12-25-2025, 01:49 AM
I'm a freelance graphic designer who just landed my first major client project, a full branding package for a local startup. I've been working off verbal agreements and emails so far, but this project is big enough that I know I need a proper contract. I'm completely lost on freelance contract basics—what absolutely must be included regarding payment schedules, revision limits, intellectual property transfer, and termination clauses. I don't want to scare the client off with legalese, but I also need to protect myself.