105: Your Perfect Design Agreement

Design Business Freedom

Are you dealing with client misunderstandings, scope creep, or unpaid work? What if a simple design agreement could protect your profits while setting clear client expectations? Many designers are working with incomplete agreements, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and unpaid fees. The right agreement can transform your business, ensuring you get paid for your time, avoid confusion, and build client trust.

In this episode, I explain why every designer needs a strong design agreement and how it can safeguard your profits, streamline communication, and prevent scope creep. I share real-world examples of how my clients have used these agreements to protect their bottom line and improve client relationships. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In Part 2, I’ll walk you through each clause your agreement needs, highlighting which ones are essential and which are optional.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

- (01:49) Why every designer needs a strong design agreement - (04:36) Making your agreement more inviting with tools - (07:05) How a flexible, customizable agreement speeds up client acceptance - (09:52) Being protected is everything - (13:34) Your agreement gets you paid for the work you do - (16:51) Setting communication boundaries in your agreement - (20:43) How your agreement preserves your peace of mind - (27:06) Safeguard your practice - (34:43) The importance of walking the clients through the agreement - (36:40) Make your agreement a marketing tool

MENTIONED:

The Right Design Agreement

Canva

Proposify

Dubsado

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.