Freelance Graphic Design contract template
A design services agreement protects both your time and your intellectual property, and matters even for small jobs since scope creep and unclear usage rights are the two most common freelance-design disputes.
Scope of work and deliverables
List exactly what's included (e.g. 3 logo concepts, 2 rounds of revisions, final files in specified formats) and price any additional concepts or revision rounds beyond that as a separate line item.
Usage rights and licensing
Specify whether the client receives unlimited commercial usage rights, a limited license (e.g. digital-only, one campaign), or a work-for-hire transfer of full ownership — this materially affects price and should never be left implicit.
Payment schedule and kill fee
Require a deposit before work begins (typically 25-50%), state when the remaining balance is due, and include a kill fee if the client cancels mid-project so partial work is still compensated.
Revision limits and scope creep
Cap the number of included revision rounds and define what counts as a revision vs. a new concept request, so 'just one more small change' doesn't quietly become unpaid extra work.
File ownership and source files
State whether the client receives only final exported files or also editable source files (.ai, .psd, .fig), since source files often cost more and let the client edit the work themselves later.
Credit and portfolio rights
Reserve the right to display the finished work in your own portfolio and case studies unless the client has a specific confidentiality need (e.g. an unannounced product launch).
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.