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Graphic Design Proposal Template

Graphic design is the discipline most often undervalued in proposals — designers tend to underprice their strategic work and overpromise revisions. A strong design proposal sells the process (research, exploration, refinement) rather than just the final files.

What to include in your graphic design proposal template

  • Discovery: brand interview, competitor analysis, mood-boarding
  • Number of initial concepts (2-3 is the sweet spot)
  • Revision rounds per concept (cap at 2-3 per round)
  • Final deliverables list (file formats: AI, PSD, SVG, PNG, PDF)
  • Brand guidelines document
  • Usage rights and licensing
  • Source files inclusion clause
  • Stock photography / font licensing — who pays for what

How to price it

Logo design ranges from $500 (solo freelancer, simple mark) to $50,000+ (agency, full identity system). Don't compete on price — compete on process clarity.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Unlimited revisions — kills your hourly rate
  • Sending mockups without watermark before payment
  • Vague 'final files' — specify exact formats and resolutions
  • Forgetting source files clause — clients often expect them included
  • No 'kill fee' — if client cancels, you should be paid for work done

Sample template content

Here's an example of what a complete proposal looks like for this niche. Use it as a starting point — you'll fill in your own details when you create one.

Scope of Work

Complete brand identity system for [Client] including: • 1-hour discovery call and brand interview • Visual research and competitive analysis • 3 distinct logo concepts presented as full identity systems • 2 rounds of revisions on chosen direction • Color palette, typography system, logo variations • Brand guidelines PDF (15-20 pages) • Final files in AI, EPS, SVG, PNG, JPG formats

Sample Line Items

DescriptionQtyTotal
Discovery & research1$800.00
Logo concepts (3 directions)1$2,400.00
Revisions and refinement1$1,200.00
Brand guidelines PDF1$1,500.00
Final file delivery1$600.00
Total$6,500.00

Sample timeline: 4-5 weeks from approved brief

Terms & Conditions

50% deposit required to begin work, 50% on delivery. Revisions beyond what's specified billed at $90/hr. Client retains full commercial rights upon final payment. Designer retains right to display work in portfolio. Project cancellation: deposit non-refundable. Kill fee of 25% of remaining balance if cancelled after concept presentation. Fonts and stock imagery licensed on a project basis billed separately.

Frequently asked questions

ā–ø How many concepts should I present?

Three. One feels like 'take it or leave it.' Five overwhelms the client. Three lets the client compare directions while keeping your effort focused.

ā–ø Should source files be included?

Premium brand designers include them as a sign of confidence. Mid-market often charges extra ($500-$2000) for source file release.

ā–ø What's a fair revision policy?

2 rounds per concept stage. A 'round' is a single batch of feedback, not a continuous stream. Contradictory feedback counts as multiple rounds.

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