What is a design services agreement?

A design services agreement is a contract specifically tailored for designers - graphic designers, brand designers, UI/UX designers, illustrators, and other visual creatives. It covers the unique aspects of design work that a generic service agreement might miss.

Design projects have specific quirks: revision rounds, creative ownership, source file delivery, and the grey area between "feedback" and "scope creep." This template addresses all of them.

When should you use one?

Any time you take on a design project - logo design, brand identity, website design, packaging, marketing materials, illustration work, or UI/UX projects. It works for both fixed-price projects and hourly arrangements.

What's included

Creative brief - a section to document the project goals, target audience, brand direction, and any specific requirements before work begins.

Revision rounds - how many rounds of feedback are included, what counts as a revision versus a new direction, and extra fees for additional rounds.

File delivery - which file formats you'll deliver (e.g. .ai, .psd, .fig, .pdf, .png) and whether source files are included or cost extra.

Creative ownership - IP transfers to the client on full payment. Until then, all work remains yours. Includes rights to use the work in your portfolio.

Approval process - how the client signs off on each stage. Written approval at milestones protects you from "that's not what I asked for" after delivery.

Kill fee - if the project is cancelled partway through, this clause ensures you're compensated for work already done.