Using Pinterest to Capture A Client's Vision

Recently, I was communicating with a potential client about the look she wanted for her website. During the email conversation she said, "I noticed that you're on Pinterest. Here is a link to my Pinterest account, wherein you'll find a board called 'Vision Shop Board.' This may give you an idea of what I'm looking for.' "

I immediately paused and thought, "That's brilliant!"

I had caught her overall vision from our conversation thus far. But viewing her Pinterest board gave me a clear and definitive picture of what she wanted.

As always, a picture is worth a thousand words!



One of the most challenging tasks for a web designer is to clearly grasp the vision a client has for their website. After all, there are a plethora of visual elements to consider. Sometimes a client only has a partial idea of what they want. Other times, you and your client may have different definitions of the same word. What is 'grunge' to you may be something else entirely to them.

But if you can visually see what they're after, that simplifies things enormously!

Of course, not every web client will be a Pinterest user. But if they are, and if they're open to the idea, Pinterest can make your job a whole lot easier:

• First, have the client create a board to solely represent the vision of the website. 

• Second, ask them to pin any images that fit with - or inspire - their vision. 

• Third, ask them to caption each image as they pin them. The caption should point out the specific item(s) in the picture that they were drawn to - whether it be a font, a color, a layout, an overall look, etc. This allows you to zero in on specific design elements.

And just like that, you will have a visual portfolio to help you catch - and create - the client's vision!