Design projects go wrong in predictable ways: the "final" logo gets its tenth revision, the client uses your concept but cancels before paying, or a logo made for a website ends up on packaging sold nationwide. A clear contract handles all three.
Revisions: define the number and the meaning
In a survey by Remote, cited by DemandSage, 60% of freelancers named managing client expectations as a challenge. For designers, revisions are where that shows up most. The fix is a revision clause with three parts:
- 1How many concepts you present at the start.
- 2How many revision rounds are included, where one round is one consolidated set of feedback.
- 3What happens next: extra rounds are billed at a set price, and a new direction is a new project phase.
Ask for consolidated feedback from one decision-maker. Five stakeholders sending separate comments is five revision rounds in disguise.
Copyright and usage rights
As the creator, you generally own the copyright to your work until you transfer it. The most important protection is simple: rights transfer only after full payment. If a client stops paying, they do not own the work.
| Option | What the client gets | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full copyright transfer | Complete ownership of final artwork after payment | Logos and brand identities |
| Exclusive license | Sole right to use the work for agreed purposes | Illustrations, campaign visuals |
| Non-exclusive license | Right to use it, while you can license it to others | Stock-style assets, templates |
Always keep two things for yourself: rights to unused concepts and sketches, and the right to show the work in your portfolio.
Kill fees: get paid if the project stops
A kill fee covers your time when a client cancels. A kill fee of around 25% of the project price is a common starting point, and experienced freelancers often negotiate more, up to the full fee when the work is nearly done. A tiered approach is easy to explain:
| Cancelled during | Client pays |
|---|---|
| Discovery / before concepts | Deposit (non-refundable) |
| Concept stage | 50% of the project fee |
| Revisions / final files | 100% of the project fee |
Free graphic design contract template
GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on [date] between [Your name / business] ("Designer") and [Client name / company] ("Client").
1. PROJECT AND DELIVERABLES
Designer will create: [e.g. primary logo, secondary mark, color palette, typography guide].
Final files: [AI, SVG, PDF, PNG, JPG] in [color versions].
Not included unless agreed in writing: [printing, website design, additional assets].
2. PROCESS AND REVISIONS
Designer will present [2] initial concepts. Client selects one direction. The fee includes [2] rounds of revisions on the chosen concept. A revision round is one consolidated set of feedback from Client's designated contact, [name]. Additional rounds cost [$ per round]. A request for new concepts or a new direction will be quoted as a new phase.
3. TIMELINE
Concepts delivered within [X] business days of the signed agreement and deposit. Revisions delivered within [X] business days of feedback. Delays in Client feedback extend the timeline accordingly.
4. FEES AND PAYMENT
Total fee: [$ amount].
Payment schedule: [50%] deposit before work begins, [50%] before final files are delivered.
Invoices are due within [14] days. Late payments incur [X% per month]. Final files are released after full payment.
5. OWNERSHIP AND USAGE
Upon receipt of full payment, Designer transfers to Client [full copyright / an exclusive license for the following uses: ______] in the final approved artwork. Until full payment, all rights remain with Designer. Unused concepts, sketches, and working files remain the property of Designer.
6. THIRD-PARTY ASSETS
Fonts, stock images, or other licensed assets may require Client to purchase their own license. Designer will identify any such assets before final delivery.
7. PORTFOLIO RIGHTS
Designer may display the work in portfolio and promotional materials after public launch, unless Client requests confidentiality in writing.
8. CANCELLATION AND KILL FEE
Client may cancel with written notice. The deposit is non-refundable. If cancelled during the concept stage, Client pays [50%] of the total fee. If cancelled after a concept is chosen, Client pays [100%] of the total fee. No rights transfer for cancelled work unless paid in full.
9. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Client confirms that any materials provided (logos, images, text) are owned by Client or used with permission, and is responsible for trademark searches and registration.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
Designer will keep Client's non-public business information confidential.
Signed:
Designer: ____________________ Date: __________
Client: ______________________ Date: __________Before you send it
- Match the deliverables to your proposal word for word.
- Name the single contact who gives feedback.
- Take the deposit before you open your design software.
- Keep a signed copy with the project, not buried in email.
Setting your fee? Our guide on how much to charge for logo design covers prices and packages.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the copyright in a freelance design project?
Generally the designer owns the copyright until it is transferred in writing. A common approach is to transfer copyright of the final approved artwork to the client only after full payment.
How many revisions should a design contract include?
Two rounds of revisions on a chosen concept is a common default. Define a round as one consolidated set of feedback and set a price for additional rounds.
What is a reasonable kill fee for design work?
Around 25% of the project fee is a common starting point, rising to the full fee if the project is cancelled close to completion.