It’s your first day on the design job. You create a stunning image, send it off to the client, and wait for praise.
But instead… you get slammed with a negative comment on Facebook.
If that’s you, welcome to the real world of design and the internet.
Decades ago, a bad review might’ve gone unnoticed. Today? One negative comment can affect your chances of landing the next client .
Why It Matters
A 2022 BrightLocal study found that 94% of consumers say a negative review has convinced them to avoid a business. This is worse for personal brands because you are the product, and when your name is attached to poor feedback, it’s harder to shake off.
But here’s the good news: Negative comments aren’t the end of your story.
In fact, they’re an opportunity to add a little spice to your story, a touch of drama to your artboard, a beast to the beauty of your persona.
We’ve got tips to help you turn things around, straight from our just-concluded Beyond the Brief session with Lexain (plus a few extra nuggets).
Ready to play hero in your negative review saga.
1. Apologize Publicly (Lexain Said So)
Apologies aren’t just about getting people to forgive you. They’re a mature branding strategy that shows accountability and growth.
If a client criticizes you publicly, respond in the same space. It tells future clients that:
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You’re responsible,
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You’re working to improve, and
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They probably won’t experience the same issue.
Everyone loves the designer who owns up and grows from mistakes. Be that designer.
2. Show Progress
An apology should come with visible change. Don’t disappear after saying sorry—show up consistently with better work.
Use the criticism as fuel. Share projects that show growth. If possible, get a follow-up testimonial from the same client who initially criticized you. Show that they came back, and they were impressed.
A good comeback story always sells.
3. Build and Live Your Values
Your values are the hidden benefits clients should experience when they work with you—like:
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Being punctual,
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Respecting deadlines,
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Communicating clearly, or
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Following design principles with intention.
The more you demonstrate these, the more likely clients will leave glowing testimonials. And the more positive feedback exists online, the less impact a single bad comment has.
You can’t fake your way to great reviews. You build them with real, valuable experiences.
4. Never Delete a Negative Review
Got a negative review on Facebook? Leave it there. Seriously.
Acknowledging criticism shows confidence. It proves you’re willing to resolve issues and that you’re not afraid of your imperfections.
Clients are always watching how you handle tough moments. If you delete criticism, it could come off as insecure or worse, dishonest.
And let’s be real, angry clients might repost their experience elsewhere. That just makes things messier.
Lexain Dropped Serious Gems During Beyond the Brief.
One of the biggest takeaways from the Lexain tutelage was this:
Personal branding refers to more than just colors, logos, or fancy fonts. It’s dependent more on principles, intentionality, and vision!
Lexain’s nuggets were a fire to the creative spirit of the community. It’s something you won’t get on YouTube, and we are happy we get to offer it here on NGD!
Want more of the good stuff?
We’ve got more incredible creatives like Lexain on Beyond The Brief geared to share wisdom.
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