Do Designers Prefer Female Clients?

A Gallup study found that gender-diverse business units in the retail sector saw a 14% increase in average revenue, while those in hospitality experienced a 19% rise in profit compared to less diverse teams.

This highlights the value of inclusivity in driving financial success.

However, while design teams can be diverse, designers work directly with individual clients—such as project owners or small business entrepreneurs—rather than dealing with broad teams for approval.

Naturally, the argument exist: clients are nerve wrecking but could this be be gender-based? Do designers find working with one gender easier? Is there a preference or an established fact?

NGD explores this by asking four designers about their preferences and why. We’ve asked both males and females for a balanced view. Check out the findings below.

The Verdict from Designers:

“Male clients don’t stress me—maybe because I’m a woman. They pay well without arguing and even add tips sometimes.” – Becky (Female)
“I’d say male clients. In my experience, some female clients don’t always understand the value of design and insist on doing things their way.” – Goodness (Female)
“Male clients are easier to work with. They’re more open to professional suggestions.” – Dimeji (Male)
“I prefer male clients because they offer more peace of mind. It’s often harder to convince female clients of what works best, even when they aren’t sure what they need.” – Favour (Male)

Crafting Rewarding Client Relationships for the Future

While our four respondents lean towards working with male clients, the answer to who performs better remains subjective and based on experience. This in no way suggests that female clients are difficult or a challenge to manage.

Designers, however, can follow key guidelines to manage any client effectively:

Improve communication skills: Soft skills such as active listening help designers avoid assumptions and ask the right questions for clarity.
Break down briefs: Grasp the needs of clients effectively thereby skipping misunderstandings later on
Enhance skills , offer more value : Ensure client satisfaction via Knowledge stacking to help surpass client expectations

The Truth: No client gets frustrated with a designer who adds value to their business and understands their needs thoroughly. While some designers may believe the issue lies with their clients, effective management can lead to more rewarding client relationships.

The Benefits For Designers:

Repeat referrals: Eliminate the constant search for new clients by building a steady stream of referrals.
Increased revenue: Enjoy consistent payments from satisfied clients, ensuring a thriving and financially stable career.
Live a fulfilled life: Say goodbye to questioning “is design rewarding”—instead, build a career that allows you to thrive and enjoy your work.