Graphic Design Proposal Template (With Pricing Section)
A proposal for logo, identity, packaging or print projects that you can copy and fill in. After the template: how to scope concepts and revisions, and how to handle ownership so it doesn't become a dispute.
Updated September 30, 2026
The template
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROPOSAL: [Project name] Prepared for: [Client name], [Company] Prepared by: [Your name] Date: [Date] Valid until: [Date + 30 days] 1. THE BRIEF [Company] needs [e.g. a logo and visual identity / packaging for a new product line / a set of event materials] for [purpose and audience]. It needs to [the one or two things the design must achieve, e.g. "stand out on a crowded shelf and work at small sizes on the label"]. 2. DELIVERABLES - [Item 1, e.g. Primary logo, secondary logo and icon, each in colour, one colour and reversed] - [Item 2, e.g. Colour palette with HEX, RGB and CMYK values] - [Item 3, e.g. Business card and letterhead] - [Item 4, e.g. 3 social media templates] - Final files: [SVG, PNG, PDF, and source files in (tool)] 3. PROCESS 1. Kickoff call and questionnaire 2. Research and moodboard, for your approval before design starts 3. [3] initial concepts 4. [2] rounds of refinement on the chosen concept 5. Final artwork and file handover 4. NOT INCLUDED - Printing and print management - Copywriting or naming - Photography or custom illustration (can be quoted separately) - Paid fonts or stock images (quoted before use; you buy the licence) 5. TIMELINE Week 1: Kickoff and moodboard Week 2: Concepts presented Week 3: Refinement rounds Week 4: Final files delivered Your feedback is due within [3] business days at each stage. 6. INVESTMENT [Package name]: [price] Payment: [50]% deposit to start, [50]% before final files are released. Extra revision rounds: [price] per round. 7. USAGE AND OWNERSHIP On final payment, you own the final artwork and may use it for any purpose. Unused concepts remain mine. I may show the finished work in my portfolio unless you ask me not to. 8. NEXT STEPS Accept this proposal and I'll send the deposit invoice and the kickoff questionnaire.
Get the moodboard approved first
A moodboard costs you an afternoon and saves you from three concepts in a direction the client never wanted. Ask for approval on the direction before you design anything, and write that step into the process so it doesn't feel like a delay.
How many concepts?
More concepts isn't more value. Each extra concept takes time away from refining the one they'll actually choose, and too many options can make the decision harder. Pick a number you can do properly, state it, and price extra concepts separately if a client wants them.
Spell out file formats
Clients often don't know which file they need until a printer asks. List the formats in the deliverables (vector for print and signage, PNG for web, PDF for documents) and say whether source files are included. If they're not, say so. That avoids an awkward conversation months later.
Ownership and usage
- State when rights transfer. Tying it to final payment is common and gives you leverage if an invoice goes unpaid.
- Say what happens to unused concepts. Many designers keep ownership of them.
- Ask for portfolio rights, and respect an NDA if the client needs one.
- For fonts and stock, the client usually buys the licence in their own name, so it stays valid if you stop working together.
This is general practice, not legal advice. For high-value or unusual rights (exclusive licences, trademarks), have a lawyer review your terms.
Pricing a design package
Packages (for example "Logo only", "Logo and stationery", "Full identity") make comparing easy and stop the price looking like hours on a timesheet. Price each package from the time it realistically takes, including calls and revisions, not just design time.
Example numbers only: Logo only $1,200; Logo and stationery $1,800; Full identity with guidelines $3,500. Set yours from your own time and costs.
Related
- Web Design Proposal Template for FreelancersA free web design proposal template, plus what to include in a web design proposal: discovery, wireframes, design scope, revisions, pricing options and terms.
- UI/UX Design Proposal TemplateA free UI/UX design proposal template covering research, flows, wireframes, prototypes, usability testing, developer handover, pricing and terms.
- How to Price a Freelance ProjectHow to price a freelance project: work out your minimum rate, estimate hours honestly, and choose between hourly, fixed, package and value-based pricing, with worksheets.
- How to Write a Scope of Work (With Example)How to write a freelance scope of work: the eight parts to include, vague vs specific wording, a full worked example, and a change-request clause you can copy.