Graphic designer invoice template

How do graphic designers usually invoice?

Graphic designers quote fixed project fees for branding and print work, take 50% up front and invoice the balance on delivery of final files, with hourly rates for amends and small jobs. The invoice defines the deliverables, the number of concepts and revision rounds, and the file formats supplied, because scope creep is the main cause of unpaid extra work. Font and stock licences are recharged at cost.

Graphic designers in this example give the customer 30 days to pay, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £35 to £80. A full day is typically £280 to £600.

What should a graphic designer put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, graphic designers should:

• Describe the deliverables, concepts and revision rounds in the line item, matching the proposal.
• Take 50% up front on projects over about £1,000 and say the balance is due before final files are released.
• Charge amends beyond the included rounds by the hour and show them as a separate line.
• Recharge stock and font licences at cost and name the licence so the client knows what they own.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do graphic designers charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for graphic designers is usually “Advertising” at 11% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.