Of course, designing is not only a matter of creativity; it’s also largely about copywriting, contracts, and permissions. But which clauses do you need to mention? What kind of conditions or formulations do you have to be aware of?

The templates below provide answers by giving you a corresponding pattern to follow. Especially at docracy.com, there are a bunch of useful samples. But please note that all these templates are just examples of how a well- written contract could look.

The perfect design contract always depends on your current situation—and what kind of project you’re creating. If anything is unclear or you have specific questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a specialized lawyer.

Work for Hire

Another kind of contract for designers is “Work for Hire Contracts.” They’re used if a designer is hired by a creative company. Then all the rights are transferred from the artist to the client. Everything designers create after they’re hired by a company becomes the client’s property.

Work for Hire Agreement Distilled – Docracy

Work for Hire Agreement – Docracy

The following standard form is pretty long, and it can which seem quite overwhelming at first. But this document contains all the terms and conditions a designer can make use of. If you like, you can use a form builder to rebuild it and simplify it yourself. After all, the terms are combinable as a function of your current job situation—and the employer you’re working for.

Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services – AIGA

Here’s a detailed guide to the world of contracts. Although the title is more focused on web designers, the samples that the author is presenting in this article can be used for any kind of designer. Also, the tips mentioned in the guide are obligatory, so they’re important to be aware of.

Design Contracts for Freelance Web Designers – Webdesign Law