For graphic designers

Contracts for graphic designers

A UK graphic designer needs a signed graphic design contract before work starts: scope, revisions, , , and whether the client gets a or an . Under CDPA 1988 s.11 you own freelance work you create; s.90(3) requires an assignment in writing, signed. Lex drafts that on one shared link.

Last updated 3 November 2026

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Lex drafts it in Plain English beside the legal wording. Share one link; both sides agree and sign.

Templates graphic designers use most

Client workGraphic design contractA graphic design contract sets scope, revisions, rights and payment for a design project so both sides know what is included and when it is done.Read →Client workFreelancer agreementA freelancer agreement sets the brief, deliverables, rate, rights and payment terms between a freelancer and a client.Read →Client workServices agreement (MSA)A services agreement sets the standing terms for every project with a client, so each new job needs only a short statement of work.Read →Client workStatement of workA statement of work sets the scope, deliverables, milestones and fees for one project under a wider services agreement.Read →NDAs & IPMutual NDAA mutual NDA lets two businesses share confidential information both ways before a deal, and says what each side can do with it.Read →NDAs & IPPhotography licenceA photography licence lets a client use your photos for set uses, places and time, while you keep the copyright.Read →

Which clauses decide a graphic design contract?

Five lines decide most design jobs: who owns the work, how many revisions are included, the kill fee, the deposit, and the usage rights if you license instead of assign. Write them in the graphic design contract before you send first sketches. Lex puts them on one paper the client signs from a link.

The clauses that usually decide a UK freelance design job. Assignment of copyright must be in writing, signed — CDPA 1988 s.90(3).
ClauseWhat it doesTypical freelance line
IP and licenceWho owns the finals, libraries and working files.Assignment of finals on full payment; licensed.
RevisionsCaps rounds so “until we like it” is not the deal.Two consolidated rounds per deliverable; extras quoted first.
Kill feeMoney due if the client cancels.Work done plus a set percentage of the remaining fee.
DepositMoney before work starts.30–50% on signature; work does not start until it lands.
Usage rightsWhere and how long they can use the work if you license instead of assign.Named channels, territory and term; wider use costs more.

What contract does a graphic designer need?

Start from a graphic design contract. It fixes deliverables, revision rounds, the fee, the deposit, cancellation, and whether the client gets a licence or an assignment of copyright. Repeat clients often sit under a services agreement plus a statement of work. Lex drafts from one sentence; the client signs from one link.

Who owns the design under UK copyright law?

You do, unless you assign it. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 s.11 makes the author the first owner of copyright in a freelance artistic work. Section 90(3) says an assignment is not effective unless it is in writing, signed. Paying an invoice does not move ownership. Write assignment on full payment, and keep pre-existing libraries licensed. See who owns freelance work.

How many revision rounds should the contract include?

Two consolidated rounds per deliverable is the usual starting point. Name what a round is: one packed set of comments, not a drip of Slack notes. Extra rounds, or changes outside the brief, are quoted before work starts. Silence is read as “until we like it”. The revision limit is the line that stops that.

What should the kill fee and deposit say?

A deposit of 30–50% on signature, with work paused until it lands. A kill fee if they cancel: work done plus a set share of the remaining fee. There is no default UK right to keep a deposit; both sides have to agree it. Write the sums in the paper. See client cancels: can you keep the deposit?.

How do usage rights and source files work?

A licence lets them use the work for named channels, territory and term; you keep copyright. An assignment moves copyright, in writing, signed, usually on full payment. Source files are not included unless the paper says so. Price them separately and keep libraries as pre-existing materials. If they publish unpaid work, see client using work without paying.

Frequently asked questions

What contract does a graphic designer need?

A graphic design contract covering scope, revisions, deposit, kill fee, and whether the client gets a licence or an assignment. Repeat work often uses a services agreement plus a . Start from the graphic design contract template.

Do I own the work until I am paid?

Yes, unless you assigned copyright in writing, signed. CDPA 1988 s.11 makes you the first owner. s.90(3) requires a signed written assignment. Paying an invoice does not move ownership. Write assignment on full payment.

Are source files included?

Only if the contract says so. Many designers hand over final exports and keep working files. If the client needs source files for later edits, price that separately and keep pre-existing libraries licensed, not assigned.

How many revision rounds should I include?

Two consolidated rounds per deliverable is a common starting point. Name what a round is and price extras. Silence is often read as “until we like it”.

Can I keep the deposit if the client cancels?

Only if both sides agreed a deposit or kill fee. There is no default UK right to keep money described as a deposit after the fact. Write the sum, when it is due, and what happens on cancellation.

Can my client sign without creating an account?

Yes. You share one link, the client reads the agreement in Plain English, agrees and signs. It is free for them.

Sources

Related

The legal wording governsLast reviewed 3 November 2026Pending lawyer review