Tips For Signing Contracts For Creatives

By Kimberly Cole


Being a talent means that you are holly responsible for yourself. While big companies have HR and legal departments to design contracts, talents usually rely on the mercy of their contractors. Whether you are designing it or signing one by a third part, contracts for creatives should be formal and binding. Here are mandatory inclusions that will save you a lot of trouble during execution.

Clearly indicate the terms of payment. It is hectic to ask for payments after you have done your part and the client is enjoying your work. You also have financial commitments to meet. Endless emails might never get answered or will be followed by promises. You need to clearly indicate a schedule that comes with penalties if it is not honored.

Demand a non-refundable deposit as commitment for your time and booking. The truth is that you have to block the calendar on particular dates to accommodate the client even if a more lucrative deal comes up. This is the point of demanding commitment in form of non-refundable deposit. The client also makes all the effort to ensure that everything will go as planned. It teaches clients to also treat you and other talents with seriousness.

A good contract should capture appropriate action in case a refund is necessary or payments are made late. This is one of the issues that leave talents at the mercy of clients. You are not a talent lying around waiting for someone to come and appreciate. You have commitments taking up your time and must thus be respected. You should have a right to end the contract just as the client has.

Project postponement or cancellation must be given the attention it deserves. This still flies in the face of clients who think that you can be available anytime they wish. Cancellation in some cases is not considered a disruption to your schedule and cash flow. Include a clause where you can cancel the project without refund or push it to the next available time at the expense of the client.

Insist on copyrighting your work. Most talents or creatives do not regard this as important. The fact that you have been paid is not a reason to have your work mutilated. You have an image to portray and protect. It should be clear and precise what a client intends to do with the work. Anything beyond that must be compensated and have your approval.

There are risks in working as a creative. They could be on your health, body, in the course of travel, preparing the project or natural calamities. Include a clause in the contract that shields you from such risks. You cannot be held responsible for matters that are beyond your control. The terms of resolution must be reasonable and mutually agreed.

Clients will treat you in the way you regard yourself. It is a huge mistake to be at the mercy of your client and be vulnerable to his or her manipulation. Guard your talent by crafting a contract that will guarantee commensurate compensation for you for the work you do and protection to your image.




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