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Graphic Design Agreement Template

Concepts, revisions, files and ownership agreed up front — so the project ends with a logo, not an argument.

Use This Template — Free See the Agreement Signers don’t need an account
Graphic design agreement
The blanks in brackets are what you fill in. VergeHR adds each signer’s signature and date boxes.
Graphic design agreement — page 1 of 3
Page 1 of 3
Graphic design agreement — page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 3
Graphic design agreement — page 3 of 3
Page 3 of 3
Use This Template Fill in the blanks, name who signs, and send — from VergeHR eSignature.

What is a graphic design agreement?

A graphic design agreement is the contract between a designer and a client for a logo, brand identity, print, packaging or digital design project. The disputes it prevents are familiar to every designer: endless revision rounds, a client who wants the editable files they didn't pay for, a logo used before the final invoice is settled, and a printing mistake in a proof the client approved.

This template sets the brief, the number of initial concepts and revision rounds, optional dates for concepts and completion, and exactly which final files are delivered — with a choice on editable source files. You pick a payment schedule (with a non-refundable deposit option) and an hourly rate for extra work. Ownership of the final design passes to the client only on full payment; unused concepts stay with the designer. It also covers client proof approval, originality, the fact that trademark clearance isn't included, portfolio use and cancellation.

Best for
Freelance designers and studios doing logos, branding, print and packaging
Signed by
The designer and the client, with job titles
Payment
50/50, 30/40/30, or 100% up front or before delivery
Length
2-3 pages, initialled on every page

When to Use a graphic design agreement

  • A new business commissions a logo and brand identity
  • A designer produces packaging for a product launch
  • An event needs posters, flyers and signage designed for print
  • A company refreshes its social media graphics and templates
  • An illustrator creates artwork for a client's book cover or website

What You Fill In

20 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: designer, client.

1 The parties

  • Designer (your business or name)*
  • Designer address
  • Client (company or person)*
  • Client address

2 The project

  • Agreement date*
  • Type of project* logo and brand identity design · logo design · print design · packaging design · digital and social media graphics · illustration · graphic design
  • What you will design*
  • Initial concepts presented*
  • Rounds of revisions included*
  • First concepts delivered by
  • Target completion date

3 Delivery

  • Final files delivered*
  • Editable source files* are included · are not included, but can be bought for the fee below · are not included
  • Fee for source files

4 Price and payment

  • Currency*
  • Total project fee*
  • Payment schedule* a 50% non-refundable deposit on signing and the balance before final files are delivered · a 30% non-refundable deposit on signing, 40% when a concept is chosen and 30% before final files are delivered · 100% on signing · 100% before final files are delivered
  • Hourly rate for extra work*
  • Invoices are due within (days)*

5 Other terms

  • Governing law*

6 Who signs

  • Designer signature and date, job title, initials on every page · The designer or design studio.
  • Client signature and date, job title, initials on every page

What the graphic design agreement Covers

  1. The brief
  2. Concepts, revisions and approval
  3. Final files
  4. Fees and payment
  5. Ownership and rights
  6. Cancellation
  7. General

Using the graphic design agreement, step by step

1 Write the brief

Choose the project type and describe exactly what you'll create — for example a primary logo, secondary mark, colour palette and brand guidelines PDF. The client supplies content and brand materials and confirms it has the rights to them.

2 Set concepts and revisions

Enter how many initial concepts you present and how many revision rounds are included. A round is one consolidated set of written feedback; more rounds are charged at your hourly rate.

3 List the final files

The default covers vector and image formats in colour, one-colour and reversed versions. Choose whether editable source files are included, not included, or available for a separate fee.

4 Choose the payment schedule

Pick a deposit structure, enter the total fee and your hourly rate for extras. Final files aren't delivered while an invoice is overdue.

5 Send it

Add the client and send. Both of you sign and initial each page; the signed agreement is filed in Files.

Tips Before You Send It

  • Ask for consolidated feedback from one decision-maker per round — it keeps revision rounds meaningful.
  • Have the client sign off a final proof, including spelling and colours, before anything goes to print.
  • List every font and stock image used, so the client knows what licences to keep.
  • Recommend a trademark search before the client invests heavily in a new logo or name.

Sign It Online In Minutes

  1. Fill in the blanks. Names, dates and amounts go straight into the agreement — the preview shows exactly where.
  2. Name who signs. Tick “This is me” for your own part. VergeHR builds the PDF with every signature, date and initials box on the right line, and you can check or move anything before sending.
  3. Send it. Each signer gets a secure link and signs from any device — no account needed. The signed PDF, with an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion, is filed in Files and emailed to everyone.
Use the graphic design agreement Template — It’s Free

Graphic design agreement: frequently asked questions

When does the client own the logo?

Once all amounts due are paid in full, the designer transfers its rights in the final approved design. Until then the client may use the designs only to review them.

Does the client get the source files?

You choose: included, not included, or available for a separate fee. The final artwork files listed in the agreement are always delivered once paid for.

Does the designer check that a logo can be trademarked?

No. The agreement says the designer doesn't carry out trademark searches or registrations, and that the client should arrange its own clearance before relying on a logo or brand name.

Is an agreement signed electronically legally binding?

In most countries, including the US (ESIGN Act and UETA), the UK, the EU (eIDAS) and Canada, an electronic signature is generally valid for an ordinary commercial contract like this one. VergeHR keeps an audit trail and a Certificate of Completion with the signed PDF as evidence of who signed and when.

Is this template free?

Yes. The template is free to use with the eSignature app in VergeHR. Your client doesn't need a VergeHR login to sign.

Use This Template — Free