Graphic Designer Invoicing

Graphic designers get destroyed by scope creep. Someone wants a "quick logo." Six months later you've done 40 revisions and made $12/hour. An invoice is your only protection.

Package your work, not your time

Never bill hourly. Hourly rates reward speed, not quality. Bill by the project: "Logo design: 3 concepts, 2 revision rounds, $850."

This works because you get the same pay whether you finish fast or slow. The client gets 2 revision rounds. Anything after that is $75 per round. This stops the endless tweaking.

What to itemize

• Logo design (how many concepts)
• Revision rounds included
• Business card design
• Social media template set
• Print file preparation
• Branding guidelines document
• Extra concepts or rounds beyond the package

Usage rights matter

A logo for a startup's website isn't the same as a logo for billboards nationwide. Say it clearly: "Web and social use only" or "Unlimited commercial use," with different prices for each.