Professional Design Contract Template

This Design Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE] by and between:
Designer: [YOUR NAME/STUDIO], located at [ADDRESS] ("Designer")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")

Designer agrees to provide the following design services:
Project: [PROJECT NAME/DESCRIPTION]
Deliverables:
  - [e.g., Logo design: 3 initial concepts, 1 final design]
  - [e.g., Brand identity package: logo, color palette, typography]
  - [e.g., Website design: homepage, 5 interior pages, mobile layouts]
File Formats: [e.g., AI, EPS, PNG, PDF, Figma]
NOT Included: [e.g., printing, development, copywriting, photography]

Phase 1 - Discovery: [X] days - Research, brief review, mood boards
Phase 2 - Concepts: [X] days - [X] initial design concepts presented
Phase 3 - Refinement: [X] days - Selected concept refined based on feedback
Phase 4 - Finalization: [X] days - Final files prepared and delivered
Total Timeline: Approximately [X] weeks from project kickoff
Timeline assumes Client provides feedback within [X] business days at each phase

This project includes:
  - [X] rounds of revisions during concept phase
  - [X] rounds of revisions during refinement phase
A revision round = one consolidated set of changes from Client
Additional revisions: $[AMOUNT] per round or $[RATE]/hour
Major direction changes after concept approval may require additional fees

Total Project Fee: $[AMOUNT]
Payment Schedule:
  - 50% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing (before work begins)
  - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon concept approval
  - 25% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon final delivery
Final files will be delivered upon receipt of final payment
Late payments incur [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period

Upon final payment, Client receives full ownership of final approved designs
Until final payment, all work remains Designer's property
Designer retains ownership of:
  - All preliminary work, sketches, and unused concepts
  - Source files (unless specifically included in scope)
  - The right to display work in portfolio and marketing
Client provides any necessary brand assets, content, and permissions

Client must provide written approval at each project phase
Approval indicates satisfaction with work to that point
Changes to approved work may incur additional fees
Final sign-off confirms project completion and triggers final payment

Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice
Upon termination, Client pays for all completed work:
  - Concept phase complete: [X]% of total fee
  - Refinement phase complete: [X]% of total fee
  - Final phase complete: 100% of total fee
Designer will provide all completed work upon payment

Designer's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement
Designer not liable for any loss of profits or indirect damages
Client responsible for verifying designs meet their requirements before final approval

Both parties agree to the terms above.
Designer: _________________ Date: _________
Client: _________________ Date: _________