Update: My client wanted a 'distressed' finish but gave me a picture of a burnt pizza
I had to choose between following the photo or explaining what 'distressed' actually means in our line of work. I picked explaining, which took about twenty minutes and three different sample boards. It went okay until they asked if I could add 'pepperoni texture' to the legs. Has anyone else had a client bring in a reference photo that was just... food?
A client once showed me a picture of mossy rocks for a green paint color. We spent a good hour mixing samples to match that specific shade of wet stone. It turned out pretty well, but the whole time I was just thinking about lichen.
That reminds me of a guy who brought in a picture of his old, faded jeans for a sofa reupholstery job. We ended up with this weird, specific blue that was basically denim memory. He loved it, but it felt like making furniture out of nostalgia.