Lecture Introduction - Studio–Client Relationships

In this interview case study, presented by Stuart Tolley and featuring Emma Harverson and Lucy Warburton, we will explore the dynamics between a studio and their client, including:

• Design and client relationship;
• Managing expectations;
• Clear project planning and development schedules;
• Format and structure for a business plan (company philosophy, creative team, our understanding of the brief, strategic outline, budget and financial plan, critical path and stages of work).

Watch the lecture video below and make notes in your blog. Reflect upon these ideas, and use them as a springboard into your own investigations.

About the Project: Build + Become Book Series

• A series of smart-thinking books aimed to make complex topics easy to understand.
• Each book has 20 short, structured lessons.
• Topics cover everything from philosophy and tech to modern-day issues.
• Focus on clarity, relevance, and global appeal.

Client–Designer Relationship

• Lucy reached out to Stuart based on a recommendation.
• Stuart liked the idea of making complex ideas simple (something he already enjoys doing).
• Open, honest collaboration was key, early meetings were about exploring and building ideas together.
• They wanted the design to feel like a brand, not just a one-off book.

Key Lessons on Studio–Client Work

• Collaboration really matters. Everyone had input – authors, designers, editors, even the sales team.
• Listening is key. Taking feedback from people inside and outside the publishing house helped shape the final outcome.