Contract template for graphic designers
Graphic design disputes are usually about endless rounds and ownership. The client keeps asking for "one more small change", and each one is small, but there are twenty of them. Or the client assumes they own every rejected concept as well as the chosen one and later uses one for a sub-brand.
The third problem is third-party material. The logo is yours to transfer, but the font is not, and neither is the stock image on the brochure cover. A contract that separates what you made from what you licensed saves the client from a licence claim a year later.
Not legal advice. This is a plain-language starting point, not a contract drafted for your situation or your country. For anything large or unusual, have a lawyer where you work read it before you sign.
Clauses specific to graphic designers
- Concepts and rounds. The designer presents the number of concepts stated in the quote. The client chooses one, and the stated number of revision rounds applies to that concept. Further rounds are billed at the round price.
- Transfer of rights. On full payment, the designer transfers to the client the rights in the final approved design. Rejected concepts remain the designer's property and may not be used by the client.
- Fonts and stock. Fonts, stock photos and other third-party assets are licensed, not owned. The client receives the licence terms and is responsible for using the assets within them.
- Proofing and print. The client checks and approves final proofs before printing. The designer is not responsible for errors in approved proofs or for printing defects caused by the printer.
- Client content. The client provides final copy and images and confirms it has the right to use them. Delays in supplying content move the delivery date accordingly.
- Portfolio use. The designer may show the final work and process sketches in a portfolio unless the client requests confidentiality in writing.
The clauses every freelance contract needs
- Parties. Who the agreement is between: your legal name or business, the client's legal entity, and the addresses of both.
- Scope of work. What you will deliver, in what form, and what is explicitly not included. Refer to the quote or proposal by number if it lists the details.
- Fees and payment terms. The total fee or rate, the currency, any deposit, when invoices are issued and how many days the client has to pay.
- Late payment. What happens when an invoice is late: interest or a fixed fee if you want one, and your right to pause work until the account is settled.
- Changes and revisions. How many revision rounds are included, what counts as a change of scope, and how extra work is priced and approved.
- Timeline and client delays. Key dates, and that deadlines move when the client is late with feedback, content or approvals.
- Ownership and licence. Who owns the finished work and when (usually on full payment), what the client may use it for, and what you keep, such as your tools, templates and know-how.
- Confidentiality. Both sides keep the other's non-public information private, during the project and after it.
- Cancellation. How either side can end the agreement, the notice required, and payment for work done up to that point.
- Liability. A cap on what either side can claim, often the fees paid under the agreement, and no liability for indirect losses.
- Governing law. Which country's law applies and where disputes are heard. Usually where you are based.
A plain-language sample
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and cut what doesn't apply. Shorter is fine as long as the scope, the money and the rights are clear.
1. Parties
This agreement is between [Your name or business], the graphic designer ("we"), and [Client legal name], the client ("you"), and starts on [date].
2. The work
We will deliver the work described in quote [number], dated [date]. Anything not listed there is outside this agreement and will be quoted separately before we start on it.
3. Concepts and rounds
The designer presents the number of concepts stated in the quote. The client chooses one, and the stated number of revision rounds applies to that concept. Further rounds are billed at the round price.
4. Transfer of rights
On full payment, the designer transfers to the client the rights in the final approved design. Rejected concepts remain the designer's property and may not be used by the client.
5. Fonts and stock
Fonts, stock photos and other third-party assets are licensed, not owned. The client receives the licence terms and is responsible for using the assets within them.
6. Proofing and print
The client checks and approves final proofs before printing. The designer is not responsible for errors in approved proofs or for printing defects caused by the printer.
7. Client content
The client provides final copy and images and confirms it has the right to use them. Delays in supplying content move the delivery date accordingly.
8. Portfolio use
The designer may show the final work and process sketches in a portfolio unless the client requests confidentiality in writing.
9. Fees and payment
The fee is [amount and currency]. We invoice [a deposit of X on signing and the balance on delivery / monthly in arrears]. Invoices are due within [14] days. If an invoice is more than [14] days late we may pause work until it is paid.
10. Changes
The quote includes [number] rounds of revisions. Further changes, or changes to work you have already approved, are charged at [rate] once you have agreed to the cost in writing.
11. Delays
Dates in the quote assume you send feedback and material on time. If you are late, the dates move by at least the same amount.
12. Confidentiality
We both keep the other's non-public information confidential, during this project and after it ends.
13. Ending the agreement
Either of us can end this agreement with [14] days' written notice. You pay for the work done up to the end date, and anything already paid for is yours to use under the terms above.
14. Liability
Neither of us is liable for indirect or consequential losses. Our total liability under this agreement is limited to the fees you have paid under it.
15. Law
This agreement is governed by the law of [country], and disputes are heard by the courts of [city or country].
Signatures
Graphic designer: [name, date]. Client: [name, title, date].
Questions graphic designers ask
Does the client own the rejected logo concepts?
Not unless the contract says so. A common approach is that the client gets rights in the chosen design on payment, and the unused concepts stay with the designer. Write it down, because clients often assume otherwise.
When should copyright transfer to the client?
On full payment. Tying the transfer to payment gives you leverage if the invoice goes unpaid, and gives the client a clear moment when the design becomes theirs.
Who is responsible for typos in printed material?
Whoever approved the final proof, if the contract says so. Ask the client to sign off the proof in writing and add a clause that approved proofs are their responsibility.
Get it signed without printing it
OIO has contract templates built in (service agreement, retainer, IP assignment, NDA) that you edit to fit, sign in the Sign app and send as a PDF. The contract sits next to the project and its invoices. Free plan, no card.
Start freeAlso for graphic designers: invoice template and quote template. Contract templates for related trades: illustrators, UX designers, copywriters, marketing consultants. Or browse all contract templates.