Art director agreement template

This a art director agreement template sample that you can use free of charge. You can copy and paste it into Microsoft Word or Google Docs and edit as you like.

Art Director Agreement

This Art Director Agreement (the "Contract") is entered into on _________________________ [Date] by and between:

Art Director: _________________________ [Art Director or Company Name] located at _________________________ [Provider Address] (the "Provider").
Client: _________________________ [Client Name] located at _________________________ [Client Address] (the "Client").

1. Scope of Services

The Provider agrees to provide art direction services to the Client as outlined below:

1. Service Description

The Provider shall perform art direction services for the Client’s project located at or related to _________________________ [Project or Service Address] on _________________________ [Days of the Week], between the hours of _________________________ [Start Time] and _________________________ [End Time].

2. Services Included

The art direction services shall include but are not limited to:

_________________________ [Developing visual concepts and creative direction]
_________________________ [Overseeing design teams, photographers, or artists]
_________________________ [Creating mood boards and style guides]
_________________________ [Supervising production of visual assets]
_________________________ [Ensuring brand consistency across deliverables]
_________________________ [Reviewing and approving creative work]
_________________________ [Other art direction tasks as agreed upon by both parties]

3. Frequency

The services shall be performed _________________________ [Frequency] per _________________________ [Week/Month].

2. Terms of Contract

This Contract shall commence on _________________________ [Start Date] and shall continue for an initial term of _________________________ [Number] months/years, unless terminated earlier as provided herein.
After the initial term, this Contract shall automatically renew for successive periods of _________________________ [Number] months/years, unless either party provides written notice of termination at least _________________________ [Number] days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

3. Payment Terms

The Client agrees to pay the Provider a total sum of $_________________________ [Amount] per _________________________ [Project/Month/Hour] for the art direction services rendered.
Payment shall be made _________________________ [Payment Method] within _________________________ [Number] days of receipt of invoice.
Late payments shall incur a late fee of _________________________ [Late Fee Amount] for each week the payment is overdue.

4. Termination

Either party may terminate this Contract by providing written notice to the other party _________________________ [Number] days prior to the intended termination date.
In the event of termination, the Client shall pay for all services rendered up to the termination date.

5. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performing their obligations under this Contract if such failure or delay is due to circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government action, fire, flood, or natural disasters.

6. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any proprietary or sensitive information disclosed during the course of this Contract.

7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of _________________________ [Your State or Country]. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Contract shall be resolved exclusively by the courts of _________________________ [Your State or County].

8. Entire Agreement

This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the date first above written.

Provider
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name and Title]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

Client
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

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What's an Art Director Agreement?

An Art Director Agreement is a contractual arrangement between a client and an art director that outlines the terms, expectations, and responsibilities related to creative direction for a project. This document ensures both parties are aligned on the creative vision, scope of work, payment terms, and ownership of the final deliverables. In this article, we'll break down the essential elements of an art director agreement, why it matters, and what should be included before signing one.

1. Definition and Scope

An art director agreement clearly defines the creative scope of work. This typically covers visual direction, moodboards, brand alignment, supervision of design teams, and approval workflows. It also outlines specific deliverables such as campaign concepts, layout direction, set designs, style guides, or overall creative oversight for a project or brand.

2. Parties Involved

The contract identifies the parties: the client commissioning the work and the art director providing the service. It includes names, contact information, and relevant business information. Responsibilities for each party—such as providing assets, giving timely feedback, or managing sub-contractors—are usually detailed here as well.

3. Terms and Conditions

This section defines key operational terms. It covers payment structure (fixed fee, hourly, or per milestone), invoicing cycles, late payment penalties, revision limits, and cancellation policies. It may also address liability, insurance, professional standards, and how disputes will be handled if they arise.

4. Duration and Renewal

The contract states whether the art direction work is for a single project, a campaign, or an ongoing retainer. It outlines start and end dates, renewal options, termination rights, notice periods, and any conditions under which the agreement can be amended.

5. Creative Specifications

This part details exactly what the art director is expected to deliver. It may specify creative guidelines, required formats, oversight responsibilities, tools or software to be used, brand constraints, and the approval process. Setting measurable expectations here reduces friction and ensures both sides stay aligned creatively and operationally.

6. Legal Compliance

An art director agreement must comply with applicable legal requirements, including intellectual property laws, labor regulations, and any industry-specific rules. It typically clarifies ownership of creative work, licensing terms, rights transfer, and usage permissions. This protects both the client’s brand and the art director’s creative contributions.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality clauses protect sensitive business information, creative concepts, and proprietary materials handled during the project. Privacy provisions may also apply when working with unpublished campaigns, brand strategies, or celebrity-related work. Both sides agree not to disclose information without consent.

Conclusion

Art director agreements are crucial for ensuring clarity, alignment, and legal protection between clients and creatives. By outlining the creative scope, responsibilities, timelines, and legal rights, these contracts help prevent misunderstandings and reinforce a smooth working relationship. Whether you're hiring an art director or offering your services as one, understanding the structure of this agreement is essential for a professional and reliable collaboration.