Recent Answers to Graphic Design Law Questions

Dawn K.

Answered Apr 15, 2025

I always recommend a signed agreement that covers the basics of "Q-TIPS"- this is for educational purposes only, by the way. The 1. Quantity 1 logo- plus, I would add the number of revisions under the agreement, because creative work often needs tweaks and you will be unprofitable when there are hours involved in 6 revisions when you only said 2. Time of Performance- 2 weeks? a month? 6 months? when will the project be done? When will payment be due? 3. Identity of the parties (pretty self-explanatory)4. Price (not your estimate, a contracted price) and 5. Subject matter. Not "logo" but an actual description with the colors, fonts, ideas. Finally, I would encourage project management software, like Trello, or Monday, or Asana, or whatever to track the phases of the project and the critical places the client must sign off on the design or document carefully the requests for revision. In a creative space, like graphic design, the final like or dislike can be subjective. You were hired to create a brand and an identity into a logo- and you didn't get paid. Based on the agreement, this is potentially small claims to enforce a verbal agreement.

Dolan W.

Answered Dec 27, 2024

Hello and welcome to contractscounsel.com! I've drafted plenty of these kinds of contracts so I know what you need to look for. A freelance contract doesn’t have to be super formal, just clear enough to protect both you and your client. You can start with the basics and outline exactly what you’re doing (the scope of work) and what the deliverables are, along with deadlines and how many revisions you’ll include. This avoids the dreaded “scope creep.” As a lawyer, I often have these similar issues because we're essentially freelance, too! Next, lock in your payment terms. Be clear about your rate, when you’ll get paid, and whether you want a deposit upfront. Include something about late fees too, so you’re not stuck chasing invoices forever. Since you’re a graphic designer, cover intellectual property. Decide if the client owns the final work after full payment or if you’re just licensing it to them. Also, say whether you can use the work in your portfolio. In my experience, giving them the work as their own copyright while giving you a license to use it in your portfolio and having Confidentiality is important and then a clause about what happens if a party doesn't pay is smart, too. We draft these kinds of agreements and the last thing you want is unclear instructions on things like this so it'll be worth every penny to post a job right here! Best of luck!