How I use Pinterest as a collaborative tool with my client
How I Use Pinterest as a Collaborative Tool with My Clients
DESIGN
Pinterest is an absolute game-changer for designers. Let me tell you why.
One of the biggest challenges in design is making sure you and your client are on the same page—because let’s face it, there’s no way someone can visualize your design descriptions in the exact way you do. That's where visual references come in. At PassionSwirls, we’ve found the perfect way to collaborate in the initial stages of a project by using Pinterest. It helps eliminate any ambiguity and drastically reduces the need for endless revisions.
Say Goodbye to Endless Revisions
Using Pinterest as a collaborative tool allows us to align with our clients right from the start, leaving less room for confusion down the road. This method helps us bring the client's vision to life with them—not for them. But, of course, there are a few concerns that can arise when you hand over a Pinterest board.
Concerns About Pinterest Collaboration
Clients might only pin what they like, rather than what fits the brand.
Clients may expect you to copy designs they see, rather than interpret them creatively.
There's a worry that brand strategy could get lost in the process.
Clients might feel empowered to override your professional input as the designer.
But don’t worry, we’ve figured out a way to address these concerns head-on. Here’s how we manage expectations and use Pinterest to foster a truly collaborative experience.
01. Define Your Role
Before the pinning even starts, you need to be clear about your role in the project. Are you simply executing their vision, or are you collaborating with them as a creative partner?
If you’re just providing executional work, Pinterest will definitely help minimize revisions. But if you’re a brand designer (like we are at PassionSwirls), your role is twofold: to guide and to execute. You’re not just there to bring their vision to life; you’re there to help them make the right decisions that align with their brand’s strategy and values. It’s about balancing their personal taste with what will actually work for their brand.
Here’s the key: communicate this from the very start. Let them know that while their input is invaluable, they hired you to offer expert guidance. If they make decisions that you feel could harm the brand, it’s your job to offer alternative solutions. Your client must trust that you're there to enhance their vision, not just execute it.
02. Always Start with Strategy
Design without strategy is just decoration. At PassionSwirls, we start every project with a brand strategy session. This is where we dig deep into our client’s values, beliefs, and long-term vision for their business. Your design should be a reflection of who they are, not just what looks good in the moment.
The goal? To align their business identity with their brand’s personality. When the brand mirrors their unique traits, the audience feels that authenticity. And people connect with brands that feel human.
Without this strategy session, there's a real risk of designing something that feels "off" to your client, and that’s the worst feeling—when a client can’t see themselves in their own brand. By involving them from the start, you ensure every design decision aligns with their vision.
03. Co-Pin with Your Client
This is where the magic of Pinterest really comes into play. Don’t just hand over a blank board and expect them to know how to pin the right images for their brand. They’re business owners, not designers—they need your guidance to translate strategy into visuals.
Co-pin with them.
Guide them as they pin, and remind them of the emotions they want their audience to feel. Start them off with a few pins or even provide a "pinning guide" that explains how to choose visuals that align with their brand strategy. When you co-pin, you’re there to ensure what they like is also in line with their audience and brand identity.
04. Wrap It Up with a Mood Board
Once you’ve collaborated on Pinterest, it’s time to pull everything together with a mood board. This is where you take control of the design direction while still reflecting your client’s input.
A mood board is a visual summary of your brand strategy combined with the client’s aesthetic preferences. This is where your expertise as a brand designer shines—you marry the client's style with what will appeal to their audience. By explaining the reasoning behind each image or style choice, you can ensure your client feels confident about moving forward with the design phase.
Branding is a collaborative process.
It’s about striking a balance between what your client loves and what will actually work for their brand. And communication? It’s everything. By setting expectations and defining your role from the get-go, you’ll create a smoother, more successful brand design process.
Why Pinterest is a Game-Changer for Collaboration
Pinterest isn’t just about saving pretty pictures; it’s a way to visually brainstorm together and get on the same page. Ultimately, your clients know their business better than anyone, and your job is to help them express that visually in a way that resonates with their audience.
At PassionSwirls, we pride ourselves on working with entrepreneurs who want a true creative partner, not just a designer. We see ourselves as co-creators in your brand journey, ensuring that every decision is informed by strategy and collaboration. That’s why we emphasize partnership and open communication from day one.
I hope this gave you a sneak peek into our collaborative process! As always, if you have any questions or want to chat about how we approach branding, feel free to drop us an email or slide into our DMs!