Graphic Design Invoice Template
A graphic design invoice is a form used to collect payment for graphic design work, from branding to design strategy to layout to typography. The invoice is typically used by freelance graphic designers who produce artwork that can be used for promotional purposes, such as logos and illustrations.
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How to Create an Invoice for Your Graphic Design Services
Graphic design invoices can be created using software such as Microsoft Word or Excel, or online invoicing tools such as FreshBooks or Invoice Maker. If you are using online invoicing tools, you can typically find templates that you can customize to fit your needs. Once the invoice is complete, it should be sent to the client via email or regular mail.
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the profession (art) of creating illustrations, including both images and text, by hand or with computer software or, most commonly, using a combination of the two. Graphic design is used anytime an image needs to be processed for print (on paper) or online (websites). Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, and illustration. Graphic designers use their creativity to communicate ideas and messages in a visually appealing way. A good graphic designer can take a concept and push it through the entire production process. Having a solid understanding of graphic design software (such as Adobe Illustrator) is essential for graphic design.
Graphic Design Software
With graphic design software, you can make logos, illustrations, and vector art, as well as manipulate photos (images). Without graphic design software, it would be impossible to find work as a graphic designer. Top 3 Graphic Design Software Applications Adobe Photoshop – The leading graphic design software for photo editing. Adobe Illustrator – The overall leading graphic design software for vector images. This software is used to create logos and anything related to illustration design. Gimp – A free, open-source graphic design software (for raster images) that can work on both PCs and Macs.
Becoming a Graphic Designer
Going to school isn’t a prerequisite for being a good, in-demand graphic designer, although degrees and certifications don’t hurt. All it takes is a creative mind and an internet connection. You can learn how to use design software online via Youtube and Udemy. Designers in print production, working with both digital and offset printing methods, have to have a strong understanding of the printing process and the different types of paper and ink that can be used as well as the printing equipment, including both high-end and low-end printers. Graphic designers working on websites have to have a strong understanding of front-end development and industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver. They should also be familiar with Content Management Systems (CMS) including WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Graphic Design Jobs
The greatest concentration of graphic designers falls within the following categories:
- Specialized Design Services
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
- Printing
- Newspapers, Books, and Magazines
Graphic design is a versatile field, and designers can specialize in a variety of areas, such as web design, logo design, or package design.
What Do Graphic Designers Do?
The graphic design process usually starts with a lot of research. Designers will look at other designers’ work, read articles and books on design, and study the work of other artists in related fields. They’ll also spend time thinking about the project at hand and what the client’s goals are. Then, they’ll start sketching out some ideas, refining and tweaking ideas as they go until they have a mockup and eventually a final design.
Graphic Design Salary
Hourly Rate: $28.83/hr Salary: $59,970/yr (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Elements to Include in a Graphic Design Invoice
Invoices for graphic design services can be tricky to put together, especially if you’re just starting out in your business. Here are a few tips on what to include:
- Business name, logo, and contact information
- Contact information for clients
- A clear description of the services rendered
- Invoice number
- Price of each task completed
- Total amount due
- Payment terms, such as when the payment is due and how it should be made (e.g. by check or PayPal)
- Due date for payment
Revisions
Many graphic designers cap the number of revisions they’re willing to do for a client in order to avoid having to re-do the same project more times than is reasonable given the price of the project. If you’re a freelancer and starting out in the graphic design industry, pay attention to how much time revisions generally take and think about stating how many revisions you’ll do on your project estimate or at the outset of a client relationship.
Copyright and Ownership of Designs
The owner of the copyright to a graphic design is typically the designer or client who commissioned the work. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if the design was created by an employee of a company as part of their job, then the company would own the copyright. Or, if the designer has signed over their copyright to the client, then the client would own the copyright. It’s important to have a contract or proposal that states your copyright terms at the beginning of a client relationship or project.