Contract Question

[Virgo Nightingale]

A friend of my boyfriend's has his own graphic design studio and we got to talking recently. He asked if I'd be interested in taking on some of his overflow. I said sure, I would love the opportunity to make extra money without having to do the waitressing thing.

My question is what kind of contract should I draw up for this kind of business relationship? It's more of a subcontractor situation than true freelancing, and I think a work-for-hire arrangement would probably work best seeing as I don't feel the need to "own" the designs since the clients are his, not mine.

I know there's a thread in here with links to sample contracts; I know I want a simple straightforward contract, I was just wondering if there was anything in particular that I should include/not include/consider etc. when in such a situation.

Thoughts? Opinions? Warnings?

Thanks in advance.

[Drazan]

1) negociate the right to have the completed work in "your" portfolio - not just the companies.

2) put down how you want to be paid. hourly/project And what your rate is if by hour.

3) disclaimer of liability. If your boss aproved the project and the customer didn't - well then the boss should pay you to alter it. Also the whole copyright issue - is the art yours or the companies, including sketches and concept drawings.

4) Have a proof release for everyproject.

Unless he's willing to take you on as a parttime employee - make sure that extra money is worth your time and hassle.

Good luck - sounds like fun.
=)
Jade

[PrintDriver]

Most times the contractor has a contract too. Be sure to read it.

Be sure to get some kind of proof of release on all images and content provided to you. Or put a disclaimer in your contract regarding supplied content.

Jeff's contract example is still pretty good for this. Best to have a lawyer look at whatever you draw up, just to be sure.

[emel]

Graphic Artist Guild (www.gag.org) has some contracts too. Way back when, I joined GAG after I started getting freelance work and the info they provide has been invaluable.

[emel]

make sure your contract includes product specs, deadlines, how many concepts, how many review cycles, what happens if you go beyond your afformentioned review cycles and/or concepts. kill fees. who owns the rights of the work and "when" (e.g. with final payment the client owns the work), your fee (hourly or project based) and how quickly it should be paid (e.g. "net 30days" or "net 30 days. 5% discount if paid in 7 days" or what ever) & as already stated liability disclaimer

GAG (that I mentioned in my other post) publishes a book, too, with industry pricing and contract suggestions