Freelance

Contract 101
Tips on creating effective
contracts for your projects.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

• You’re in the middle of your project and your client
emails you asking if you can do a bunch of quick tasks
that are out of the scope of work you discussed.

• Your client surprises you with a last-minute change,

but still needs you to keep to the deadline.

• Even after the final delivery of your files, the client

who was pinging you every day, suddenly vanishes.

Sound Familiar? Does it give you flashbacks from

your latest nightmare client?

We’ve all been there- —sometimes more than once.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to avoid

this. Let’s take a look at how.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not
offer any legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice
with respect to any particular legal matter.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

First things first-

Always. Always
get a contract
before you start
a project.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

A freelance contract is a written agree-
ment, between a freelancer and a client
that explains the nature of their relationship
and the expectations between them, all of
which should have been previously dis-
cussed and agreed upon by both parties.

It is a document that records and solidifies

conversations that often take place over
multiple calls or emails. It should clear-
ly state the scope of work, the time frame,
payment agreements, and all the terms and
conditions - leaving no room for ambiguity.

Below are 5 tips on how to make an effec-

tive contract that’ll help you structure the
document well.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

#1

Be As Detailed
as You Can

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

You want to be as detailed as humanly
possible in this area.

-What are you going to deliver?

-How long will it take?
-What is not included?
-What are the payment terms?
-Who will own what?

Be as specific as you can. Don’t hold back

any information.

For Eg: You might be delivering a Logo

design to your client. But are you providing
the Stylescapes too? Who owns the reject-
ed concepts? And so on…

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

#2

Define Scope
Creep

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Make clear that anything outside of the
project specifics counts as additional work;
define how the additional work will be
applied.

That may mean a new contract, or it may

mean an hourly rate—but make it very
clear that additional charges will be made.

Having your terms of additional work keeps

your client accountable for every piece of
work required.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

#3

Pricing,
Payment, and
Late Fee

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

You need a detailed breakdown of what you
will be paid for, and when you will be paid.

You should include the details of absolute-

ly everything specified in your project-
specifics that incur a charge.

In addition, also charge an upfront payment

and specify that without this, the project
might not commence.

Clearly mention the preferred mode of

payment and late fee (if any).

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

#4

Define who
owns what.
(Copyright)

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

When the project is complete, are you
handing over all rights to your creative work
to your client, or are you retaining some
rights?

Will you need to use the work in your

portfolio? If yes, say so.

The general rule though, is that you hold

the copyright to any artistic or literary
work you create. That is, no one can copy,
distribute, or display the work without your
permission.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

#5

The Legal
Aspect of the
Work done

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

Any official contract is incomplete without
language that acknowledges the binding
nature of the agreement and the legal
consequences of not sticking to the terms.

Even if you’re working with an international

client, it’s in your best interest to state that
any legal proceedings in the event of
non-payment will be under the jurisdiction
of your local laws.

To be more clear about the legal aspect of

your contracts, reach out to your lawyer and
cross-check that it’s valid as per the law.

© 2020 BLE S S C RE ATI CS

It’s also worth remembering that clients
may want to negotiate contracts; that’s
fine. But make certain that you’re not
leveraging the contract completely in their
favour when you make the changes.

I hope this guide has helped you to get a

clear understanding of a Contract.

Feel free to reach out to me at

‘hello@blesscreatics.com’ if you have any
questions regarding contracts.

Find me on:
INSTAGRAM TWIT TER BEHANCE

© 2020 BL ESS CREATICS