These resources, tailored to creative services small businesses, have been created to help you plan, manage, and operate your design firm more effectively.
This agreement allows you to create customized terms and conditions for different types of design engagements. Updated in 2020, it is modular to meet the needs of a growing design community involved in various disciplines.
View the contract
This collection of legal guides has been written by lawyers and small business experts. We encourage you to download and refer to these resources if you have questions about intellectual property—including copyright, trademark, or patents—employment law or freelancing. The accompanying collection of articles explain related legal issues, including how to advocate for your creative rights.
Read the legal guides
The AIGA Design Business and Ethics book outlines the critical ethical and professional issues encountered by designers and their clients. This publication examines the key concerns a designer faces in maintaining a successful practice and speaks directly to the protection of individual rights. Authored by industry leaders from across the country, each chapter offers clear and concise information, as well as practical and specific directions for approaching design issues.
Use an agreement like this when you are subcontracting with design firms and ad agencies. With respect to intellectual property rights, it’s important to note that this form favors the design firm because they control the project as well as the client account. You should not use this form when you are selling services directly to a business client. For that, you should refer to the AIGA Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services.
View the contract
The Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders curriculum is co-designed by AIGA and Yale School of Management to equip creative leaders to meet the challenges of management give participants the skills and perspectives they need to reach the next levels in their careers.