How To Set Up Contracts + Invoices As A Freelancer | Ep5

In this episode in the freelance series we're going over setting up contracts, invoices, and getting paid! I go through my contract and answer all the legal questions that go into being a freelance graphic designer. Links and resources below!
Have you seen the other episodes in the series??
ep1 • How To Become A Freela...
ep2 • My Freelancing Experie...
ep3 • Finding + Working With...
ep4 • Setting Your Prices As...
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MY LINKS
P A T R E O N / paolakassa
W E B S I T E paolakassa.com
P I N T E R E S T / paolakassa
T W I T T E R / paolakassa
I N S T A G R A M / paolakassa
Contract template resources
bit.ly/2yhGzOc
www.aiga.org/standard-agreement
www.ryrob.com/freelance-contr...
Invoice template resources
www.freshbooks.com/invoice-te...
bit.ly/3ej0koR
Payment Apps
cash app
venmo
paypal
apple pay
google pay
zelle
square cash
#freelanceseries #graphicdesign #paolakassa
xx,
Paola Kassa

[@evelyne5926]

It's so crazy how my design program in college never taught us in-depth about this, so thank you for sharing this valuable information!!

[@4TheCreatives]

I hate that these were not discussed in art programs. They are not setting up new designers for success.

[@alisonhughes7155]

Right how did i get a whole ass degree and am now on youtube tryna figure this out😂😂

[@4TheCreatives]

@@alisonhughes7155 I understand you girl!

[@alisonhughes7155]

4 The Creatives thank you for the help!

[@badiallodiawara183]

You are literally the best for all of this information! This is such an inspiration for starting freelancing and you just made starting ten times easier! Thank you so much for all your help!!!

[@roman-cu1cw]

The YT videos I've watched about setting up a contract often presented example contracts that looked pretty much like those terms and conditions that nobody actually reads before proceeding- super text-heavy and full of legal terms whose purpose is more of formality than the actual work involved. I thought I would eventually have to create such contracts, but then your video gave me hope that things don't always have to be that way! I love how your contracts are concise and direct to the point while containing all the information the freelancer and the client need to understand the scope and the condition of their relationship. Thanks for the insight.

[@quriosadesign]

Hi Paola! I'm a freelance digital/graphic designer with 6 years of experience and I've been watching this freelance series just to realize how similar our process is. I'm really glad I've found your channel and your amazing work. Keep it up!

[@BAP3221]

I had a client refuse to sign a contract and try to sweet talk me into working based on “trust”. I said nope. Sorry!!

[@PaolaKassa]

Yeah aaaaalways get them to sign!

[@kcersk]

You can throw reverse card and say "We trust each other, do we? Than why there is a problem signing a contract? Trust must come in both sides." Also good contract could save not only your ass, but also client's. If there is some issues with copyrighted font or whatever.

[@BAP3221]

@@kcersk thank you karolis! This was very helpful. I will definitely use this line from now on. Genius! Lol

[@cornbone]

this series is SO incredibly helpful and i dont think ive seen anything like it. you literally answered all the questions that i was too scared to ask for so long in only a few videos like!! i can't believe it

[@lilianliu5394]

greeting from china❤️thanks your post!I don't have any background of design or art, but I do like design,illustration...so I quit my job last year, I have a lot of time to learn and practice.though i have so little confidence in myself now and worried about whether it is a wrong decision or not,and your video give me sort of comfort.....thank you～

[@AJlooovesPocky]

Thank you so much for making videos like these! i'm interested in pursuing freelance work somewhere down the line, and this video really helped put into perspective what to expect when I finally work with clients. All your videos really go in depth with all different aspect for your work that I wouldn't even consider until the moment i'd have to deal with it. so thank you again!

[@PaolaKassa]

I’m so glad this helped!

[@kiaramartin6642]

You are a life saver. Thank you so much for providing this information that no one ever talks about!

[@rachelkrouth7987]

Thank you thank you Paola! I just got my first freelance client (!!) and this is so helpful! Cheers ❤

[@littlebirdie4333]

How many clients did you work till now in 1 yr?

[@meganmaldonado3703]

Thank you for this! I've been researching this side of starting my own graphic design business and stumbled upon your channel. This was INCREDIBLY helpful!!! ☺️☺️❤️

[@aceofink_]

thank you paola,, I just got my very first freelance job and all the logistics and contracts and tax documents are really stressing me out! but watching this video made me feel a lot better, so thank you so much

[@edidiongequere6739]

Nice video PK. Just what I needed at the right time. Holla from Nigeria

[@drishtisunil2610]

Thank you so much for sharing your own contract terms and invoicing procedure! Lots of YT videos just show us Googled templates so this one is definitely more helpful than most! Appreciate it! ♥

[@francescasibley9694]

oh my goodness what a legend thank you so so much!!!!

[@madisonjean8078]

I've been looking everywhere for an in detail overview of contracts!! Thanks so much!:)

[@bojangles7331]

thank you. never realized how much i like contracts.

[@viniciusoviedo]

Very helpful video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheMarimay09]

thank you so much for being so transparent! Greetings from Germany

[@desmondhaskell4980]

Thank you for this information. Please continue making freelance content like this because it helps ALOT! Subscribed!!

[@thediasporian]

This was super helpful! Thanks for sharing and being so transparent!

[@draft74draft65]

Wow…. You made it so easy to me! 🙏

[@4TheCreatives]

You explained the point about the contracts well. It is VITAL to have these, otherwise you can get into trouble that is super avoidable.

[@Mawisky]

thank you for this video series. I've been struggling to start and finding your channel really put me at ease. thanks!

[@ceydi9747]

I love your energy 🥰❤ This whole series literally was the thing I was searching for, fooor years. I'm wondering, is there something else you do to make sure you don't get scamed, when you interact with your clients? Could I put my watersign over the designs? I'm really new to design, but your channel really helps me out. 😭❤

[@PastelThai]

I'm so impressed by your work ethic and your professionalism!

[@inuyasha561]

thank you so much for this video this has helped very awesome video!

[@OrincyWhyteDesigns]

I have a contract but im going to design itt TONIGHT LOOOL yessss

[@PaulSebastianM]

How do they sign the contract? What is legally required and how do you validate that signature because if it's bogus, the contract is not binding.

[@jaimecrain2343]

You are awesome for making these videos!! This is so helpful!!

[@lazyafterno0n]

this is so helpful!!!! TYSM

[@chantellethurston3748]

u are amazing !!!! this series helped a lot

[@jaliyahharrison6028]

Wonderful, and straight to the point! Thanks

[@asayasartworks]

I’m very annoyed that I never learned this in school Like how can we be business owners and not be taught business lol I sent over a contract and this is the biggest company I’ve ever freelanced for and he questioned a lot of things about my contract because I’m honestly so lost Thank you so much!!!

[@mallikgraphics5044]

This was really helpful, at least I have been on the right track. Thank you

[@mc2782]

Thank Poala...very informative and detailed explanation

[@aaliyah_drew_that]

thank you so much for this!!!!

[@lifeofdesmond]

Thank you so much for this valuable info!!

[@sofiabelo4943]

this video is so so great! thank you so much for all this content!!

[@maryfeliciaa]

Very helpful!!❤

[@e60060]

Love this! I need to get an actual contract drawn out for my seamstress and contract work.

[@firdologo]

Excellent, Thanks for your sharing Paola 😊

[@lauramt309]

Thank you soooso much for this video, it was really helpful !

[@greencasestudy]

Awesome explanation, thank you!

[@hayleenieman8746]

Thank you! This helped SO MUCH.

[@kelmeu]

I needed this video!! Thank you so much! If you have any information on designers royalty agreements, fees, and/or contracts, I would love to hear! I am wondering how to write it up in my contract and send it to my clients.

[@sydnees1965]

Great great video thank you

[@aakritichoudhary2211]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@alexpalomar6426]

I just found this video and it is SO HELPFUL, I'm in awe! Thank you so so much for sharing. I just launched my business a fews days ago @creativeattentiongraphics and I've procrastinated on a contract because I felt overwhelmed. Thank you, thank you! ❤️

[@leonahussey]

Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@esco.letsgo]

The first invoice is due immediately? Then the second one within a number or days/weeks?

[@yuting386]

this is so helpful!!! thank you

[@aoperry]

Love this vid! This was so helpful! Do you mind attaching some good invoice and contract templates in the description. Thanks!

[@PaolaKassa]

Ah yes I completely forgot! In the description now!

[@zakapuntas4698]

@@PaolaKassa hi there i hope you are doing great, about the the templates they are not there 😊

[@jenniferc4927]

How do you show the client the progress before final payment without them being able to steal it??

[@puzzyfairy1449]

What font is this, I love it 😍 thank you for this video it’s so helpful!

[@miandyou6445]

thank you so much for this!! v helpful

[@asereope6175]

Needed this ❤️

[@pearlvirtualassistant3820]

Thank you, amazing information I am looking for

[@luigifollowonlytheferraris]

How do you word the first invoice requesting the half payment before you start the project? Like what do you have on the contract that states that because if I break it down I don’t want it to seem like that one payment is for everything...

[@IBEE_784]

Thanks a lot for the enormous informations. Can I get these informations in pdf ? Thank you.

[@briajosephs3346]

Great video!

[@silasshiimbi2224]

You should start a podcast, you're nice to listen to.

[@ItzAzeem]

Great video but how to sign contract if client is very far place?

[@Sierrabates_]

Just subscribed, thank you ❤️

[@yea7203]

Hi, I am very new to the freelance world. My first project is due by May 20th and I sent my design to the client for feedback two days ago but he doesn't reply. I am worried if I gonna miss the deadline... Also, I would like to ask how do you ask client to pay one half of the payment before you start? Thank you in advance!

[@jannettealejo1990]

Personally, I would state this in the initial meeting. Say "ok, when ever you want to start I require half up front and the remainder once the project is completed" If they don't seem to be happy with that then you probably dodge a bullet. Some times with small projects you absolutely need to do this to avoid being scammed. It happens so much and it's a shame people are this cruddy.

[@jryda]

thank you for this!!

[@lesliies1346]

Do you make clients sign over email or in person? also do you meet in person with your clients??

[@alwayjohnrallos7359]

I have a question. In your contract it says "A 2% service charge is payable on all overdue balances.", but in the invoice terms "$10 late fee will be added to total". I'm sorry I don't understand how this works, but can you further explain it to me? Is the 2% every day? Please, it would be a great help, thank you

[@PaolaKassa]

Yeah I’ve reworded that in my contract since

[@sage5616]

thank you for the content!

[@lesegomonti9560]

Dude thank you so much!

[@hgtskillindia6994]

Thanks for the information .. 🙏🙏🙏 🇮🇳

[@leahanne2691]

You're so amazing! 😍

[@esco.letsgo]

Also, how do they sign the contract and invoice? Electronic signature or just type out their name?

[@lextacy2008]

Would I need a contract if its just a day-to-day work ? Could I just use an invoice for the hourly rate?

[@folarinoladejo6159]

What software did you use to create the contract and invoices and also sign them

[@Raquel-eh3pd]

Heyy, love your videos! I'm not sure if you have already covered this but I'd thought I'd ask. How do you send files on the progress of the project, without making sure they don't already use it/steal it? Like if you're designing a logo, and you want to show them the final draft, do you send a low-res jpeg? Or is it a trust system and worse case you sue if they download and use it before the final payment?

[@PaolaKassa]

I always send screenshots of what I've been doing, but jpegs are fine too! It's mostly a trust basis but do what works for you with each client. Screenshots are easy and obvi they can't use them anywhere

[@stephtildeathdotcom]

How do you legally handle licensing of fonts used in logos for client work? Is that something you add in the contract stating they have to license the fonts used?

[@jasonsong6747]

Hi loved this video, even though it's old it still provides value. I am freelancer writer and am wondering - do you issue contracts for every job? Regardless of how long you have worked with the client? I guess this makes sense since the contract could change over time. lol I kind of answered myself. What software do you use for PDF/e-signing?

[@theninjacow]

|'m just starting to try and take my design work/ freelancing more serious so really appreciating these videos!! Do people generally sign the documents with an E-signature? I'm wondering if there would be any issues with this if you ever had to produce proof of these documents

[@PaolaKassa]

I always send them over as a pdf and they just sign by clicking and typing their name out. And that works for me! If you were concerned maybe making sure you get an e-signature would be best. Glad you’re liking the series!

[@BAP3221]

SpaceCadet yes, I believe Adobe sign has a part where it tells the client that they confirm that the signature is being signed by them.

[@Ug-hi7ij]

Thank you! This is so helpful :) Just wonder.. freelancers don't need to charge tax? and how do you file a tax?

[@shellyblack4250]

This is super helpful! Do you also send clients a receipt after they pay you?

[@sandurojas]

So basically Do you work as a sole propietorship right?

[@muhammadhuzaifa2718]

How does email check work?Will bank trust an email check?

[@natsunwtk]

I’m a newbie so I have to ask might be a stupid question but if we have to work with foreigners in the other countries which method should we use about the payment?

[@soniacarolina0]

How you updated since then? Now 2023

[@Mawisky]

Can you clarify the ownership portion? Does it remain your property and the client only owns the final files? Can the client change the logo after they paid you? do you send the vector files? if so, do you charge more for them? do you keep the rights? i'm confused help haha

[@samiahassani2075]

Thank for this very informative video Paola! I have one question please. I’m about to sign a freelancing contract with a marketing agency they have already asked me if i can make my packages more flexible because they were going to assign me with more than 2 clients , I accepted. Now in the contract they have mentioned that I will be getting a fixed rate each month ( the cheapest package). They didn’t mentioned the number of clients or any other information. What should I do in this case please?🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

[@Suko-Kitsuu]

Question: On your invoice, should you be charging taxes to cover what you have to deal with with that down the road?

[@yea7203]

Usually how many rounds of revision do you allow? I have been sucked on this for 2 hours while finishing up my first design contract (I use the free contract template). My client asked me to do an animated IG story, and the set price is $40 per IG story. The payment is not by hourly rate, and I really want to avoid unlimited revision. Do you have any recommendations?

[@PaolaKassa]

I usually limit my revision count to 3 rounds in most of my projects, but with something simple like an insta story I would suggest maybe 2!

[@yea7203]

@@PaolaKassa Thank you so much!

[@nicolasmarianopolis7973]

How do they sign your contract?

[@martinapaturzo1722]

suscribed 4 life

[@nathiyaaselladurai5420]

Hi. I'm new to freelancing. Is a contract the same as a quotation? Btw, great video!

[@celinebaumgartner1565]

Could the contracts apply to a virtual assistant. I know it's better to make your own contract versus following an outline to the world. Could I alter this as VA. I'm currently in the process of starting my freelancing journey and just want to make sure all my ducks are in a row hahaha

[@bitfyremusic]

Is there any other alternative for a contract? I'm underage :/

[@kamariawentt9883]

I can’t read the contract :(

[@skullknight4579]

If the client themselves have a contract for me to sign, should I still push my own on them?

[@PaolaKassa]

If the client is a company then their contract should cover everything! Having your own contract to work with individuals/smaller businesses is important though

[@heidi5047]

How do you keep records for taxes?

[@PaolaKassa]

If I'm working with a company they usually have me fill out a tax form that keeps as a record, and if I'm working with an individual client the invoice and contract you make is your record. You can make a spreadsheet as well to keep tabs on what was paid to you from each client, and keep all your files/screenshots of payments so you know everything was paid off!

[@tacomonsternick]

My main question about becoming a freelancer is, "do you need to have a business license?"

[@PaolaKassa]

No! As a freelancer you just have to keep track of all your records. You can become an LLC if that is easier for you, or "doing business as" which helps if you have a business name. But you can totally just work as yourself completely legally.

[@ashidoashido8621]

Nice. Heloo

[@umo9242]

i'm in love with the way u talk PAOLA... i mean ur work hhhhhhh