How to Write Your Own Freelance Contract

Thanks to the internet, there are so many variations on contracts out there. You can ask AI to help finesse your language, but it’s better to seek out pre-written contracts written and vetted by the pros. The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook is the best reference for any freelance designer or illustrator, but copywriters and other creatives can just as easily model contracts after those of a designer. If you can get a lawyer’s eyes on your contract or ask someone in an HR position who deals with contracts often, all the better. Speaking of, we are NOT lawyers and this blog is purely for informational purposes. Still, we do know a few basic things you’ll need to include in every creative contract:

Legal Names, Addresses, and Contact Info

Outline who, where, and how to get in touch with both parties.

Start and End Dates

When does the job begin and end? Ask questions of the client if you’re not sure, but do set an end date. 

Scope of the Project

• Definition of Duties
  Outline the job duties you will perform for this client in this contract. This ensures everyone’s expectations are on the same page and there are no surprises down the line.
• Rounds of Edits
  Number how many rounds of edits you will provide. Three is a typical number before agreeing on a final direction. 
• Delivery Schedule
  Outline when deliverables will be sent to the client. Feel free to lay out the client’s preferred way of receiving documents (formatting, color profile, size, etc.)
• Pay Rate
  Lay out the agreed-upon pay rate and timeframe, whether you’ll be paid by project, by the hour, etc. Pay rate should be agreed upon before you send the contract.

• Pay Schedule
  Present how often you will invoice the client and mention when payment is due (upon receipt, within 30 days, no more than 90 days, etc.) 

Usage Rights

This section applies more so to visual creatives (like designers, photographers, and illustrators). Outline who owns what how the client may use your final product. Also outline how you would require additional fees for other usages, should the client want to reuse your product in the future.

Termination Agreement

In the event that things don’t work out, outline a termination plan. The typical amount of time to give the client or for the client to give to you is two weeks. It’s both courteous to the client and it also protects you from being out of a job tomorrow.

Treatment of Sensitive Information

List out how you will respectfully deal with any company information during and after the project has ended. It is typical to mention that all company information and property belongs to the client and once you complete the project, you may be required to dispose of anything sensitive (especially if you signed an NDA at the outset).

Signatures, Names, Titles, and Dates

Once both parties have had at least two days to read through your contract and come to an agreement, both parties must sign and date the contract. You can use online signing apps like Docusign or even scan and sign files through Dropbox.

 While this outline is basic, we hope that this helps you to write your own freelance contracts. Be sure to consult with more experienced freelancers to see what they recommend. You can also reach out to your local freelancers union for contract tips. Again, it’s best to consult a lawyer, but we recognize not everyone has that kind of access. Finally, if you’re looking for your next client, we can help with that, too! Our recruiters are experts in placing freelancers and full-timers alike with great companies.