Going back through my del.icio.us links from earlier in the year I came across this nugget from the Outlaw Design Blog highlighting a few places online you can get yourself some contract templates to customise for your own design needs.

Going forward, I think contracts are vital and I wouldn’t be without one. When I’m taking on new client work I have the client sign off on the terms of the proposal, in most cases agreeing to pay 50% of the project fee up front unless other terms have been negotiated (depending on the scale of the project) but what both myself and the client are getting is a binding agreement between two parties to deliver the terms of a proposal - from design deliverables through to payments.

The same can apply the other way, I have also been approached by clients with their own contracts, setting out terms for the deal, matters arising from termination or failure to live up to the terms of the contract - it works both ways and protects both parties.

As such, here are a few places you can gather contracts online. Take the time to review them, see if they’re adaptable to your own needs and if so, implement them.

Contract Resources For Freelance Designers

• Business Of Design Online - includes NDAs, project approval forms, request for quotes, order change forms etc.
• AIGA Standard Form Of Agreement For Design Services
• Work For Hire Agreement, necessary to ensure copyright transfer
• Logo Design Contract
• Freelance Design Contracts & Templates, including SEO, web marketing, art approval, invoices.
• Web Design Contract, from Premium Web Development LLC.
• Web Design & Programming Contracts from Site Pro Central

Have you come up with any contract layouts or have any contract tips that you can offer? Why not leave a comment and let us know?

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