Retainer agreements are essential contracts for freelance graphic designers, providing a structured way to secure ongoing work. These agreements outline the scope of services, payment terms, and duration of the engagement. Here, we present three diverse examples of retainer agreements tailored for graphic design services, highlighting different contexts and use cases.
In this scenario, a freelance graphic designer enters into a retainer agreement with a marketing agency. The agency seeks consistent graphic design support for various projects such as social media graphics, brochures, and website updates.
The agreement specifies a monthly retainer fee, ensuring that the designer is available for a set number of hours each month. This arrangement provides the agency with reliable access to design services while allowing the designer to plan their workload effectively.
Retainer Agreement Sample:
Parties: This agreement is made between [Freelancer’s Name], hereinafter referred to as “Designer,” and [Marketing Agency’s Name], hereinafter referred to as “Agency.”
Effective Date: This agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and continue for a period of [Duration, e.g., 6 months].
Services Provided: Designer agrees to provide graphic design services for a total of [X] hours per month, including but not limited to:
[Freelancer’s Name]
[Marketing Agency’s Name]
Notes: This agreement can be modified to include additional services or hours as needed. Consider including a clause for rollover hours if not used in a given month.
A tech startup is looking for a freelance graphic designer who can assist with branding, packaging, and marketing materials throughout the year. An annual retainer agreement provides the startup with consistent access to design expertise while allowing the designer to secure a long-term client.
Retainer Agreement Sample:
Parties: This agreement is made between [Freelancer’s Name], hereinafter referred to as “Designer,” and [Startup’s Name], hereinafter referred to as “Client.”
Effective Date: This agreement commences on [Start Date] and shall remain in effect for one year.
Scope of Work: Designer agrees to provide the following services:
[Freelancer’s Name]
[Startup’s Name]
Notes: Adjust the frequency of payments based on client cash flow. Include provisions for additional hourly rates for work beyond the retainer hours.
An e-commerce business requires ongoing design assistance for product images, promotional banners, and email marketing campaigns. A project-based retainer agreement allows the business to hire the designer for specific projects while providing a budget forecast for design services.
Retainer Agreement Sample:
Parties: This agreement is made between [Freelancer’s Name], hereinafter referred to as “Designer,” and [E-commerce Business Name], hereinafter referred to as “Client.”
Effective Date: This agreement is effective from [Start Date] and will remain in effect for [Duration, e.g., 3 months].
Services Provided: Designer agrees to complete the following projects during the retainer period:
[Freelancer’s Name]
[E-commerce Business Name]
Notes: This structure is useful for projects with varying scopes. Specify turnaround times for each project to manage expectations effectively.