Designer learns harsh lesson after posting about client job A$AP

Don't be dumb.

There are few moments more exciting for a creative than landing a dream client. There are also few moments more terrifying than accidentally turning that dream client into a former client before the project has even begun.

That lesson played out publicly this week after renowned logo designer Allan Peters shared an Instagram direct message relating to a branding project with US rapper A$AP Rocky, only for the rapper to respond in the comments:

"THIS IS JUST DISTASTEFUL, WELL I GUESS WE WONT BE WORKING, BEST OF LUCK BUDDY."

The post disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared, leaving designers everywhere experiencing the kind of second-hand embarrassment normally reserved for accidentally hitting "Reply All."

The irony wasn't lost on observers either, given A$AP Rocky's recent track ‘Don't Be Dumb’, which many agreed had become required listening for freelancers with itchy posting fingers.

Creative industries have long wrestled with the temptation to announce exciting projects before they're officially in the bag. Whether it's a celebrity client, a major brand or simply a recognisable logo sitting on a designer's screen, the urge to share often arrives well before permission does.

Brand consultant Emma Rhodes says the incident serves as a timely reminder that trust is often the most valuable thing a creative can offer in any client engagement, especially before the work is done. "A great portfolio wins work," she explained. "A reputation for discretion in this case can also keep it." 

Perhaps that's the real lesson. Not every exciting opportunity needs to become content. Sometimes the strongest personal brand a creative can build is being known as the person who doesn’t post until the client does .

After all, logos can always be redesigned, or in Allan’s case, ‘fixed’ after finding social media fame for his Gatorade and Shell logo fixes. But trust is considerably harder to rebrand.

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