Establishing a good understanding of what is required between client and designer is pretty important right from the beginning of any new business relationship.  I always like to avoid misunderstandings, so I have the following “Client Bill of Rights” posted on my website at Dragonfly Blu and it is part of the package that a potential client will receive from me as I prepare my outgoing proposals and contracts.  I also include the sister document “The Designer’s Bill of Rights” within my materials and I will post that here for you on Monday August 10th.

*Please feel free to use this bill of rights as a guide, but keep in mind that I am a graphic designer not a lawyer.  These Bill of Rights serve as guidelines to help foster relationship with my clients and outline objectives based on Dragonfly’s business philosophy.  Should you seek to include actual legal documentation within your own materials and contracts, I recommend that you consult with your attorney.

As a client of design services, the client is entitled to:

1. The right to a written contract. A contract will help us to outline the work description, timeline and terms for work. It establishes our relationship, our future, and it benefits us both as we move forward together.

2. The right to timely and accurate billing. The client should receive prompt invoicing as noted in the terms of the contract.  Invoices shall reflect pricing noted in the contract. Should the scope of the work change extra charges may be necessary, but compensation charges for any overages should be explained in advance and consult should be provided to the client on how to avoid any possible overages in the future.

3. The right to request and speak to references. The client has the right to inquire and speak to the designer’s past or present clientele. The designer should be upfront and forthcoming with reference contact information.

4. The right to expect fair business practices. No plagiarism ever! Copyrights of reference materials provided to the designer by the client (i.e. photos) are retained by their individual holders. Both the designer and/or client should never take credit for work which is not their own. Client should never ask the designer to steal, copy or infringe on another’s copyright.

There will be no charges incurred by the client for mistakes or corrections made due to the designer’s errors. Client has the right to review and approve all preparation design work prior execution of final work.

5. The right to be informed of time lines. The client should be informed of the designer’s hours of availability, time lines for project milestones, and deliverables. Any delays or problems  regarding time lines should be communicated to the client immediately. Should the designer fail to keep the contract through unreasonable delay or non conformance with the agreed upon contract, it will be considered a breach of contract by the designer. Should the delay be due to the client failure, it is understood that the designer will endeavor to adhere as closely as possible to the original schedule as other commitments permit.

6. The right to communicate with the designer. The ability to discuss the project freely and openly with the designer is a matter of proper customer service. The client should expect that phone calls and emails be answered in a timely fashion. The artist should make time available to meet personally with the client as needed. Customer service is as valuable as great artwork and often the two go hand in hand.

7. The right to confidentiality. As a professional, the designer should honor and protect client information and hold that information as confidential.

8. The right to consultation and education. While a client may often have a vision of the project scope and end product, the client also depends on the designer to make suggestions to save money, find alternative solutions and present more effective ways to utilize materials and assets.

9. The right to safe guarded materials. All materials provided to the designer must be kept in good condition and are returned to the client intact at the end of the project.

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