Freelance Graphic Design Rates (2026)

These terms apply to all work booked on a day rate basis.

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A1. Day Rate Pricing

The Client may book the Designer according to the following day rate structure:

Hourly rates (£60/hour) apply only by exception, for partial day bookings or urgent requests.

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A2. Booking & Scheduling

Bookings are subject to availability and only confirmed upon receipt of the required payment. Block bookings count as any 4+ or 8+ days booked within a rolling 28-day period (days need not be consecutive).

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A3. Payment Terms

• 1–3 day bookings: Full payment upfront.

• 4+ days: 50% deposit upfront; balance due within 7 days of the final booked day.

• No refunds for cancellations after payment is received.

Invoices are issued once the booking is agreed. Payments must be made by bank transfer.

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A4. Cancellation & Rescheduling

• Cancellations within 7 days of a booked date may incur a 50% cancellation fee.

• Rescheduling is possible, subject to availability.

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A5. Work Hours & Turnaround

Each booked day includes up to 7 working hours, including meetings and revisions. Additional work may be quoted separately.

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A6. Rush & Additional Work

Urgent requests (turnaround within 24 hours) may incur a 25% rush fee. Additional hours or unbooked days will be quoted separately.

These terms apply to ongoing work booked on a monthly retainer basis.

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B1. Retainer Tiers & Pricing

The Client may select from the following retainer tiers, depending on anticipated design requirements:

• 10 hours – £575 per month (£57.50 per hour)

• 20 hours – £1,100 per month (£55.00 per hour)

• 40 hours – £2,000 per month (£50.00 per hour)

Each tier reflects a volume-based discount. Should additional hours be required beyond the selected tier, they will be billed at the same hourly rate and included in the following month’s invoice.

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B2. Invoicing & Unused Hours

• Invoices issued on the 1st of each month.

• Payment due by the 28th of the same month via bank transfer.

• Unused hours are non-refundable and do not roll over.

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B3. Scheduling & Turnaround

Work is scheduled by mutual agreement. Standard turnaround is 2–4 working days. Specific days/hours must be requested at least 7 days in advance and are subject to availability.

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B4. Rush Requests

Requests requiring delivery within 24 hours are subject to availability and incur a 25% rush fee.

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B5. Cancellation

Either party may cancel with 30 days’ written notice. The full retainer payment remains due for the final month regardless of hours used. No further work is guaranteed after the notice period unless a new agreement is signed.

Please note: New Terms of Business are valid from 1st February 2026 and apply to all new projects from that date onward. Terms of Business can be found here: https://studiopayne.com/terms/

The previous terms listed below remain valid for current ongoing projects and are retained here for reference.

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Previous Terms of Business (Valid until 31st January 2026):

This agreement outlines the general terms and conditions for booking graphic design services provided by the Designer. These apply to all engagements unless specifically modified in the applicable Addendum (Day Rate or Retainer).

Definitions

For the purposes of this agreement:

• “Designer” refers to the provider of the graphic design services described herein.

• “Client” refers to the individual or organisation commissioning the Designer for services.

• “Work” or “Design Work” refers to any creative output produced by the Designer as part of the agreed scope, including visual assets, layouts, drafts, and final files.

• “Deliverables” refers to the final, approved design work submitted to the Client upon completion.

• “Raw or Working Files” refers to editable design files (e.g., PSD, AI, INDD) used in the production process.

• “Business Days” means Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays.

• “Rush Work” refers to any work requested and required for delivery within 24 hours of confirmation.

• “Agreement” refers to this document, including any applicable Addendums (e.g., Day Rate or Retainer Terms).

• “Force Majeure” refers to events outside the reasonable control of either party, as defined in Clause 8.

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1. Scope of Services

The Designer agrees to provide graphic design services, which may include brand assets, digital content, website visuals, print materials, and presentation design, as agreed.

Services such as website development, photography, video production, motion graphics, training, teaching, or mentoring are not included unless expressly agreed in writing.

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2. Ownership & Use

Final, approved design work becomes the property of the Client upon full payment. Raw or working files (e.g., PSD, AI, INDD) may be provided upon request but remain the intellectual property of the Designer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

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3. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding any proprietary, strategic, or sensitive information shared during the course of the working relationship.

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4. Liability

The Designer’s liability is limited to the total fees paid under this agreement. The Client remains responsible for providing all necessary materials, content, and approvals in a timely manner. The Designer shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of delivered work.

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5. Communications & Working Arrangements

The Designer operates remotely by default. Standard business hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am–6 pm (UK time). Mondays and Fridays may be available upon special request, depending on project needs and availability. Communication will occur via email or another agreed platform, with typical response times within 1–2 business days.

On-site work may be arranged by mutual agreement and may be subject to additional fees, including travel time and expenses.

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6. Holidays, Time Off & Incapacity

The Designer will notify the Client of any planned holidays or time off that could affect project timelines. In the case of illness or other incapacity, affected work may be rescheduled, credited, or refunded at the Client’s discretion.

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7. Promotional Use

The Designer may showcase completed work in a private portfolio or on professional platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram), unless the Client requests otherwise in writing.

Use of completed work on the Designer’s website will only occur with the Client’s prior written permission.

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8. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, illness, strikes, power outages, internet service interruptions, or governmental restrictions (“Force Majeure”). Obligations affected by such events will be suspended for the duration of the event.

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9. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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10. Agreement & Acceptance

By proceeding with a booking or making payment, the Client confirms acceptance of these General Terms and the relevant Addendum (Day Rate or Retainer). No work will commence until acceptance has been confirmed in writing or via payment.

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11. Pricing Review

All rates are reviewed annually. The Designer will notify the Client of any pricing changes by 1st March each year, with updated rates taking effect from 1st April. This includes monthly retainer fees, which may be adjusted in line with inflation, increased costs, service value, or market conditions.

Any changes will be communicated in writing, and the Client will have the opportunity to review or amend their package before the new rates apply. Ongoing retainers will automatically renew at the revised rate unless cancelled with standard notice.