Graphic Design Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

What a good one includes

• A detailed description of the design deliverables, specifying formats, dimensions, and asset types.
• A clear revision policy that defines the exact number of feedback rounds included before extra fees apply.
• An explicit intellectual property clause outlining when and how ownership rights transfer to the client upon final payment.
• A structured payment schedule detailing deposit amounts, milestone payments, and accepted payment methods.
• A scope creep protocol explaining how additional, out-of-scope design requests will be priced and approved.
• A termination clause that establishes a "kill fee" to compensate you for work completed if the project is cancelled early.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to specify the number of design concepts or revision rounds, which often leads to endless, unpaid edit requests.
• Neglecting to define ownership of preliminary sketches, working files, and rejected concepts that should remain your property.
• Failing to outline a clear process for client approvals, allowing projects to stall indefinitely without final sign-off or payment.
• Treating the MOU as a rigid, adversarial document rather than a collaborative tool that aligns both parties' expectations.

Frequently asked questions