Graphic Design Contract Template for Indian Designers (2026)

Graphic design projects break down for predictable reasons: unlimited revisions, who pays for fonts, what counts as "final files," what happens if the client rejects all three concepts, and who approves print proofs.

A good design contract handles all of these up front.

14 clauses for graphic design contracts

In addition to the standard contract clauses:

1. Deliverables

Precise list:

• 3 initial logo concepts
• Selected concept refined over 2 rounds
• Final logo in AI, EPS, SVG, PNG (transparent), JPG
• Color palette, typography recommendations
• Business card, letterhead, email signature
• 20-page brand guideline PDF

No "and other design work as needed" — that is an unlimited scope clause.

2. Design process timeline

• Deposit and brief received → first concepts within 10 working days
• Client feedback within 5 working days
• Revision rounds completed within 7 working days of feedback
• Final delivery within 3 working days of final approval

3. Revisions

• 2 revision rounds are included (define what counts: adjustments to selected concept, not new directions)
• Additional revisions at ₹X/hour
• New concept directions after first presentation are billed as add-ons
• Feedback must be consolidated in writing; piecemeal Slack feedback over 10 messages does not count as one round

4. Client feedback and approvals

• Single point of contact for feedback (design-by-committee kills projects)
• Feedback provided within 5 working days
• No response within 10 working days = deemed approved
• Verbal approvals must be confirmed in writing/email

5. Source files

Specify which files are delivered:

• Final print-ready PDFs (CMYK, with bleed)
• Editable Adobe files (AI/INDD/PSD) — some designers charge extra for these; state clearly
• Web-ready JPG/PNG (RGB, optimized)
• EPS/SVG for vector work

6. Fonts, stock imagery, third-party assets

• Commercial fonts and stock images are licensed separately by the client unless explicitly included
• You will specify which assets are purchased and approximate cost
• You provide links and client purchases licenses directly
• Free/open-source assets are included

7. Printing and production

• Print files provided with industry-standard bleeds/crop marks
• You can recommend printers but are not responsible for print errors by third-party vendors
• Client must approve final print proof before going to press
• On-press press checks, if required, are billed separately

8. Color and file responsibility

• Colors will vary between screen (RGB) and print (CMYK)
• Final color proofing is client's responsibility at print stage
• You do not guarantee color accuracy across every device/printer

9. IP and usage

• Upon full payment: client owns final approved artwork
• You retain: preliminary sketches, rejected concepts, working files, tools/templates used
• You retain portfolio rights
• Third-party assets (fonts/stock) licensed to client separately with their respective terms
• Usage scope: define territory (India/worldwide), duration (1 year/perpetuity), medium (print/digital/all media) — fees vary accordingly

10. Rejected work / kill fee

If client rejects all concepts after 2 rounds of revisions: client owes 50% kill fee and may not use any of the concepts presented. You retain all rights.

11. Delay fees

Client delays beyond 15 days on feedback pause the project. Projects dormant for 30+ days may be closed; a restart fee of 25% of project value applies to resume.

12. Credit

• Where possible, a small design credit on printed/web material is appreciated but not required
• You may display the work in your portfolio (unless client pays a premium for non-disclosure)

13. Payment milestones

For branding projects:

• 40% deposit on signing
• 30% on approval of concept direction
• 30% on delivery of final files before handover of editable assets

14. Legal disclaimer

You are not a lawyer, trademark agent, or registrar. Logo trademark search and registration is client's responsibility. Recommend client conduct a trademark search before finalizing brand identity.

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