When dealing with clients, be it in-house or other wise, you have to be able to articulate the dimensionality of your work. Explain why it accomplishes its goals, how it’s balanced and brings the end user to the call to action. Make sure to think through that print ad you just finished – review your creation. If you know the client well enough you should be able to predict one or two objections/edits. Be proactive and address them. Some of us who design from the gut know you have to evaluate at every stage allowing the business part of your head to peek out and have a say.

The more evaluative you are during the creative process the easier it’s going to be to explain the layout to the client – then they’ll know you’re looking out for them as well as the design. Often times this proactive, deliberate approach garners more respect from the client – a win for both of you.