Graphic Design Quotation Guide for Freelancers

Design clients sometimes think they're paying for a file. In reality, they're paying for thinking, revisions and the right to use the work. Your quotation should make all of these explicit.

Price the project, not just the hours

Estimate your hours to know your floor, then consider the value. A logo used for years across a whole business is worth more than a one-off flyer. Fixed project prices usually work better than hourly rates, as they reward speed and experience.

List your deliverables

Be precise:

• Number of initial concepts
• Number of revision rounds
• Final formats, such as AI, SVG, PDF and PNG
• Colour versions and sizes
• Brand guidelines, if included

"Logo design" can mean one file or a complete identity system. The list makes clear which.

Define revisions

"Includes 3 concepts and 2 rounds of revisions on one selected concept. Additional revisions are charged at Rs X per hour." A new direction after approval counts as new work.

Be clear about copyright

State when usage rights transfer: "Full usage rights transfer on receipt of final payment." Clarify if you may show the work in your portfolio. If the design includes licensed fonts or stock images, say who pays for them.

Client responsibilities

Ask for a brief, copy and images, and say how delays affect the deadline. Print costs are usually separate from design: make that explicit, so it's not confused with your fee.

Payment

A 50% deposit before starting is common. Don't hand over final vector files until the balance is paid. A low-resolution preview is enough for approval.

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