It must be draining to see potential go to waste like that. The only thing you can do to save your work is to explain to them why you chose to do it that way, but that requires time and attention from both sides, usually resources not available. Ever considered working for yourself? ;) I am a student with a large friend circle so it is known that I'm 'good with photoshop', usually making stuff for friends for free. I could charge money but I don't see myself as good enough for that and it is less pressure, so it still feels like a fun hobby and not like a second job. Just a couple of hours ago a friend asked me to make a logo for his tutor startup. He gave me just the name and what he'll do, but I asked him to make a concept or an idea for a logo himself, so I don't have to radically change stuff later.