How Do Retainers Work for Graphic Design?

A retainer is an agreement between a graphic design company and their client. It is an ongoing fee that allows the designer to have a consistent source of income and for the client to have access to their services for a certain period of time. The retainer pays for the designer’s time and expertise, and allows for collaboration between the two parties.

Retainers are typically used when clients need multiple design projects done over a long period of time or need on-going maintenance of existing ones. This type of arrangement works well if the client has frequent requests or needs changes made regularly. It also ensures that both sides know what to expect from each other, and that deadlines can be met.

Sometimes, retainers are negotiated based on the amount of work needed. If a client only needs one project completed, they may not need to enter into an agreement. On the other hand, if they have a lot of work to be done over several months, then setting up an official retainer agreement would be beneficial.

When setting up a retainer agreement, it is important to decide how long it will last, how much the designer will charge per hour or project, what types of tasks can be included in the retainer (e.g., logo design, website design, etc.), and when payments will be due.

In conclusion, retainers are an effective way for graphic designers and their clients to collaborate on multiple projects with clear expectations from each side. They provide stability for both parties and allow them to focus on producing great work without worrying about payment issues or unpredictable workloads.