References when my manager was laid off too after 14 years as a graphic designer

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I have one former client who liked my work. Is a client acceptable?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 10 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

I kept a note of my results so my references could be specific. They appreciated it.