Graphics Design Terms & Conditions

Graphic Designers create on powerful computers.

Graphic Designers are hired to craft their client's message into a persuasive and informative piece of visual communication. Whether they create movie posters, corporate logos or web sites, graphic designers use type, color, and images to put the idea across. There are terms and conditions for the graphic design business intended to insure fair trade practices based on detailed client-designer agreements.

Graphic Designer Responsibilities

A simple but effective graphic design for a 3D object.

Graphic designers must combine their aesthetic skills with strategic planning and project management skills in order to create effective communication, branding and marketing strategies for their clients. Designers are called upon to work within the client budget, delivering maximum value. They create work for print, electronic and 3D media, such as signage. In creating marketing and communication materials and strategies for their clients, graphic designers are often called upon to educate them on the effective use of graphic communication.

The Agreement

It is important for graphic designers and their clients that all conditions and expectations be spelled out before work begins, and agreed upon by both parties. The graphic design agreement spells out the intended use of the graphic design, the price and terms of sale. The agreement may also be called a contract, purchase order or letter of agreement. Often, the agreement may be prepared in response to a client Design Brief, which is a detailed request for a bid on a specific graphic design project.

Transfer of copyright

Designers sometimes sub-contract illustrators.

Most agreements include a description of when, where and how the design may be used, and for what duration of time. Graphic designers may transfer the copyright of the design to the client in the agreement, but often a higher fee is negotiated for client buyout of copyright. When working with freelance photographers and illustrators, it is assumed that the freelancer retains copyright and is selling their work on a limited use basis unless otherwise stated in the agreement.

Trace Practices

Graphic designers charge higher fees for rush work, usually from 50 to 100 percent higher. Whether they bill by the project or by the hour, designers bill their clients for expenses such as digital output, and subcontractor fees. Traditionally these expenses are marked up 15 to 25 percent. Clients are called upon to provide any copy writing in an electronic format, proofreading and press or comprehensive design checks.

Payment Terms

For large projects, terms of payment are traditionally one-third up front, one-third upon approval of comprehensive design plans known as Comps, and the final third within 30 days of delivery. Some graphic designers also work with 50 percent down, and 50 percent upon delivery terms, while others allow credit worthy clients to pay within 30 days of invoicing, known as net 30. Graphic Design firms usually bill by the project, while individual graphic designers may bill according to an hourly fee. Many designers charge a partial fee for canceled projects, referred to as a kill fee.

References

• "Pricing & Ethical Guidelines", Graphic Artists Guild, 2010