Desktop Publishing

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing

Freelance Design Contract Components: Project Details

Contract Clauses

By Jacci Howard Bear, About.com

Your freelance design contract is an agreement between you, the designer, and your client to provide design and desktop publishing services. You and the client need to be in agreement as to exactly what specific services you are providing and when you'll finish the job. Substantial changes to the project description after work begins may require a new contract.
  • Project Description: A part of the freelance design contract should include a description of what specific services you are providing and the specifications of the final project to be delivered. The details may be included as part of the detailed estimate (described under Project Costs).

  • Completion Date: As a minimum the contract should stipulate the estimated completion date. You may also include interim production stages. This section would also describe circumstances and liability in the event the schedule must change.

  • Events that Affect Delivery: Some events beyond control of the designer include delays by the client in signing off on proofs, changes (Author's Alterations) made in the content (other than mistakes by the designer), delays caused by the printer or other third parties out of the control of the designer, and other unforeseen catastrophic events.

Project Details | Project Costs | Ownership and Copyright

This article is part of our free Start a Desktop Publishing Business Email Course. Learn more about the course and sign up now.

Jacci Howard Bear
Guide since 1997

Jacci Howard Bear
Desktop Publishing Guide

Explore Desktop Publishing

About.com Special Features

Desktop Publishing

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Desktop Publishing
  4. Business of Design
  5. Freelance Design
  6. Graphic Design Contracts
  7. Freelance Design Contracts - Project Description and Terms of Delivery for Freelance Design Contracts

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.