Do graphic designers use contracts?

Yes, graphic designers that work as freelancers use contracts like any other independent contractor. Legally binding agreements allow them a measure of protection and help manage expectations of clients, so having a properly written contract is important for a smooth working process.

Can I use a template for a contract?

Yes, you can use a template for a contract, and there are plenty of free ones . In fact, it is the most time- and cost-efficient way of preparing one, as templates already have the boilerplate text written down. You only need to fill in the details of a specific job and specific client and you are good to go.

What is a freelance design agreement?

A freelance design agreement is a form of independent contractor agreement; a document that defines the relationship between a client and a designer hired to do a certain job. It contains all the necessary information like the parties’ contact details, scope of work, billing information, and so on.

available

Design Contract

Prepared for:

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]
[Client.Company]

Created by:

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]
[Sender.Company]

Project Title:

Project Description:

Fee:

Terms

All rights not otherwise granted to [Client.Company] are reserved by [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName].
Revisions: This design contract includes Revisions Amount revisions. Any additional revisions are subject to additional fees.
Payment for design services are due to the freelance designer within 30 days of final delivery of the project to [Client.Company].
In the event this design contract is cancelled by [Client.Company], [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] will be entitled to a prorated portion of the project’s fees based on work completed prior to the contract’s cancellation.
[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] reserves the right to use the material produced during this project for promotional purposes as part of a freelance design portfolio.
[Client.Company] agrees to indemnify and hold [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] harmless against any and all claims, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, due to materials in the design at the request of [Client.Company] to which [Client.Company] does not possess copyright permission or usage rights.
This freelance design contract shall be the sole agreement between [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] and [Client.Company] for Project Name. No other agreements, verbal or written, shall be considered binding or valid upon electronic signature of this design contract by both parties.
This contract shall not be modified or otherwise altered unless approved in writing by both the freelancer and the client.
This design contract shall be governed by the laws of [Sender.State]. Any legal disputes or proceedings shall take place in [Sender.State].

Acceptance

[Sender.Company]

Signature

MM/DD/YYYY

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]

[Client.Company]