Graphic Design Contract by EasyLegalDocs
This graphic design contract outlines the relationship between a client and designer, specifying services to be delivered, payment terms, confidentiality, intellectual property ownership, and each party’s responsibilities. It also includes provisions for termination, dispute resolution, warranties, liability limits, indemnification, and governing law, forming the full and binding agreement between the parties.
GRAPHIC DESIGN CONTRACT
This Graphic Design Contract (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") is made and effective [effective date] (the “Effective Date”),
BY AND BETWEEN: | [client name], with an address of [client address], hereinafter referred to as the “Client”. |
AND: | [designer name], with an address of [designer address], hereinafter referred to as the “Designer”, collectively referred to as the “Parties”. |
PARTIES
The Parties agree that the Designer will deliver the following services:
The Designer will deliver the services on or before [completion date].
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
The Designer is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of the Client. The Designer has no authority to bind the Client. The Designer is solely responsible for all taxes, withholdings, and other statutory, regulatory, or contractual obligations of any sort, including compensation and benefits for its personnel.
APPROVALS
The Designer agrees to obtain the consent of the Client for any expenses to be incurred that exceed $250.00 USD in fees.
FEES
The Parties agree that the total cost of the services will be [total fee amount], payable as follows:
_____ USD (Initial Payment): Due at the signing of this Agreement.
Remaining balance (Final Payment): Due within thirty (30) days of the Client’s written acceptance of the services and receipt of a correct and undisputed invoice.
The Designer will provide an invoice to the Client each month for the services completed. Invoices are payable Net 30 days from receipt. Any late amounts may accrue a late charge at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. The Client will reimburse only pre-approved, reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses at cost with receipts; the Designer is responsible for its own overhead and taxes.
TERMINATION
This Agreement may be terminated in the event of:
Immediate termination if either Party breaches this Agreement or any of the conditions set forth herein and fails to remedy the breach within 7 days.
This Agreement will automatically terminate upon completion of the services.
The Client may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon ten (10) days’ written notice. Upon such termination, the Client will pay for services properly performed and approved expenses incurred up to the effective termination date, and the Designer will promptly deliver all work-in-progress and Deliverables created to date.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All terms and conditions of this Agreement and any materials provided during the term of the Agreement must be kept confidential by the Designer unless the disclosure is required pursuant to the process of law.
OWNERSHIP
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About this template
What is this template?
This document is a professional services contract for creative work. It includes specific provisions for 'works made for hire' and a $250 limit on unapproved expenses. It is not an employment contract or a general retainer agreement.
When should you use it?
Use this when hiring an external designer for a project with a fixed completion date. Use a Master Service Agreement instead if the relationship involves recurring projects over several years.
What's inside
| Clause | Name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR | Independent Contractor | The Designer confirms they are an independent contractor and is solely responsible for all statutory withholdings and personnel benefits. |
| APPROVALS | Approvals | The Designer must obtain written consent for any project expenses that exceed $250.00 USD. |
| FEES | Fees | Invoices are payable within 30 days of receipt, with late amounts accruing interest at 1.5% per month. |
| TERMINATION | Termination | The Client may terminate for convenience with 10 days' written notice, provided they pay for work completed up to that date. |
| OWNERSHIP | Ownership | All work product is deemed 'work made for hire' owned by the Client, while the Designer retains pre-existing materials. |
| GOVERNING LAW | Governing Law | The Agreement is governed and interpreted specifically according to the laws of the State of Delaware. |
| ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION | Alternative Dispute Resolution | The Parties must submit unresolved disputes to non-binding mediation in Delaware before proceeding to court in New Castle County. |
Who it's for
- a freelance graphic artist providing custom brand assets or digital designs to a business
- a creative professional needing to secure intellectual property rights for a Delaware-based client
- an independent designer requiring a formal payment schedule with late fee provisions
How long it runs and how it's signed
United States note
This version is drafted for US law generally. Contract, employment and consumer rules vary by state — for example on non-competes and at-will employment. Tell GitLaw which state applies and it adjusts the draft.
Frequently asked questions
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