How to listen: Take a tip from Joseph Albers
“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”
Among the many “what’s the first step” items in the process of a new client-relationship, asking the right questions is at the top of my list.
Of course this also goes for any project, even with people we think we know, since each project carries its own set of circumstances. That’s why I love the above statement by Josef Albers.
While creatively problem-solving, opportunities to learn—and to teach—abound in every project
- Help clients discover their own personal design styles
- Introduce new concepts and ideas
- Interact with clients in an authentic way
“Atlantis,” an EcoHues Full Spectrum color, is on the back wall of dining area and continues into the foyer that is visible from the dining room.
Rich soft colors enhance—and subtly define—three connected spaces, with 3 different close colors.
One example, from a client’s note to me
“…you helped take the confusion out of color selection process and opened up our eyes to color choices we never would have thought of using. We appreciated how easy it was to work with you, and how carefully you listened to our wants and needs.”
It just takes practice!
As artists and designers, it’s so easy to become excited about a project and about our own approach and inspirations. The practice is in listening, and advising while not imposing our personal preferences. It’s really all about the goal for every client.
For those of us who do have a specific personal style, that is the challenge: to LISTEN and help the client realize HER dream for the space, not our own. Lovely colors, Barbara!
Comment by Kristie Barnett, TheDecorologist — November 16, 2012 @ 9:31 am
Thank you Kristie, for taking the time to read and comment. I also find it interesting that working with others also expands my own personal style. I’m often introduced to new ideas through clients–that I might not have thought of, but that I can really appreciate. I believe that the inherent challenges are stimulating, and make me a more creative person, which is good for both sides of the design-relationship equation.
Comment by Barbara Jacobs — November 16, 2012 @ 11:45 pm