Comments on: Contracts

By: AbbeyK

AbbeyK — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:46:16 +0000

It is a business we are in. We are professionals so a letter of agreement or a contract are the first step!

I use a letter of agreement. It’s based on one I found in a book for interior designers. (I forget the book– contracts for interior designers?)

I had a lawyer review it when I first created this document and as I have gone along, paragraphs get added and revised. We all have to protect our financial interests as well as laying out the terms, financially and set expectations.

PS My sister who is a litigator just last weekend asked me if I have language that protects me from paying their legal fees should a law suit arise (god forbid! knock on wood!!!). Anyone have language like that in their contract?

I am going to check out the blog– thanks!

By: Hoechstetter Interiors

Hoechstetter Interiors — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:42:00 +0000

I am a big fan of contracts, and the more specific the better. Yes, clients may be less intimidated by short letters of agreement, but there’s no way to fully spell out all of both parties’ rights and responsibilities in enough detail to really be useful in one or two pages.

By: Lauren Liess

Lauren Liess — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:40:02 +0000

Great points- I need this reminder as I sometimes get lax… I am newer and it always seems such an awkward part of the process for me but it really shouldn’t be. Thanks!!

Just found your blog & am loving it!!
Best,
Lauren @ Pure Style Home

By: Sonya

Sonya — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:23:04 +0000

I like to use ASID contract documents, you don’t have to be a member to purchase them. (they have order forms on line) There are several different forms, depending upon your needs, types of projects etc.

By: Amanda Reid

Amanda Reid — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:02:13 +0000

Thanks for this post! Great advice, especially for a designer who has recently established their own business (like myself). I will definitely check out his blog and keep reading yours : )

By: Iván Meade

Iván Meade — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:36:55 +0000

Best advice ever!

Not just for getting paid an alienate future problems but also to protect your original designs.

I just had an intellectual property infringement – Because I had a contract with the client and in the contract said that I owned the copyrights of all my work I was able to work things out.

I am now going to check his blog

By: Brillante

Brillante — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:01:55 +0000

Forgot to mention Veranda with your stunning collection of photography displayed in such a unique way, not to mention everything else in your place! You have reached absolute perfection as a designer and as a photographer.

By: Brillante

Brillante — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:56:31 +0000

Thanks for the information about the new blog. I believe we should all be as professional as possible and follow some common procedures, a contract being a must. I am still struggling to have the perfect one (if it does exist), any suggestions?

By: petra voegtle

petra voegtle — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:59:30 +0000

As an artist I could not agree more. I am glad that someone like you with so much experience is bringing this up. Greetings from Munich, Petra

By: Peggy Hall

Peggy Hall — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:42:59 +0000

What kinds of things does one include in their contract? I’m just getting back into graphic design, and I used to require payment up front – what’s everyone else’s policy on that? I also ended up including a “There’s two revision stages included in the quote price of the job” to keep from nit picking at things forever and ever.