistic, as it is cartoon-like. The strange gradients, odd speakers and a bunch of shine elements make it look a bit hypnotic. (Image Source: Aditya Nugraha Putra)

Accordion iOS Icon. The icon has a sleek look that works perfectly for the accordion: check out the harmonious combination of color schemes and lightings on the buttons and metallic surface. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Nikon Camera iOS Icon. Check out the mesmerizing reflections on the lens which creates an amazing illusion of depth. (Image Source: Gianluca Divisi)

Minox iPhone Icon – 3d. Starting with a 3D model and ending with effects and textures, this designer puts in a lot of effort to create, at first glance, a simple miniature camera. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Plastic Camera Icon. A clean and easy to remember design with bright yellow color and superb work with the lens. (Image Source: David Im)

Medicine Icon. This is a really complicated masterpiece that was collected from pure layers in photoshop. A slight attrition effect on the front side of the box, glittering gradients and subtle lights make the whole design look like a toy. (Image Source: Sanadas Young)

Cigar Box iOS Icon. It’s an icon but it sure bears a great resemblance to the real object itself, due to intense detailing. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Football Table iPhone Icon. Using the rounded square to create a perfect field for the foosball. The wood framing, figures and metal rods fully comply with real ones. (Image Source: Saturized)

Folder Box Icon. This design makes an impression of an unrealistic box with a rather bright graphic surface, and well-crafted metal inserts. (Image Source: Anton Kartashov)

Tea Light iPhone Icon. This is another great work from the master. Just take a look at the wax texture, crusty wick and realistic flame; they are just incredible. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Wood and Steel. Despite the use of popular textures such as wood and metal, icon does not evoke neither distracting nor overwhelming feelings, but looks, as intended, crispy, smoothly and elegantly. (Image Source: Düne)

Castrol Oilit Icon. The design perfectly implements brand colors and rounded square container as a base for the oil can, and check out the oil can cover. (Image Source: Simen Myklebust)

Cardboard Box Icon. The icon uses a lot of gloss and gold color palette to make the box more than just shiny. Nevertheless, the artwork immediately catches the users’ attention. (Image Source: James Cipriano)

Wrappit iOS Icon. This gift box draws on the sweet pleasantness of a yummy color scheme and the use of glare on the corners and ribbons. (Image Source: Saturized)

Wallet icon 3. Here’s an original concept that ingeniously uses the constraints of the app icon shape. The purple leather installation looks really great as well. (Image Source: spovv)

Quicket Icon Test. This awesome icon charms with impeccable depth perception and transparent cutouts of the basket. (Image Source: zaewan Suh)

Golf Spain HD Icon. Konstantin continues to amaze with accurate use of textures and shapes. The whole design is made with exquisite detail. (Image Source: Konstantin Datz)

Libra Icon. This Libra icon has a classy look that is supplemented with a nicely polished leather cover and dirty yet believable paper texture. (Image Source: delmonto)

Yunait DealHunter Icon. A pleasantly colorful and vivid icon with blurred grass texture and a very detailed and obvious hunting hat illustration. (Image Source: David Im)

iSmoke Icon. This cigarette box looks pretty nice due to smooth edges, the skilful foil touch and perfectly illustrated rows of cigarettes. (Image Source: Alexa Grafera)

The Winning Move

As the App Store carries more than half a million apps (to-date), it’s getting harder and harder to make a mark and be discovered with your designs. Being involved in the iOS App development, designers have to push themselves beyond boundaries to prove to others that they can create something exceptional. Making up extraordinary things can be tricky and sometimes misleading, but ultimately the simplest visual interpretation is the usual path to a breakthrough. As you can see with the designs above, a realistic approach to icon design can work wonders.

Spotted any marvelous gems we have missed, let us know. Also, tell us which is your favorite in the list.

Related posts:

1. Beautiful Email Newsletter Designs For Your Inspiration
2. 30 Beautiful Three-Colors Websites For Your Inspiration
3. 50+ Beautiful Flash Websites for Your Inspiration
4. Showcase of Web Designs with Beautiful Typography