Graphic design contract template

Concepts, revision rounds, final files, and who owns the rejected concepts. The plain-English agreement designers actually get signed.

What goes wrong on design projects

Endless revisions, "can I also get it in green", clients using an unpaid draft, and arguments about source files. Every one of those is prevented by a sentence in the agreement. Here they are.

DeliverablesProvider will deliver: discovery call and creative brief; [three] initial logo concepts; final logo in colour, black and white, and reversed versions; brand guide (colours, type, spacing, do's and don'ts); source files (AI, SVG, PNG, PDF).

Revisions[Two] rounds of revisions are included per deliverable. A round is one consolidated set of feedback. Additional rounds are billed at [$95] per hour. Changing direction after a concept is approved is a new scope and quoted separately.

OwnershipOn full payment, Client owns the final approved deliverables. Provider retains ownership of unused concepts and drafts, and may show the finished work in a portfolio. Client may not use drafts or unapproved concepts.

Licences and printingStock imagery and font licences are billed at cost and licensed in Client's name. Printing is not included; Provider supplies print-ready files and is not responsible for print errors after proof approval.

The Graphic designer template has all of this pre-written.Paperwork fills the proposal, contract, invoice, SOW, NDA and change order from one form, and your client signs from a link. $19 once. Try the free demo first.

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How many concepts?

Three is the sweet spot. One feels like no choice; five invites Frankenstein feedback ("the icon from 2 with the type from 4"). Say in the proposal that concepts are directions, not finished logos, and that one will be developed.

Define a revision round

The single most valuable sentence in a design contract: a round is one consolidated set of feedback. Without it, a client's five separate emails in a week become five rounds, and you have no way to say so politely.

Deposit and kill fee

50 percent up front on branding work is standard. If the client cancels after concepts are presented, the deposit covers it. That's your kill fee; you don't need a separate clause.

Source files

Decide in advance whether editable source files are included. Many designers include them for logos (the client needs the SVG) and charge extra for layered files of print work. Whatever you choose, put it in the deliverables list so it's never a surprise.