Exposure Beige
HEX #CDBFA6
“We don't have a budget, but it will be great exposure.”
Translation: I would like professional work in exchange for a compliment.
Client feedback, in 24 shades.
Pick the shade that matches what your client just said. Copy a polite, professional reply that still makes the point. Free, no sign-up.
Five-Minute Taupe
HEX #B7A99A
“Can you just whip up a quick logo? It should only take a minute.”
Translation: I believe design happens by magic.
Vague Mauve
HEX #B49AA5
“We'll know it when we see it.”
Translation: I have no brief and I'm planning to review you by vibes.
Nephew Navy
HEX #5F6B80
“Our nephew already did a version. Can you just polish it?”
Translation: Please rescue a design I'm emotionally attached to.
Brief-Pending Blue
HEX #8DA1B3
“We need it by end of day. The brief is coming soon.”
Translation: The deadline is real. The planning was optional.
Same-But-Different Sage
HEX #A3AE9A
“Make it look like [competitor], but different.”
Translation: I want their results without their design.
Pop Peach
HEX #E2B9A0
“Can we make it pop more?”
Translation: Something feels off and I can't say what.
Bigger Brick
HEX #B5776A
“Can we make the logo bigger?”
Translation: I don't feel noticed.
Version One Olive
HEX #A09A6B
“Can we go back to version 1?”
Translation: We have gone in a circle and I'd like to forget it.
Any-Colour Aqua
HEX #8FB3AE
“Can you try a different colour? Any colour.”
Translation: I dislike this one and have no replacement in mind.
Too-Designed Dove
HEX #B9B6B0
“It just feels a bit too designed.”
Translation: I hired a designer and I'm surprised by design.
Minimal-Maximal Mist
HEX #C4C9CC
“Make it more minimal, but add more content.”
Translation: I want white space and everything else.
Spouse Slate
HEX #7B7F86
“My wife doesn't like it.”
Translation: A new stakeholder has entered the chat, and no one told me.
Zhuzh Rose
HEX #D4A5A8
“Can you make it more... you know... zhuzhy?”
Translation: I will recognise it only after it's been done.
Source-File Sand
HEX #CBB994
“Great! Can you send the source files, the fonts and the stock licences too?”
Translation: I assumed everything came in the box.
Board-Approval Grey
HEX #8B9097
“We'll pay as soon as the board approves it.”
Translation: My cash flow is now your cash flow.
Tiny-Thing Teal
HEX #6F9A9A
“Can you change one tiny thing? We go live tomorrow.”
Translation: The change is not tiny and it was never in the plan.
Included Indigo
HEX #6C6F94
“Sorry, we thought that was included in the original quote.”
Translation: I never reread the contract.
Final-Copy Fawn
HEX #C7A98B
“Can you fix the typo? We sent the wrong copy.”
Translation: The error is mine but the labour is yours.
While-You're-At-It Wheat
HEX #D3C08A
“While you're at it, could you also do our website?”
Translation: My project has grown, my budget has not.
Quick-Favour Khaki
HEX #B2A77A
“Quick favour: can you resize this for every platform?”
Translation: Please provide twelve deliverables under the name 'favour'.
Small-Change Stone
HEX #A8A39A
“It's just a small change. It shouldn't take long.”
Translation: I have never seen what is behind the curtain.
Same-Price Plum
HEX #8C7388
“Can we add a few more pages? Same price, right?”
Translation: I'd like a bigger project at the original rate.
New-Direction Denim
HEX #6E84A3
“We've decided to go in a completely different direction.”
Translation: Please restart the project, and please do it for free.
No swatches match that. Try “logo”, “budget” or clear the filters.
How to use the Swatch Book
- Find the phrase. Filter by project stage (Kickoff, Revisions, Final Delivery, Scope Creep) or search for a few words.
- Copy the reply. One click copies a subject line and a ready-to-send email. Each swatch also has its own page with the full text.
- Fill in the brackets. Add the client's name, your fee, the number of revisions and dates from your own agreement, then send.
Why these replies work
Difficult feedback is usually vague, late or outside the agreed scope. Each template does three things: it acknowledges the client, it asks a specific question to turn vague feedback into something you can act on, and it states the boundary (price, revisions, timeline) without sounding hostile. You can soften or sharpen the tone to suit the client.
Frequently asked questions
Are these free to use?
Yes. Copy, edit and send them as your own.
Do the emails work for developers and writers too?
Yes. The phrases come up in any creative or project-based work, whether you design, write, build websites or run campaigns.
Can I save my favourites?
Yes. Tap the heart on a swatch. Favourites are stored in your browser only, so they stay private to you on that device.