Graphic Design Services Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of the exact design assets, file formats, and specifications to be delivered to prevent scope creep.
• A clear limit on the number of feedback rounds included in the flat rate and the hourly fee for any subsequent revisions.
• A structured timeline specifying the upfront deposit, milestone payments, final payment terms, and late fee penalties.
• A precise clause detailing when ownership of the final designs transfers to the client, which should ideally only occur after full payment is received.
• A clause allowing the designer to showcase the completed work in their professional portfolio and marketing materials.
• A clear mechanism for how either party can end the project early, including a kill fee to compensate the designer for work already completed.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Transferring intellectual property rights to the client before receiving the final payment.
• Failing to define a specific limit on design revisions, which leads to endless unpaid feedback loops.
• Leaving the project scope vague instead of listing the exact deliverables and file formats required.
• Omitting a kill fee clause that ensures you get paid for your time if the client abruptly cancels the project mid-way.

Frequently asked questions