Freelance Graphic Design Contract

Freelance Graphic Design Contract Template

This Freelance Graphic Design Contract (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Date], by and between:

Client: [Full Name / Company Name], with an address at [Address], email [Email], phone [Phone]
Designer: [Full Name], with an address at [Address], email [Email], phone [Phone]

Together, the “Parties.”

1. Scope of Services

The Designer agrees to provide the following design services:
[Describe services — e.g., logo design, brand identity, packaging, website graphics, marketing collateral].

Deliverables, milestones, and technical specifications are detailed in Exhibit A – Scope of Work.

2. Project Timeline

a. Start Date: [Start Date]
b. Completion Date: [End Date]
c. Milestones: Key deadlines are listed in Exhibit A.

Delays caused by the Client (e.g., late feedback or missing content) may extend the timeline.

3. Fees and Payment Terms

a. Project Fee: $[Amount] (fixed price) OR $[Hourly Rate] per hour.
b. Payment Schedule:
• [X]% upfront deposit
• [X]% upon delivery of first drafts
• [X]% upon final approval

c. Method: [Bank transfer / PayPal / Other].
d. Late Payments: Interest of [X]% per month applies to overdue balances.
e. Kill Fee: If the project is terminated early, the Client shall pay for all work completed plus [X]% of the remaining contract value.

4. Revisions

This Agreement includes [X] rounds of revisions.
Additional revisions beyond this limit will be billed at $[Hourly Rate] or require a new agreement.

5. Intellectual Property and Ownership

a. Upon full payment, the Client owns all final approved deliverables.
b. The Designer retains ownership of preliminary drafts, concepts, and unused ideas.
c. The Designer may display the final work in portfolios or promotional materials unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.
d. Third-party assets (fonts, stock images, software) remain subject to their original licenses.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:
• Provide clear instructions, feedback, and content on schedule.
• Supply brand guidelines, logos, and reference material (if applicable).
• Review and approve deliverables within [X] business days.

7. Confidentiality

Both Parties agree to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary or sensitive information shared during the project.

8. Independent Contractor Status

The Designer is an independent contractor, not an employee, and is solely responsible for taxes, insurance, and business expenses.

9. Termination

Either Party may terminate this Agreement with [X] days’ written notice.
If terminated, the Client must pay for all work completed plus any applicable kill fee (see Section 3e).

10. Limitation of Liability

The Designer shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Liability is limited to the total fees paid under this Agreement.

11. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Designer against claims arising from Client’s misuse of the deliverables, including copyright or trademark violations if the Client directs use of unlicensed material.

12. Force Majeure

Neither Party is liable for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, strikes, or government restrictions.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute shall first be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within [30] days, disputes shall proceed to [mediation/arbitration/litigation] in [City, State].

14. Notices

All notices must be in writing and delivered by email with confirmation, courier, or certified mail to the addresses listed above.

15. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of [State/Country].

16. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including its Exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior discussions. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

Signatures

Client:
Name: ____________________
Signature: _________________
Date: _____________________

Designer:
Name: ____________________
Signature: _________________
Date: _____________________

Exhibit A – Scope of Work
[List deliverables, file formats, milestones, and any style guide references.]

Exhibit B – Payment Schedule
[Detailed breakdown of payment structure if applicable.]