What are some of the tools and resources that digital illustrators can use to create and manage contracts?

As a digital illustrator, you need to protect your rights and interests when working with clients, collaborators, or publishers. That's why having clear and professional contracts is essential for your success and peace of mind. In this article, we'll explore some of the tools and resources that digital illustrators can use to create and manage contracts, from templates and software to legal advice and best practices.

1 Contract templates

One of the easiest ways to start drafting a contract is to use a template that covers the basic terms and conditions of your project. You can find many free or low-cost contract templates online, such as the ones from the Association of Illustrators, the Graphic Artists Guild, or the Freelancers Union. However, you should always customize and adapt them to your specific needs and situation, and make sure they comply with the laws and regulations of your jurisdiction.

Add your perspective

Jason Roll

Sr. VFX Artist ( Preproduction / Illustration / Design )
(edited)
Report contribution
Though I don't do much commissioned work anymore, there were always two final payment details I had in my contracts. There are always some clients that don't seem to like making those final payments. I ended up giving my clients 1 of 2 options. For small businesses or private commissions, they could send final payment after receiving a low resolution image with watermark as proof of a finished job. Larger companies would get the final image before payment (sometimes they need a couple of weeks to process those payments). If final payment is not received within 30 days of delivery of art, an additional 25% of commission fee will be owed AND all commercial uses of the art will not be permitted until final payment is made.

Like

2 Contract software

Another option is to use a contract software that allows you to create, send, sign, and manage contracts online. Some of the benefits of using a contract software are that you can save time and paper, track the status and history of your contracts, integrate them with other tools like invoicing or project management, and automate reminders and notifications. Some examples of contract software are Bonsai, HelloSign, PandaDoc, or DocuSign.

Add your perspective

Nikolaus M.

Animated content and communications with agencies and brands | Adapts specialist topics for new audiences | Creates entertaining stories and visual assets | Director | Motion designer | Video editor | Scriptwriter
Report contribution
When I used to work as a freelancer, Bonsai was a fantastic tool to rapidly put together and manage contracts and invoices, often linked to initial proposals for a streamlined process. This was great for direct-to-client work. But many large agencies have their own freelancer management hubs. When you're onboarded as a contractor at one of those companies it's a good idea to read all the documentation on how to use their hubs so that you have clear expectations of how things will work, especially billing.

Like

3 Legal advice

Even if you use a template or a software, you may still need some legal advice to ensure that your contract is valid, enforceable, and fair. You can consult a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property, copyright, or contract law, and who understands the needs and challenges of digital illustrators. You can also look for online resources that offer legal guidance and tips for creative professionals, such as the Creative Contract, the Illustrators' Partnership, or the Artists' Rights Society.

Add your perspective

4 Best practices

When creating and managing contracts, there are some best practices that you should follow. It's important to define the scope, deliverables, deadlines, and payment terms of your project precisely. Include clauses that protect your rights and interests, such as ownership, licensing, revisions, cancellation, termination, dispute resolution, and confidentiality. You should review and negotiate your contract before signing it and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Communicate with your client, collaborator, or publisher regularly and professionally, keeping a record of all correspondence and agreements related to your contract. If there are any changes or issues that affect your project, update and amend your contract and get them in writing and signed by both parties.

Add your perspective

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are some of the tools and resources that digital illustrators can use to create and manage contracts?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Contract templates

2 Contract software

3 Legal advice

4 Best practices

5 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Illustration

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Digital Illustration

More relevant reading