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Graphic Designer Contract

This Graphic Designer Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated [the date both parties will have signed] is entered into by [Graphic Designer name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Graphic Designer"), and [client name], an individual residing in [address], (the "Client").

Whereas, the Graphic Designer and the Client desire to establish the terms and conditions under which the Graphic Designer will provide services to the Client, the parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Work. The Graphic Designer agrees to perform such consulting, advisory and related services specified on Exhibit A to this Agreement ("Description of Services").

2. Term. This Agreement shall commence from the date this Agreement is signed by both parties and shall continue until the scope of work defined in the Description of Services is completed (such period, as it may be extended or sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, being referred to as the ("Service Period").

3. Payment.

a. Service Cost. In consideration of the Service, the Client will pay the Graphic Designer of $ per hour (the "Service Cost").

b. Expenses. The Graphic Designer shall be responsible for all business expenses incurred by the Graphic Designer in connection with, or related to, the performance of the services.

c. Invoices. The Client shall pay to the Graphic Designer amounts shown on each statement or invoice described in Section 3(a) and 3(b) within () days after receipt thereof.

d. Benefits. The Graphic Designer shall not be entitled to any benefits, coverages or privileges, including, without limitation, health insurance, social security, unemployment, medical or pension payments, made available to employees of the Client.

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How to Get Started with a Graphic Design Contract Today

What is the contract of a freelance graphic designer?

A graphic design contract is a legally binding agreement between a freelance graphic designer and a client. This document establishes the terms of service, including any payment and billing information, as well as any confidentiality or intellectual property rights. It also outlines the scope of work that each party is responsible for. Typically, a freelance graphic designer will provide services such as logo design, web page design, illustration, identity design, and more to their client in exchange for payment. The contract should clearly specify each party's obligations and expectations so that there are no misunderstandings. It also helps protect both parties from potential disputes or issues related to copyright infringement or other legal matters. A good graphic design contract template should include provisions that allow for flexibility and modifications throughout the course of the project.

Do you even need a contract for your graphic design services?

A graphic design contract is an essential document for any freelance designer, as it serves to protect both the client and the designer from any possible misunderstandings or legal issues. A graphic design contract template should include provisions that allow for flexibility and modifications throughout the project, ensuring that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to providing services. Furthermore, having a signed contract helps protect against potential disputes related to copyright infringement or other legal matters. Having a clear, written agreement also ensures that the designer will be adequately compensated for their work and can provide peace of mind for both parties involved in a freelance relationship.

How do you write a graphic design contract?

A graphic design contract is a legally binding agreement between a freelance graphic designer and their client, outlining the scope of work and other pertinent details. It serves to protect both parties from any possible misunderstandings or legal issues that may arise during the course of the project. Writing an effective graphic design contract requires taking into consideration all relevant factors, such as payment terms, confidentiality provisions, intellectual property rights, and more. By clearly specifying each party's obligations in writing, you can ensure that there are no miscommunications or disputes down the line. A good graphic design contract should also be flexible enough to allow for modifications throughout the project timeline if necessary. With careful planning and clear communication between all involved parties, you can create a comprehensive freelance contract that works for everyone involved.

What should be included in a graphic design contract?

A comprehensive graphic design contract should include a detailed description of the project, including the project scope, timeline, and any additional details that are relevant to the project. It should also specify the final payment amount and outline any deadlines required for completion of the project. Additionally, it should define intellectual property rights and require both parties to sign and agree on the same page. The contract should also address any potential conflicts of interest or competing commitments that either party may have. Furthermore, it should stipulate that all payments will be made in full within a predefined time frame. Finally, to protect both parties involved, a clause regarding confidentiality and non-disclosure is often included in graphic design contracts.

What are the benefits of using graphic design contract templates?

Using a graphic design contract template can provide many benefits to both the freelance graphic designer and their client. For starters, having a pre-drafted template with predefined provisions can eliminate the potentially time-consuming task of creating a contract from scratch every time. Additionally, having a comprehensive agreement that is legally binding and outlines all aspects of the project can help protect both parties from any potential misunderstandings or disputes related to copyright infringement or other legal matters. Furthermore, by clearly specifying each party's obligations in writing, freelancers have the peace of mind knowing that they will be adequately compensated for their work while clients are assured that they will receive quality results within an agreed-upon timeline. Ultimately, using a contract template eliminates ambiguity and provides greater transparency between the two parties involved in any graphic design project.

How can I create my own graphic design contract template?

Creating your own graphic design contract template is a great way to ensure that both parties are protected and that all of the necessary details are in writing. To start off, you should begin by outlining the scope of work, including the timeline, project deliverables, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and any other relevant details. It’s also important to state any conflicts of interest or competing commitments that either party may have. Once you’ve laid out the basic framework of what needs to be included in the contract template, you can then dive deeper into more specific clauses such as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements. Additionally, you should specify what kind of services are offered within the scope of work for each respective party, as well as how those services will be compensated. Having these finer points predefined in a written agreement can help protect both freelancer and client from any potential disputes related to copyright infringement or other legal matters down the line. With a carefully crafted and flexible contract template in hand, freelancers can rest assured that they will be adequately compensated for their hard work, while clients can be sure that they will get quality results delivered on time.

How do I create a scope of work for a graphic design contract template?

Creating a scope of work for a graphic design contract template is an important part of the process to ensure that both parties are well-protected and understand their respective obligations. To begin, it is important to outline a detailed project description which should include the project goals, timeline, deliverables, payment terms, and intellectual property rights. This should also include specific details regarding any conflicts of interest or competing commitments that either party may have. Additionally, it is important to specify the range and type of graphic design services being offered within the scope of work, as well as how those services will be compensated throughout the project cycle. By clearly defining these details in the contract template from the beginning, freelancers can ensure that they get adequately compensated for their hard work while clients can have peace of mind knowing that they will receive quality results delivered on time. Ultimately, having a comprehensive scope of work for a graphic design contract template protects both parties from any potential misunderstandings or disputes related to copyright infringement or other legal matters.

How do freelance designers get new clients?

Freelance designers often find themselves in need of new clients and can successfully obtain them by leveraging contract templates to create a professional, organized, and legally binding agreement. Contract templates provide freelance designers with all the necessary information to ensure fair compensation for their services, as well as protect them from any potential misunderstandings or disputes related to copyright infringement or other legal matters. Furthermore, utilizing contract templates allows freelance designers to differentiate themselves from other freelancers by demonstrating their commitment to high-quality work with clear timelines and expectations. To get started on obtaining new clients, freelance designers should look into reputable online resources that provide customizable template contracts tailored specifically for graphic design projects. Additionally, they can also reach out to local networks and professional contacts, such as industry organizations or trade shows, in order to increase the visibility of their services. In the end, having a well-crafted graphic design contract template is an effective way for freelance designers to get new clients while providing peace of mind knowing that both parties are adequately protected.

What is unique about a freelance graphic design contract?

Great design is subjective. Work is not. Your freelance graphic design contract should protect you from clients who take your work and don't pay or cause so much difficulty you wish you had never started with them. A freelance graphic design contract needs a few unique details to be effective. Here's a short list:

The scope of work needs to be super clear because the temptation to ask the artist to ‘just look at this for me' seems to strike many clients.
Every freelance graphic design contract needs an initial brief from the client, but graphic designers should focus on getting a super clear and detailed creative brief from their clients.
Remember when we said great design is subjective? Everyone has an opinion. Therefore, your contract should clarify which person will be your point of contact for edits and approval.
Your freelance graphic design contract should specify how the finished project will be delivered because there are so many available media formats. Also, if you plan on keeping the original files (digital or analog), how long will you keep them?
Indemnity clauses protect you from damages beyond the value of your contract. Imagine you finish designing a flyer for a company, and it passes through all their checks. They print it and then find a typo. Who pays for the reprint? An indemnity clause means they pay, not you.
If you are using any materials, these expenses should be included in the contract if you intend to bill the client for them. Graphic designers might include stock photo purchases, for example.

Create new graphic designer contracts quickly and easily. Here's an example of an Indy contract:

Graphic Designer Contract

Whereas, the Graphic Designer and the Client desire to establish the terms and conditions under which the Graphic Designer will provide services to the Client, the parties agree as follows:

1. Scope of Work. The Graphic Designer agrees to perform such consulting, advisory and related services specified on Exhibit A to this Agreement ("Description of Services").

3. Payment.

a. Service Cost. In consideration of the Service, the Client will pay the Graphic Designer of $ per hour (the "Service Cost").

b. Expenses. The Graphic Designer shall be responsible for all business expenses incurred by the Graphic Designer in connection with, or related to, the performance of the services.

c. Invoices. The Client shall pay to the Graphic Designer amounts shown on each statement or invoice described in Section 3(a) and 3(b) within () days after receipt thereof.

4. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the Service Period in the following manner: (a) by either the Graphic Designer or the Client upon not less than () days prior written notice to the other party; (b) by the non-breaching party, upon twenty-four (24) hours prior written notice to the breaching party if one party has materially breached this Agreement; or (c) at any time upon the mutual written consent of the parties hereto. In the event of termination, the Graphic Designer shall be entitled to payments for services performed that have not been previously paid and, subject to the limitations in Section 3.2, for expenses paid or incurred prior to the effective date of termination that have not been previously paid. Such payment shall constitute full settlement of any and all claims of the Graphic Designer of every description against the Client. In the event that the Client’s payment to the Graphic Designer exceeds the amount of services performed and (subject to the limitations in Section 3.2) for expenses paid or incurred prior to the effective date of termination, then the Graphic Designer will immediately refund the excess amount to the Client. Such refund shall constitute full settlement of any and all claims of the Client of every description against the Graphic Designer.

5. Cooperation.The Graphic Designer shall use Graphic Designer's best efforts in the performance of Graphic Designer's obligations under this Agreement. The Client shall provide such access to its information and property as may be reasonably required in order to permit the Graphic Designer to perform Graphic Designer's obligations hereunder. The Graphic Designer shall cooperate with the Client’s personnel, shall not interfere with the conduct of the Client’s business and shall observe all rules, regulations and security requirements of the Client concerning the safety of persons and property.

6. Proprietary Information and Inventions.

a. Proprietary Information.

1. The Graphic Designer acknowledges that Graphic Designer’s relationship with the Client is one of high trust and confidence and that in the course of Graphic Designer's service to the Client, Graphic Designer will have access to and contact with Proprietary Information. The Graphic Designer will not disclose any Proprietary Information to any person or entity other than employees of the Client or use the same for any purposes (other than in the performance of the services) without written approval by an officer of the Client, either during or after the Consultation Period, unless and until such Proprietary Information has become public knowledge without fault by the Graphic Designer.

2. For purposes of this Agreement, Proprietary Information shall mean, by way of illustration and not limitation, all information, whether or not in writing, whether or not patentable and whether or not copyrightable, of a private, secret or confidential nature, owned, possessed or used by the Client, concerning the Client’s business, business relationships or financial affairs, including, without limitation, any Invention, formula, vendor information, customer information, apparatus, equipment, trade secret, process, research, report, technical or research data, clinical data, know-how, computer program, software, software documentation, hardware design, technology, product, processes, methods, techniques, formulas, compounds, projects, developments, marketing or business plan, forecast, unpublished financial statement, budget, license, price, cost, customer, supplier or personnel information or employee list that is communicated to, learned of, developed or otherwise acquired by the Graphic Designer in the course of Graphic Designer's service as a Graphic Designer to the Client.

3. The Graphic Designer’s obligations under this Section 6 shall not apply to any information that (i) is or becomes known to the general public under circumstances involving no breach by the Graphic Designer or others of the terms of this Section 6, (ii) is generally disclosed to third parties by the Client without restriction on such third parties, or (iii) is approved for release by written authorization of an officer of the Client.

4. The Graphic Designer agrees that all files, documents, letters, memoranda, reports, records, data sketches, drawings, models, laboratory notebooks, program listings, computer equipment or devices, computer programs or other written, photographic, or other tangible material containing Proprietary Information, whether created by the Graphic Designer or others, which shall come into Graphic Designer's custody or possession, shall be and are the exclusive property of the Client to be used by the Graphic Designer only in the performance of Graphic Designer's duties for the Client and shall not be copied or removed from the Client’s premises except in the pursuit of the business of the Client. All such materials or copies thereof and all tangible property of the Client in the custody or possession of the Graphic Designer shall be delivered to the Client, upon the earlier of (i) a request by the Client or (ii) the termination of this Agreement. After such delivery, the Graphic Designer shall not retain any such materials or copies thereof or any such tangible property.

5. The Graphic Designer agrees that Graphic Designer’s obligation not to disclose or to use information and materials of the types set forth in paragraphs (2) and (4) above, and Graphic Designer's obligation to return materials and tangible property set forth in paragraph (4) above extends to such types of information, materials and tangible property of customers of the Client or suppliers to the Client or other third parties who may have disclosed or entrusted the same to the Client or to the Graphic Designer.

6. The Graphic Designer acknowledges that the Client from time to time may have agreements with other persons or with the United States Government, or agencies thereof, that impose obligations or restrictions on the Client regarding inventions made during the course of work under such agreements or regarding the confidential nature of such work. The Graphic Designer agrees to be bound by all such obligations and restrictions that are known to Graphic Designer and to take all action necessary to discharge the obligations of the Client under such agreements.

b. Inventions.

1. All inventions, ideas, creations, discoveries, computer programs, works of authorship, data, developments, technology, designs, innovations and improvements (whether or not patentable and whether or not copyrightable) which are made, conceived, reduced to practice, created, written, designed or developed by the Graphic Designer, solely or jointly with others or under Graphic Designer's direction and whether during normal business hours or otherwise, (i) during the Consultation Period if related to the business of the Client or (ii) after the Consultation Period if resulting or directly derived from Proprietary Information (as defined below) (collectively under clauses (i) and (ii), "Inventions"), shall be the sole property of the Client. The Graphic Designer hereby assigns to the Client all Inventions and any and all related patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and other industrial and intellectual property rights and applications therefore, in the United States and elsewhere and appoints any officer of the Client as Graphic Designer's duly authorized attorney to execute, file, prosecute and protect the same before any government agency, court or authority. However, this paragraph shall not apply to Inventions which do not relate to the business or research and development conducted or planned to be conducted by the Client at the time such Invention is created, made, conceived or reduced to practice and which are made and conceived by the Graphic Designer not during normal working hours, not on the Client’s premises and not using the Client’s tools, devices, equipment or Proprietary Information. The Graphic Designer further acknowledges that each original work of authorship which is made by the Graphic Designer (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of the Agreement and which is protectable by copyright is a "work made for hire," as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act.

2. Upon the request of the Client and at the Client’s expense, the Graphic Designer shall execute such further assignments, documents and other instruments as may be necessary or desirable to fully and completely assign all Inventions to the Client and to assist the Client in applying for, obtaining and enforcing patents or copyrights or other rights in the United States and in any foreign country with respect to any Invention. The Graphic Designer also hereby waives all claims to moral rights in any Inventions.

3. The Graphic Designer shall promptly disclose to the Client all Inventions and will maintain adequate and current written records (in the form of notes, sketches, drawings and as may be specified by the Client) to document the conception and/or first actual reduction to practice of any Invention. Such written records shall be available to and remain the sole property of the Client at all times.

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 6(b), the ownership and use of the Inventions that are assigned to the Client in Section 6(b)(i) (the "Assigned Inventions") shall be limited as set forth in Exhibit B.

7. Limitation of Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere herein, neither party shall be liable to the other for any consequential, special, incidental, indirect or punitive damages of any kind or character, including, but not limited to, loss of use, loss of profit, loss of anticipated profit, loss of bargain, loss of revenue or loss of product or production, however arising under this contract or as a result of, relating to or in connection with the service and the parties’ performance of the obligations hereunder, and no such claim shall be made by any party against the other regardless of whether such claim is based or claimed to be based on negligence (including sole, joint, active, passive, or concurrent negligence, but excluding gross negligence), fault, breach of warranty, breach of agreement, breach of contract, statute, strict liability or any other theory of liability.

8. Indemnification. The Graphic Designer shall be solely liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from any claims, suits, judgments or causes of action initiated by any third party against the Company where such actions result from or arise out of the services performed by the Graphic Designer or its Employees under this Agreement. The Graphic Designer shall further be solely liable for, and shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from and against any claim or liability of any kind (including penalties, fees or charges) resulting from the Graphic Designer’s or its Employees’ failure to pay the taxes, penalties, and payments referenced in Section 9 of this Agreement. The Graphic Designer shall further indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its successors and assigns from and against any and all loss or damage resulting from any misrepresentation, or any non-fulfillment of any representation, responsibility, covenant or agreement on its part, as well as any and all acts, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, penalties, judgments of or against the Company relating to or arising out of the activities of the Graphic Designer or its Employees and the Graphic Designer shall pay reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incident thereto.

9. Independent Contractor Status. The parties shall be deemed independent contractors for all purposes hereunder. Accordingly:

a. The Graphic Designer will use its own equipment, tools and materials to perform its obligations hereunder.

b. The Client will not control how the Service is performed on a day-to-day basis and the Graphic Designer will determine when, where and how the Service will be provided.

c. The Client will not provide training to the Graphic Designer.

d. The Graphic Designer will be solely responsible for all state and federal income taxes in connection with this Agreement.

e. This Agreement does not constitute an employment, partnership, joint venture or agency between the parties hereto, nor shall either of the parties hold itself out as such contrary to the terms hereof by advertising or otherwise nor shall either of the parties become bound or become liable because of any representation, action or omission of the other.

10. General.

a. Survival. Sections 4 through 11 shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

b. Non-Solicitation. During the Service Period and for a period of [six (6) months] thereafter, the Graphic Designer shall not, either alone or in association with others, (a) solicit, or permit any organization directly or indirectly controlled by the Graphic Designer to solicit, any employee of the Client to leave the employment of the Client, or (b) solicit or permit any organization directly or indirectly controlled by the Graphic Designer to solicit any person who is engaged by the Client.

c. Use of Subcontractors. The Graphic Designer may use trusted contractors to complete components of the Graphic Designer’s obligations hereunder, provided that the Graphic Designer shall remain solely responsible for such contractors’ performance, that the Client shall have no obligation to such contractors and the use of such contractors shall not cause any increase in fees, costs or expenses that would otherwise be payable hereunder.

d. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the documents referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement between the Client and the Graphic Designer and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or representations by the parties, whether written or oral, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

e. Assignment. Neither party may assign or transfer this Agreement in whole or in part, nor any of the rights hereunder, without prior written consent of the other party.

f. Notices. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed effective upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address shown above, or at such other address or addresses as either party shall designate to the other in accordance with this Section 13.

g. Amendments. No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by each party.

h. Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the Graphic Designer and the Client agree that the court making the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified.

i. Force Majeure. Neither party will be liable for any failure or delay in its performance under this Agreement due to any cause beyond its reasonable control, including acts of war, acts of God, earthquake, flood, fire, embargo, riot, sabotage, or failure of third party power or telecommunications networks, provided that the delayed party: (a) gives the other party prompt notice of such cause and (b) uses its reasonable commercial efforts to promptly correct such failure or delay in performance.

j. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of (other than any principle of conflict or choice of laws that would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction).

k. Arbitration. Any unresolved controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, except as (i) otherwise provided in this Agreement, or (ii) any such controversies or claims arising out of either party’s intellectual property rights for which a provisional remedy or equitable relief is sought, shall be submitted to arbitration by one arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties, and if no agreement can be reached within thirty (30) days after names of potential arbitrators have been proposed by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”), then by one arbitrator having reasonable experience in corporate finance transactions of the type provided for in this Agreement and who is chosen by the AAA. The arbitration shall take place in , , in accordance with the AAA rules then in effect, and judgment upon any award rendered in such arbitration will be binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, costs, and necessary disbursements in addition to any other relief to which such party may be entitled.

l. Counterpart. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by facsimile, digital or electronic signature.