You have to present a design to a client with a different aesthetic. How can you make them love it?

1 Know your client

Before you present your design, you need to understand your client's goals, preferences, and expectations. Do some research on their industry, audience, and competitors. Ask them questions about their vision, values, and brand identity. Find out what they like and dislike about their current or previous designs. This will help you tailor your presentation to their needs and interests, and show that you respect their perspective.

2 Explain your design

Don't just show your design, tell a story about it. Explain how your design solves a problem, meets a need, or creates an opportunity for your client. Use clear and simple language, and avoid jargon or technical terms. Highlight the benefits and features of your design, and how they align with your client's goals and values. Use examples, scenarios, or testimonials to illustrate how your design works and what impact it has. This will help your client understand your design and see its value.

3 Show your process

One way to bridge the gap between different aesthetics is to show how you arrived at your design. Share your research, insights, sketches, prototypes, and feedback that informed your design decisions. Show how you considered different options, alternatives, and trade-offs, and why you chose the best one for your client. This will help your client appreciate the logic, creativity, and effort behind your design, and trust your expertise and judgment.

4 Address feedback

No matter how good your design is, you will likely face some feedback, questions, or objections from your client. Don't take them personally or defensively. Instead, listen actively and empathetically, and acknowledge their concerns. Try to understand the reasons behind their feedback, and respond with facts, evidence, or examples that support your design. If possible, offer to make minor adjustments or improvements that address their feedback, without compromising your design vision. This will help your client feel heard and respected, and open to your suggestions.

6 Be confident

Finally, be confident in yourself and your design. Show enthusiasm, passion, and pride for your work. Speak with clarity, conviction, and authority. Use positive and assertive language, and avoid hesitations, apologies, or qualifiers. Maintain eye contact, smile, and gesture appropriately. Dress professionally and comfortably. Prepare well and rehearse your presentation. This will help you project confidence and credibility, and influence your client's perception and attitude towards your design.