“AITA for not disclosing that I’m not an environmentalist?”<\/p>\n
\nTo start off, I should say that I take on all kinds of freelance design work, and I only decline projects that involve harassment, hate, or anything ethically sketchy\u2026I recently finished a commission for a small eco-friendly clothing brand. They asked me to design a minimalist logo inspired by mountains and rivers clean lines, muted colors, very naturalistic.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nThey loved the final result, paid me, and then\u2026asked what my favorite national park was. I told them honestly, \u201cI\u2019ve actually never been to a national park. I appreciate nature designs, but I\u2019m not much of a hiker or outdoors person.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nImmediately, the tone shifted. The client said they felt \u201cmisled,\u201d because I\u2019ve posted nature themed art before, so they assumed I was an environmentalist. They said the logo felt less \u201cauthentic\u201d knowing it wasn\u2019t created by someone with a personal connection to the outdoors.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nI wasn\u2019t sure how to respond. I said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry you feel that way, but my job is to bring your vision to life. I don\u2019t need to personally live the brand to design for it. Now I\u2019m left wondering: am I supposed to disclose my personal lifestyle or interests before taking on themed design work? AITA?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Here’s what people had to say to OP: <\/p>\n
MadHatter_1391<\/a> said: <\/p>\n
\nNTA. You did the job they wanted done. Sure, people like that will probably feel better if a nature design comes from a nature enthusiast, but you did nothing wrong. I\u2019d also suggest checking out a national park if you ever have the chance. They\u2019re great.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Available-Love7940<\/a> said: <\/p>\n
\nOne can be not much of an outdoors person but still enjoy environmentalism and the outdoors when they’re in it. I’m very much a great indoors-woman, but have enjoyed the outdoors repeatedly.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nYou aren’t required to disclose more than your portfolio. They may assumptions that were wrong and are now embarrassed, for whatever stupid reason. NTA. (Side note: I have not been to a national park that I know of. There are none in my state.)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
SneakySneakySquirrel<\/a> said: <\/p>\n
\nNTA. If that was important to them, they should have asked up front. Your personal life has nothing to do with the quality of your work, and it\u2019s on them to ask up front if they want to hire someone who has certain interests.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
MadHatter_1391<\/a> said: <\/p>\n
\nNTA. You did the job they wanted done. Sure, people like that will probably feel better if a nature design comes from a nature enthusiast, but you did nothing wrong. I\u2019d also suggest checking out a national park if you ever have the chance. They\u2019re great.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n