Essentials of Freelance Artist Contracts and Invoices

💼 This video covers the basics of contracts and invoices for freelance artists and illustrators.

📝 The speaker emphasizes that they are not a legal professional, but they provide information based on personal experience and research.

✉️ The video addresses the process of exchanging emails with a prospective client and the importance of contracts in freelancing.

💼 Using a contract or clear written communication is crucial when starting a freelance project.

💵 Key questions to cover in the agreement include the number of illustrations, size, subject, level of detail, usage rights, payment details, and project timeline.

📝 Clients should also have responsibilities outlined in the agreement.

💼 Clients need to provide a signed contract and a deposit before the project starts.

📸 Clients should give reference photos or a creative brief describing the project.

💻🎨 The client will receive either digital files or physical work, depending on the type of commission.

🔁💰 Artists should clarify the number of allowed revisions and the cost for additional changes.

💸 Include a contingency upon payment clause in the agreement.

📝 Include a clause in your contract stating that the client can't use your work until they've paid you in full.

📑 If the client asks you to sign their contract, read it carefully and ask questions or request changes if needed.

⚖️ Consider seeking legal counsel for large and long-term projects to ensure you're in a good position before signing.

💰 To avoid getting underpaid, it is important to be clear and direct about expectations with clients.

📝 When completing a project, freelancers should invoice the client for the remaining amount, after receiving a non-refundable deposit.

🗒️ The invoice should include the amount due, the due date, and a description of the work being paid for.

💼 Include project details, such as the name and type of work, on the invoice.

💰 Clearly indicate the payment methods accepted by the freelance artist.

📝 Use invoice numbers for organization and easy reference in follow-up emails.

⏰ Clients may not pay immediately, so don't be surprised if there are delays.

💼 Sending reminder emails about overdue invoices can help ensure timely payment.

💵 By being courteous and polite, the speaker has always been paid for their work.

📄 Contracts and invoicing can be overwhelming, but this video offers helpful information.