What are the best practices for negotiating with a difficult designer?

As a theatrical producer, you may encounter designers who are challenging to work with, whether they are uncooperative, demanding, or unrealistic. Negotiating with a difficult designer can be stressful and frustrating, but it is also an essential skill for ensuring a successful and smooth production. In this article, you will learn some best practices for negotiating with a difficult designer, based on the principles of communication, collaboration, and compromise.

1 Identify the problem

The first step in negotiating with a difficult designer is to identify the source and nature of the problem. Is the designer unhappy with the budget, the timeline, the artistic vision, or the feedback? Is the designer being disrespectful, defensive, or dismissive? Is the problem affecting the quality of the design, the relationship with the director, or the morale of the team? By pinpointing the problem, you can address it more effectively and avoid generalizing or personalizing the conflict.

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Renny Krupinski

Action/stunt/fight coordinator
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Hopefully you will have discussed your ideas as director well in advance of rehearsals. If not…do so. If your designer isn’t on the same page as you, it’s your job to either steer them in the direction you want or politely part company. You must be clear what you want your set to achieve. I recently worked with a designer who completely understood the director’s and my needs…consequently we were able to cover the set in blood and trash it nightly. Other times it’s been a tricky path to tread…but tread it you must.

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2 Listen and empathize

The second step in negotiating with a difficult designer is to listen and empathize with their perspective. Even if you disagree with the designer, you should try to understand their motivations, goals, and concerns. Listening and empathizing can help you build rapport, trust, and respect with the designer, and show them that you value their input and expertise. You can also use active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking open-ended questions, to clarify and confirm what the designer is saying.

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Hasmik Isayan

Graphic Designer
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Another crucial aspect in negotiating with a challenging designer is acknowledging that every situation has two sides, much like a coin. What you see might not be all there is. They could be facing problems or seeing things from a different angle that you haven't noticed. So, give them a chance to express their point of view, take a moment to really listen, and understand where they're coming from. It's like putting yourself in their shoes. Nowadays, there is a prevailing notion that everyone should live their own lives and do what's best for themselves, but in our world, there is often a lack of empathy for each other. By doing this, you can figure out what's really going on and find better solutions together.

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3 Express your needs and expectations

The third step in negotiating with a difficult designer is to express your needs and expectations clearly and respectfully. You should communicate your vision, objectives, and constraints for the production, and explain how the designer's work fits into the overall picture. You should also state your expectations for the designer's behavior, performance, and deliverables, and provide constructive and specific feedback on their work. You should avoid blaming, criticizing, or threatening the designer, and instead use assertive and positive language.

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4 Explore options and alternatives

The fourth step in negotiating with a difficult designer is to explore options and alternatives that can satisfy both parties. You should invite the designer to share their ideas and suggestions, and acknowledge their creativity and contributions. You should also brainstorm and evaluate different solutions that can meet the needs and expectations of both sides, and consider the pros and cons of each option. You should be flexible and open-minded, but also realistic and pragmatic about what is feasible and desirable.

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5 Reach an agreement and follow up

The final step in negotiating with a difficult designer is to reach an agreement and follow up on it. You should summarize and confirm the main points of the agreement, and make sure that both parties understand and accept their roles and responsibilities. You should also document the agreement in writing, and communicate it to the relevant stakeholders. You should also monitor and review the progress and outcomes of the agreement, and provide feedback and recognition to the designer. You should also be prepared to renegotiate if necessary, and learn from the experience.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for negotiating with a difficult designer?

1

2

3

4

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1 Identify the problem

2 Listen and empathize

3 Express your needs and expectations

4 Explore options and alternatives

5 Reach an agreement and follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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What are the best practices for negotiating with a difficult designer?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify the problem

2 Listen and empathize

3 Express your needs and expectations

4 Explore options and alternatives

5 Reach an agreement and follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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