Working with creative types can be tough for your average business – how do you brief on something you don’t really understand? In this guest post, cartoonist Colin Shelbourn looks at some of the comments that put strain on the client relationship.

There are a number of ways NOT to commission a cartoon. Here are six things a client might say and the cartoonist’s secret thoughts.

1. “I love your style but could you draw it like (insert famous cartoonist’s name here)?”

Terrific. This means (insert famous cartoonist’s name) wasn’t available or exceeded your budget.

2. “Draw anything you like. It doesn’t matter.”

My brain has just frozen over and all ideas become extinct.

3. “Here’s how I want the cartoon to look and I’ve come up with a joke and a caption and a funny character.”

Well done, you’ve just hired an expensive pen.

4. “This isn’t what we agreed at the start but I’ve just had a better idea.”

Please don’t spoil a beautiful relationship.

5. “I know we said three people but can you also include a football team. And a circus.”

Oh good. All cartoonists like to draw a circus.

6. “Hm, yes. I see. I like the way you’ve drawn that leg.”

Noooooo – be brave. Don’t accept the initial sketches if you don’t like them. Cartoonists prefer happy clients and enjoy the challenge of getting closer to the target.

Cartoons can be political, satirical, whimsical, campaigning, hard-hitting and, occasionally, funny. Cartoonists, on the other hand, are all about happy clients.

Are you a blogger? March is Be My Guest month, and we’re encouraging bloggers from all over the world to swap posts and reach new audiences. See Be My Guest for more information.