Free Freelance Graphic Designer Contract Template for Canada

A freelance graphic designer contract protects the creative and business interests of both designers and their clients in Canada. Graphic design projects — from brand identity systems and marketing collateral to packaging and digital assets — involve subjective creative work where expectations can easily diverge. A detailed contract establishes clear deliverables, defines the revision process, and addresses one of the most critical issues in creative work: intellectual property ownership. This free graphic designer contract template covers everything Canadian designers and clients need, including usage rights, file format deliverables, revision limits, and licensing terms. Whether you're designing a logo, creating a complete brand identity, or producing marketing materials, this template ensures both parties understand exactly what's being created, what it costs, and who owns the final work.

Creative work is inherently subjective, which makes graphic design contracts especially important. Without a written agreement, clients may expect unlimited revisions, use designs beyond the agreed scope, or delay payments indefinitely while "just one more change" stretches a project far beyond its original timeline. Designers risk creating work without clear ownership terms, losing control of their creative output, or discovering that a client is using their designs in ways that weren't agreed upon. A contract establishes a framework for creative collaboration — it defines how many revision rounds are included, how feedback should be provided, what constitutes final approval, and what usage rights the client receives. For Canadian designers working with international clients, a contract also clarifies currency, jurisdiction, and applicable law.

Graphic design contracts require several industry-specific clauses. Define the creative brief as an appendix — it should outline brand guidelines, target audience, style preferences, required formats, and reference examples. Include a revision clause that specifies the number of included revision rounds (typically 2-3), what constitutes a revision vs. a new direction, and the cost of additional revisions. Address file deliverables explicitly — list every file format, color space (RGB/CMYK), resolution, and size variation that will be provided. Include a usage rights or licensing section that defines how the client can use the designs — print, digital, specific geographic regions, duration of use, and whether rights are exclusive or non-exclusive. Add a kill fee clause for projects cancelled mid-stream, typically 50% of the remaining contract value for creative work. Finally, include a credit/attribution clause if the designer wishes to be credited in published materials.

The scope of work for graphic design projects must be precise to avoid creative scope creep. Start by defining the number of initial concepts the designer will present (typically 2-3 for logo projects, 1-2 for collateral). Specify exact deliverables with dimensions, formats, and color modes — for example, "Primary logo in AI, EPS, SVG, and PNG formats in full color, single color, reversed, and monochrome versions." Define what design stages are included: research and concept development, initial presentation, revisions, and final delivery. Set clear timelines for each stage and specify the client's feedback turnaround time (typically 3-5 business days). List what's excluded — stock photography licensing, copywriting, printing, and web development should be addressed separately. For brand identity projects, itemize every brand asset: logo, typography, color palette, business cards, letterhead, social media templates, and brand guidelines document.

Creative projects warrant upfront payment to protect the designer's time investment. A standard structure is: 50% upfront deposit before creative work begins, 50% upon final delivery and approval. For larger brand identity projects, consider: 40% upfront, 30% after concept presentation and direction selection, 30% upon final delivery. Specify that no final files are delivered until full payment is received — the designer may share low-resolution proofs or watermarked previews during the review process. Include a revision fee for work beyond the included rounds — typically 50-75% of the designer's hourly rate. Late payment terms should include 2% monthly interest and specify that the designer retains all rights to the work until payment is received in full. For rush projects (delivery needed in less than half the standard timeline), include a rush fee of 25-50% above the standard rate.

IP ownership is the most critical clause in any graphic design contract. Under Canadian copyright law, the designer retains copyright unless explicitly transferred in writing. Most graphic design contracts use one of three models: (1) Full copyright transfer upon payment — the client owns all rights; (2) Exclusive license — the client has exclusive rights to use the designs for specified purposes, but the designer retains underlying copyright; or (3) Non-exclusive license — the designer can resell or reuse design elements. Specify which model applies and when rights transfer (typically upon receipt of full payment). Address the designer's right to display the work in their portfolio — most contracts allow this regardless of the ownership model. For logo and brand identity work, full copyright transfer is standard since the client needs exclusive, perpetual use. For marketing collateral, licensing is often more appropriate.

Creative projects have unique termination considerations because partially completed design work has value. If the client terminates, they should pay for all completed phases plus a kill fee: 25% of remaining value if cancelled during concept development, 50% if cancelled after concept approval. The client receives all completed and paid-for deliverables at the appropriate resolution. If the designer terminates, they deliver all work completed to date and provide a reasonable transition period (typically 7-14 days). In case of creative direction disagreement that cannot be resolved, include a provision for mutual termination where the client pays for completed work and the designer retains unused concepts. Address file ownership upon termination — working files (PSD, AI source files) may or may not be included depending on the agreement.

Graphic designers often receive access to unreleased products, marketing strategies, and brand pivots before public announcement. Confidentiality provisions should cover: unreleased brand identities and rebranding initiatives, upcoming product launches and marketing campaigns, internal brand guidelines and style guides, client customer data and market research, and competitive analysis shared during the creative brief. Specify that the designer will not share work-in-progress with anyone outside the project team, will not post work on social media before the client's official launch, and will store all project files securely. For product packaging and pre-launch branding, consider a standalone NDA with specific penalties for premature disclosure.

Canadian graphic designers should understand several jurisdiction-specific considerations. Copyright protection is automatic in Canada upon creation — registration is optional but recommended for high-value brand identity work, as it provides stronger evidence of ownership in disputes. Moral rights (the right to attribution and integrity of the work) exist under Canadian law and cannot be transferred, only waived — consider whether a moral rights waiver should be included. For designers in Quebec, ensure contracts comply with the Civil Code of Quebec, which has different default rules for service contracts than common law provinces. If designing for regulated industries (cannabis, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, financial services), ensure deliverables comply with relevant advertising regulations. GST/HST applies to graphic design services; include your business number on invoices and clarify tax handling in the contract.