These are my standard terms of service for any design project. Have a good read through, and if anything jumps out at you as a potential issue, let me know before the project begins and we can discuss any alterations that might be needed for your particular project.

Payment

Deposits, final payments, and delivery

I reserve the right to request a 50% deposit before beginning any work on your project. If a deposit is requested, an invoice will be sent via email and payment is expected within 30 days of the invoice date. By paying the deposit, you are accepting these Terms and entering a working agreement with Riley Ellis.

The remaining balance will be invoiced before I deliver any final logo files or exports. I reserve the right to withhold delivery until the full payment has been received.

If you become unresponsive for more than 30 days, I reserve the right to invoice for any work completed up to that point.

You’re welcome to request a payment plan, which I may accept at my discretion. Any payment plans must be agreed upon by both parties in writing.

All payments are due within 30 days unless otherwise discussed and approved.

I also reserve the right to charge for any additional fees related to collection efforts for accounts unpaid past 30 days.

Typefaces

Licensing for any fonts or typefaces used

Any fonts or typefaces used in the final design — including logos or brand materials — are subject to commercial licensing laws. A license gives only the purchaser the right to use that font legally.

In the initial presentation of design concepts, I will provide info about any fonts used and where they can be licensed. It is your responsibility to purchase any font licenses needed for your own use, especially for editable applications like marketing materials, websites, or presentations.

It is against the law for me to share or send you any font files that I’ve personally purchased.

If you'd like to use a font I’ve used in your design, you’ll need to purchase and register the license in your own name.

Typically, a logo itself does not require you to license the font — since the type is converted into vector graphics. But if you want to use the same font elsewhere (like in Canva or on your packaging), you’ll need your own license.

Restrictions

Ownership and creative use

These Terms do not give you the right to use, replicate, or modify any of the early concepts, sketches, or unused ideas presented during the project. All preparation materials and unused concepts remain the property of Riley Ellis.

I reserve the right to use any unused designs or elements in future personal or client work. If a repurposed design ends up visually similar to your final logo, I will make sure to adapt and rework it enough to avoid any overlap or confusion.

Unless we’ve agreed otherwise, I reserve the right to showcase the final logo and related designs in my portfolio, on social media, in design showcases, or in printed publications. This may include supporting materials like business cards, signage, packaging, or mockups.

Once the project is completed and fully paid for, you are free to use the final logo however you see fit — including making changes in the future. That said, any edits made outside of my involvement are at your own risk.

Ownership & Copyright

All preparation materials, sketches, visuals, and working files used to create your project remain the property of Riley Ellis until final payment is received.

The final logo design and digital files become your property only after the project has been paid in full. If final payment is not made as agreed, I reserve the right to retain ownership of all designs and concepts.

In cases where final payment is not received, I also reserve the right to reuse or repurpose any presented ideas or designs for other client work or as personal portfolio content.

If a client attempts to use, modify, or replicate any designs without making the agreed-upon final payment, I will seek legal counsel immediately.

I also reserve the right to share final or in-progress artwork, sketches, or concepts from this project in my portfolio, on social media, or in published materials as examples of my work. If you have specific privacy concerns, are operating in stealth mode, or require a non-disclosure agreement, please let me know before we begin.

Final payment grants ownership of the approved logo design only. All unused ideas, concepts, and visuals remain my intellectual property unless we’ve agreed otherwise in writing.

Trademark & Copyright

Due to the lengthy and often costly procedures required to initiate any form of Trademark, Copyright and legal name search, I am unable to provide any practical help with this.

If you require the logo to be registered as a trademark, then you must seek your own legal advice.

Brand Naming Responsibility

You are fully responsible for making sure your business or product name is legally available for use before I begin any design work.

If legal issues arise regarding your name after the project is completed, I cannot offer a refund or be held legally responsible.

Please make sure the name you’re using is clear for commercial use, not already taken, and not in conflict with any existing trademarks or businesses.

If the name changes partway through the project and substantial design work has already been completed, I reserve the right to recalculate the total project cost to account for the extra time and rework involved.

Limitation of Liability

You agree that Riley Ellis is not legally responsible for any loss or damages related to the use of design services or materials provided — including any issues caused by third-party vendors, content, or your use of designs.

All work is created to the best of my ability and knowledge. I guarantee that all designs I provide are original and not knowingly infringing on any trademarks or copyrights. I will conduct basic reverse image and WIPO checks for originality, but I do not provide formal legal clearance.

You are responsible for conducting your own due diligence to confirm that your brand name and designs do not infringe on existing trademarks or protected content. If you have concerns about originality or legal use, please raise them with me before the project begins.

Cancellation

If you cancel the project after work has started and concepts have been submitted, the initial deposit is non-refundable. In some cases, depending on how much work has been completed, I may offer a partial refund at my discretion.

If I become unavailable due to illness or unforeseen personal circumstances and can’t complete the project, I will refund a portion of the overall budget — up to the full amount — based on the work completed so far and what’s usable by another designer.

Project Suspension

I reserve the right to pause or suspend a project if there’s a pattern of excessive micromanagement, a lack of trust in the process, or ongoing refusal to move forward after multiple rounds of concepts have been presented.

Fair notice will be given if issues arise, and you’ll always have the chance to address the situation. If the project is suspended or terminated, no refunds will be issued, and all work produced remains my property unless otherwise stated.

Force Majeure

If I’m unable to fulfill parts of the project due to events outside of my control (natural disasters, accidents, health issues, government restrictions, etc.), I’ll notify you as soon as possible and resume work as soon as I reasonably can. This is not considered a breach of contract.

DZIGN Services Terms

The following terms apply to all tiered design services offered by Riley Ellis Design, including but not limited to: One-Off, Logo, Essentials, and Identity packages.

Scope of Work

Each tier includes a defined set of deliverables as outlined on the Design Services page. Any requests beyond the specified scope may be subject to additional fees and extended timelines. Clients are encouraged to review the details of each tier to ensure it aligns with their needs.

Revisions

Revisions are limited to the number specified within each tier. Additional revisions beyond those included will incur extra charges, which will be communicated and agreed upon before proceeding.

Timelines

Estimated timelines for each tier are provided as general guidelines. Actual delivery times may vary based on the complexity of the project, client responsiveness, and the number of revision rounds. Effective client–creator communication is essential to maintain projected timelines.

Upgrades and Downgrades

Clients may choose to upgrade to a higher tier at any point during the project. Downgrading to a lower tier is not permitted once work has commenced, as each tier is priced based on the scope and deliverables agreed upon at the project's outset.

Final Deliverables

Final files will be delivered in the formats specified within each tier upon receipt of full payment. It is the client's responsibility to review all deliverables promptly and notify Riley Ellis Design of any discrepancies or issues within 7 days of delivery.

Client Responsibilities

Clients are expected to provide all necessary information, materials, and feedback in a timely manner. Delays in communication may impact project timelines and could result in additional fees if the project extends beyond the agreed-upon schedule.

Disclaimer

Riley Ellis Design provides visual design services only. This includes branding, logo creation, and the development of visual assets as outlined in each tier. Strategy, marketing consultation, copywriting, and advertising services are not offered and fall outside the scope of all packages.

Clients are responsible for determining how and where final design assets are used. While application mockups may be provided for preview purposes in select tiers, implementation into marketing or digital platforms is solely the client’s responsibility.

While I don’t offer production services directly—such as printing t-shirts, banners, or signage—I do have hands-on experience from working in a print shop and am happy to offer suggestions on where and how to get your designs produced effectively.

If you need deliverables beyond what’s included in your selected tier, they can often be added for an additional fee (typically based on the One-Off rate).

Business Information

Riley Ellis Design is a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Riley Ellis. The business operates in the state of Nebraska and is registered for state tax collection.