Every contractor dreams of working with the perfect client. The one that knows exactly what they want, understands the value of the work and makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
The reality is that clients come in all shapes and sizes, each bringing unique challenges and idiosyncrasies to the table. They can be the reason you're fired up to crack on with a day's work, or they can be the reason you feel your stomach sink every time you hear an email come in. Whether they have you filled with excitement or dread, every client is valuable... Well, almost… But we’ll get to that… Each client's unique approach to collaboration is shaped by external factors. Tight schedules, creative uncertainty, inexperience... Or several other possible factors, and countless combinations of any number of these factors. It's important to remember that your collaborators are simply doing their best to bring their vision to life. Your job as the commissioned party to make that a reality. Whilst some of the examples I provide may be specific to music composition and audio professionals, the concepts discussed are not unique to music composition. In fact, I’m sure that, regardless of your creative discipline, you’ll encounter similar types of clients in your own field. This post isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about recognising these patterns so that you can better adapt, effectively communicate and therefore thrive in your creative partnerships.
Let’s explore 10 common client archetypes, how to navigate their quirks and what makes them worth working with.
1. The Unicorn (The Ideal Client)
Why They’re Valuable: The gold standard for collaboration. Inspires your best work, leaving you feeling appreciated, valued, empowered and supported. Their conduct is a reminder of why you love this job!
This client knows exactly what they want and (arguably, even more importantly) knows just how to articulate it. They provide a clear brief with reference material where needed, giving you detailed descriptions of the style they’re going for, as well as the relevant insights into the project's vision, story and mechanics to help guide your creativity.
When you send them your work, their feedback is constructive, thoughtful and actionable. They can pinpoint why something isn’t working and suggest alternatives without micromanaging. When working for a Unicorn, it makes a 14 hour day feel like a breeze. You simply don’t want to stop because the process is so rewarding.
Pros:
Smooth and efficient collaboration.
Encourages high-quality work with clear direction.
Builds your confidence.
Cons:
They’re rare and often busy, which means fewer projects from them.
Their high expectations can add pressure, though it’s usually healthy pressure.
Tip: Cherish these clients. Do your best work and build a lasting relationship. These are your biggest advocates!
2. The Poltergeist
Why They’re Valuable: Despite their chaotic nature, Poltergeists often have a deep appreciation for your work. Their positive reflections after the project can lead to glowing recommendations and repeat business.
This client is elusive, often disappearing for weeks on end without responding to your efforts to contact them. When they do reappear, it’s typically in a whirlwind of chaos: last-minute revisions, unexpected changes to the game’s direction, or a barrage of vaguely worded critiques.
However, there is a caveat here: after the dust settles, they’re somehow thrilled with the results. They’ll praise you publicly, recommend you to others... They may even come back for future projects.
Pros:
They trust you to work independently.
When happy, they become enthusiastic advocates for your work.
Cons:
Lack of communication can be stressful and lead to misaligned expectations.
Sudden changes can disrupt your workflow and schedules.
Tip: Set clear expectations for deadlines and revisions upfront. If you can, nudge them toward regular check-ins to keep things moving smoothly. It’ll save you from scrambling at the last minute and keep the project from going off the rails.
3. The Magic Show Attendee
Why They’re Valuable: Magic Show Attendees push your creativity. The lack of initial direction forces you to dig deep into your intuition, often resulting in surprisingly strong work.
This client approaches you with minimal input, vague instructions, and no clear vision of what they want. Yet, they expect you to deliver an incredible product that perfectly encapsulates their unspoken desires.
Pros:
Offers a chance to stretch your creative muscles and experiment.
If you nail it, they’ll be amazed and appreciative.
Cons:
Minimal direction can lead to guesswork and wasted time... So. Much. Wasted. Time.
Their feedback may be vague, prolonging revisions.
Tip: Ask leading questions to draw out specifics. For example, “What emotions do you want the player to feel here?” or “Can you share a reference track?”. The phrasing may change, but the idea stays the same. I’ve got a list of questions I send to clients, to avoid this mess. Feel free to grab it, tweak it, stick it on your fridge (if that floats your boat), steal it, slap your own name on it... But whatever you do, don’t get caught with your trousers down.
4. The Remote Surgeon
Why They’re Valuable: The Remote Surgeon is highly detail-oriented and wants to ensure every aspect of the project is perfect. Their feedback may seem technical or detached, though this is a sign that they’re invested in delivering the best possible result.
This client approaches revisions like a surgeon. Precise, sometimes making minute adjustments, usually from a distance. They will not be heavily involved in the day-to-day process but when it’s time for feedback, they’ll dissect every detail, providing specific notes for changes. While it can feel like they’re being pedantic, their intent is usually to perfect the work rather than give you grief for the sake of it. The trick, as ever, is knowing when to put your foot down...
Pros:
Their feedback is detailed and specific, helping you improve your work.
They’re focused on getting the result just right, which can lead to a polished final product.
Cons:
It can feel like they’re nitpicking, leading to potentially endless tweaks.
You may not always understand the bigger picture of why each adjustment is necessary, leaving you feeling disconnected from the creative vision.
Tip: Start by reviewing the big changes first, so you’re not stuck in a never-ending loop of small tweaks. You can even suggest capping revisions per cycle to keep things on track and prevent it from turning into a wild goose chase for perfection. I have had a client request so many minor tweaks to a composition over the course of a week, that it ended up sounding like something completely different by the end of it. I wasn't shocked when they ended up liking the first version best, either.
5. The Wide-Eyed Wanderer
Why They’re Valuable: The Wide-Eyed Wanderer brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the project. Their excitement is infectious and can ignite your passion for the work.
This client is new to the field, and they may approach the project with a sense of awe and wonder. They’re enthusiastic and full of ideas, but (through no fault of their own) may not fully understand the scope or nuances of your role. While their lack of experience can lead to some unrealistic expectations, their genuine excitement can make collaboration a rewarding and energising experience.
Pros:
Their enthusiasm can be motivating and inspire you to push your creative boundaries.
They’re often open to learning, which can lead to growth in both of you as collaborators.
Cons:
They may not have a clear vision or understanding of what’s feasible, leading to unrealistic expectations.
They might ask for frequent changes or revisions without fully grasping the time and effort involved.
Tip: Patience is key here. Be upfront about what's realistic in terms of time, budget, and revisions, and guide them through the process. Take the time to explain your decisions, showing them how the end product will evolve. This keeps their excitement alive while managing expectations, without letting things spiral into an impossible wish list. We're not trying to kill the fire within them, just make sure it doesn’t turn into a raging inferno of unrealistic demands.
6. The Reluctant Skeptic (Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.)
Why They’re Valuable: They offer a reminder of how to stand your ground and advocate for the value of your craft. In rare cases, they may surprise you by coming around to appreciate your work.
This client doesn’t want to deal with you, doesn’t see the value in custom music and likely views your role as an inconvenience, waste of funds, or a necessary evil. They’ll ask for the bare minimum, possibly hinting that a stock music library would’ve been cheaper or faster. On the subject of budget, they will often treat it as though you should be grateful to even be there in the first place.
They might approve work (begrudgingly) with minimal feedback or, worse, overstep by micromanaging areas they don’t fully understand. Collaborating with them can feel like a 6 month root canal. This is the client you’re better off avoiding… If you can spot the signs early.
Pros:
Rare opportunities to educate someone on the value of music, which could lead to personal growth for both of you.
If they do come around, it can be deeply rewarding to see them realize the impact of great music on their project.
Cons:
Drains energy and morale with a dismissive or antagonistic attitude.
Unlikely to recommend or return for future work.
Often results in a less-than-ideal final product, as their apathy limits your creative potential.
Tip: If you spot red flags early - like dismissive comments about your fees or the value of your work - cut the cord. Don’t waste your time on clients who don’t respect your craft. If you do decide to take it on, lock everything down in the contract and keep communication short and sharp.
Conclusion for The Reluctant Skeptic: Give them a shot, but don’t hesitate to walk away when it’s clear it’s not a good fit. Not every client is worth your time, and that’s fine. Trust your gut and focus on the ones who respect what you bring to the table. You're the expert, and your work is worth it.
7. The Committee
Why They’re Valuable: The Committee is a lesson in patience, diplomacy and compromise. Their collaborative nature often produces unique ideas that wouldn’t arise from a single perspective.
This client isn’t just one person, it’s an entire team. Each team member has their own opinions about what the music should accomplish - those opinions don’t always align. Feedback often comes piecemeal, with conflicting notes and priorities.
While this can be frustrating, working with a Committee teaches you how to balance multiple perspectives and maintain focus on the project’s overarching goals. It's also a lesson in knowing when to put your foot down and remind them why they hired you in the first place.
Pros:
Collaborative feedback can lead to fresh ideas.
Builds your ability to communicate and mediate between conflicting viewpoints.
Cons:
Feedback can be inconsistent or contradictory, slowing progress.
Endless discussions may result in decision fatigue.
Tip: Cut through the madness. Get one person to be the go-between, gather all the feedback, and send it to you in one go. That way, you don’t have to wade through a swamp of conflicting opinions and can actually get some work done. Keep it simple, or you’ll end up in bloody bedlam.
8. The Visionary
Why They’re Valuable: Visionaries fuel your creative fire. Their bold, out-there ideas push you to take risks and evolve as an artist. They see the big picture and challenge you to think beyond the usual.
This client is full of ambition, dreaming big, and often has an aesthetic they’re determined to see realized. They’ve got a passion project or a game they’re obsessed with, and their enthusiasm can light up the room. But, be weary: sometimes they get so lost in their dream that they expect miracles on a shoestring budget and with a clock ticking down fast.
Pros:
Their passion will light a fire under your arse, helping you do your best work.
They’ll throw ideas at you that make you rethink the norm.
Cons:
Their expectations might be so out-of-this-world, you’ll need to set some boundaries.
When they’re emotionally invested, feedback can come in waves of intensity. Brace yourself.
Tip: Match their passion with your professionalism. Break their grand ideas into manageable steps. Communication is the key to keeping expectations grounded, making sure you both stay on track without burning out in the process.
9. The Budget Cruncher
Why They’re Valuable: Budget Crunchers force you to think creatively about delivering value without compromising quality. They can also provide opportunities for smaller projects that fill gaps in your schedule.
This client approaches you with a limited budget and expects maximum output for minimal cost. They might ask for discounts, payment plans, or pro bono work in exchange for vague promises of “exposure.” However, not all Budget Crunchers are bad—they’re often indie developers with genuine passion but limited resources.
Pros:
Indie projects can be incredibly rewarding and creative.
These clients often have a strong community presence, leading to potential networking opportunities.
Cons:
Low budgets can undervalue your work if boundaries aren’t set.
They may expect you to over-deliver without proper compensation.
Tip: Be straight with them about your rates and what’s doable within their budget. If the project sparks your interest but the budget’s tight, try negotiating non-monetary perks. Think backend royalties, portfolio rights, or future gigs. But for the love of all that is sacred, don’t fall for the dreaded "exposure" bullshit.
10. The Benign Spirit
Why They’re Valuable: The Benign Spirit challenges you to trust your instincts and develop the confidence to navigate projects with minimal guidance. This client is elusive, often leaving you to wonder if they’re actively engaged. They might rarely respond to drafts or only chime in with technical requests like file formats or delivery schedules. Feedback on the music itself is sparse, leaving you to fill in the blanks. You’ll only realize your work has been approved when you see it live in the project... Or on release day.
Pros:
Their hands-off approach gives you creative freedom.
They likely trust your expertise to deliver without constant oversight.
Cons:
Lack of feedback can make you second-guess your choices.
It can feel impersonal or disconnected from the creative process.
Tip: Take control of the communication. Set clear milestones and deadlines so there’s no ambiguity. Ask direct questions like, “Does this fit the tone we discussed for [specific scene or mechanic]?” to nudge them into action and show you’re not just waiting around for feedback.
A Final Word on Client Relationships
Every client, whether a Unicorn, a Poltergeist, a Budget Cruncher, or something out of left field... They all teach you something. Some are easier to deal with than others, undoubtedly, but they all push you to communicate better, problem-solve on the fly, adapt and overcome.
And remember, most clients aren’t trying to screw you over. They’re juggling a thousand things at once and might not always have the words to describe what they need. Your job is to be professional, stay calm and guide them through the mess without losing your mind.
At the end of the day, what sets you apart is your ability to roll with each client’s quirks and needs. Understanding these types isn’t about slapping labels on people. It’s about knowing how to handle whatever madness comes your way with style, confidence and grace.
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