Illustrator Contract Template

The Parties

This contract is entered into between [Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName] from [Sender.Company]​, "the illustrator," and [Client.FirstName][Client.LastName] from [Client.Company], "the client."

Start Date and Duration

This contract will begin on (date).

This contract will be valid for: 

(choose one)

A fixed term – This contract shall end on (date). After this date, both parties will no longer have any liabilities or obligations to one another.

An ongoing term – This contract shall remain in effect until either one of the parties terminates the contract, providing that (number of days/weeks) notice is given to the other party. After this, both parties will no longer have any liabilities or obligations.

Illustration Services & Scope of Work 

1. Services

Check all that apply:

Illustration

Design

Logo design

Book cover design

Literary illustration

Digital illustration

Greeting card illustration

Packaging design

Other service (specify)

Other service (specify)

2. Work description

 The illustrator will be responsible for producing the following artwork: (Describe the job, include as many details as possible).

3. Deadlines

The illustrator agrees to complete all artwork by the following deadlines:

4. Feedback and revisions

Once submitted, the client will have (number of days) days to provide any feedback. Once feedback is received, the illustrator agrees to revise the work and re-submit it no later than (number of days) days after receiving the feedback.

The illustrator agrees to revise the work (number of times) time(s) at no extra charge. After that, there will be a fee of $(amount).  

5. Additional usage

If the client wishes to use the illustrator's artwork for any additional use, they agree to consult with the illustrator for permission and to pay any additional fees as discussed with the illustrator. 

6. Material and equipment

The illustrator shall use their own equipment, including (list equipment or tools).

The client shall provide the illustrator with the following: (list any equipment, text, content, images, or tools that will be provided).

7. Expenses and Reimbursement

The client will reimburse the illustrator in the case any of the following are needed:

(check all that apply)

Software

Travel or transportation

Art supplies

Other (specify)

Other (specify)

The illustrator shall send the client a receipt for the above items by (method), and the client shall reimburse the illustrator by (method) no later than (number of days) days after receipt. 

Independent Contractor Agreement

1. The parties agree that the illustrator is hired as an independent contractor, and this contract does not create a partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between the illustrator and [Client.Company].

2. The illustrator agrees to work without supervision or direction from the client. Unless specified by the client, the illustrator will work independently and develop their own method of work needed to produce the required work on time and within the client's standards.

3. The illustrator shall be responsible for paying all taxes under existing law. This includes local income taxes, federal, state, social security, and unemployment. The illustrator agrees to pay all taxes to the appropriate government agencies and indemnify [Client.Company] against any claims, liabilities, costs, or expenses that may arise.

4. The illustrator is not covered by any insurance or benefits that [Client.Company] provides to its regular employees.

Copyright, Ownership, and Credits

1. The illustrator shall own all copyright to their original artwork, as well as any artwork they created to create the final artwork, such as drafts and sketches. 

2. The client agrees to return to the illustrator any draft artwork by (method, for example, email, registered mail) (number of days) days after the final artwork has been submitted and approved.  ​

3. The copyright notice bearing the illustrator's name (will/will not) be published with the artwork.

4. The client agrees to grant the illustrator the following credit on all their artwork: (Title © (illustrator name) (year)), (link to the illustrator's website for digital projects). 

Grant of Rights

Immediately after the client has paid in full, the illustrator agrees to grant the client the following rights:

The client may use the artwork in/on (specify project or publication) from (start date) to (end date). 

The client shall have (exclusive/non-exclusive) rights.

Payment

1. The client agrees to pay the illustrator the full amount of $(amount) / based on the following pay structure (enter pay structure). 

2. The client agrees to pay a deposit of $(amount) by (date). 

3. The illustrator agrees to send the client an invoice (specify when).

4. The client agrees to pay the illustrator no later than (number of days) days after receiving the invoice. Any late payments will result in (list the consequences).

5. The client agrees to pay by (method).

6. Late fees are as follows: If payment is late by more than (number of days) days, an extra fee of $(amount) will be charged.

7. If the client chooses to end the contract before the end date stated in this contract, they agree to pay the illustrator for all work completed up to date, no later than (number of days) after the contract has ended. 

Modification

Any changes or modifications to any part of this contract will only be in effect once approved in written form by both parties.

Termination

1. This contract shall automatically terminate on (date).

2. This contract will be considered terminated in the event of any of the following:

• The illustrator is suddenly unable to work due to a medical condition (physical or mental);

• The death of either party;

• ​[Client.Company] closes down due to bankruptcy or insolvency laws;

• Either party chooses to terminate the contract providing that written notice is given (number of days) days in advance.

3. Upon termination, the client agrees to pay the illustrator for all completed work until the termination date. Any work in progress at the time of termination shall be completed and paid after termination unless otherwise agreed in writing by both parties.

4. Upon termination, the illustrator shall return to the client all material belonging to them and permanently delete all company information and programs from all their devices. 

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be responsible or liable for any delay, malfunctions, or failure to complete any work due to forces beyond their control, including strikes, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, nuclear, natural, civil or military disturbances, or acts of God.

Governing Laws

This contract shall be governed by the State of (state) laws. 

Severability

If any aspect of this contract shall be deemed invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by any legal authority, the validity, legality, and enforceability of all the other aspects shall not be affected in any way.  ​

IN WITNESS THEREOF – This contract is hereby executed by the parties as follows: