Imagine you’re pitching to a big client ready to invest in high-quality design work. You’ve had a great initial meeting, they’re excited about your ideas, and everything feels like it’s falling into place. Then you send over your proposal—and suddenly, the energy shifts. The proposal lacks clarity, doesn't communicate your vision effectively, and feels rushed. Just like that, the momentum is lost.
The competition is fierce in a design industry where 81% of businesses use graphic design in multiple formats. So, you must have a strong graphic design proposal to stand out. A strong graphic design proposal does more than present your idea—it shows why it’s valuable, who’s behind it, how it will unfold, and what outcomes you aim to achieve.
So, in this blog, let us look at how to create a design proposal along with a free template ready to download just for you.
Free Graphic Design Proposal Template
Creating a fantastic proposal can be tricky and time-consuming, but Cone's free, customizable Graphic Design Proposal Template has made this process easier. Everything is handled in this template, from project overview and deliverables to timelines and pricing information. This template will help you create an entire professional-looking proposal in no time. You can also find other proposal templates, like
You only have to log on to the Cone site, download your template, and then go out and work with it to adapt it to the details for your client.
What is a Graphic Design Proposal?
A Graphic Design Proposal is a formal document comprising details like timeline, pricing, scope, deliverables, and agreement terms about the work services a graphic designer or design agency will cater to a client for a particular project. The bottom line of the proposal is to show the designer's competence and demonstrate a proper plan for the project to acquire clients' approval to get the work done.
What Does A Graphic Design Proposal Include?
A graphic design proposal lets you communicate your design services' scope, process, and value to a potential client before moving on to client onboarding. Here’s what a well-rounded proposal should typically include:
- Introduction: This section provides a short background overview, experience, and core design services.
- Project Scope: This section describes what the design project encompasses, for instance, a logo, website design, marketing materials, or social media graphics. This will clarify the scope based on discussions with the client.
- Objectives And Goals: Explain the project's purpose and what the design work is to deliver.
- Deliverables: Lists out what the client expects- a detailed list of expectations to be delivered, including mock-ups, final designs, and source files.
- Timeline: This outline provides approximate project milestones and completion schedules. The estimated dates might include how long initial concepts, revisions, and final output delivery takes.
- Pricing And Payment Terms: This will clarify the project charges, which may include extra charges for any revision and additional services. Besides, it outlines payment terms such as up-front deposits and payment installments.
- Call to Action: It concludes with the next steps: signing the agreement or contacting the designer for further talk.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Graphic Design Proposal
Writing a graphic design proposal might feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help you create a winning proposal every time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a professional, compelling proposal that stands out:
Step 1: Start with a Strong Introduction
- Begin by introducing yourself or your design agency. Include a brief background on your experience, expertise, and the types of design services you specialize in.
- Explain why you're the ideal designer for this project.
- Highlight any unique qualities, such as your creative approach, industry experience, or previous successes.
Step 2: Understand and Define the Client’s Needs
- Gather information on the client and their business, customers, and project objectives. This will demonstrate that you care for their success.
- Explain your client's problems and how your design services can help with those problems.
- Be specific—this will show that you are on the same page with them as you understand what they require.
Step 3: Outline the Scope of Work
- Be very clear on what you will deliver to the client at the end of the process.
- Clarify what’s not included to avoid scope creep.
- For instance, specify that you only handle the logo design and not the website.
Step 4: Describe Your Design Process
- Walk the client through your design process, from initial research and concept development to feedback and final delivery.
- This helps set expectations and reassures the client that you have a structured approach.
- Let the client know how involved they will be during the process and how many rounds of revisions are included.
Step 5: Provide a Budget and Pricing Breakdown
- Provide your clients with the details of your charges.
- Offer a list of services to ensure the clients appreciate the value of their money.
- If there are any potential extra costs, they should be listed as early as possible.
Step 6: Include Terms and Conditions
- Include information regarding ownership rights, usage rights, confidentiality, and cancellation terms.
- This way, you and your working partner will clearly understand the given project’s constraints.
- Explain how many times revisions are included and, if more are required, how much they will cost.
Step 7: Add Testimonials, Case Studies, and Portfolio Links
- Add the client reviews or case histories to prove your successful experience.
- If the position requires a portfolio, make sure that you provide several samples of similar work.
- You can also add real-life scenarios to strengthen your proposal and ensure you stand the best shot at benefiting from the project.
Step 8: End with a Call to Action
- Persuade the client to proceed by arranging a meeting or a phone conversation.
- Or better still, provide them with a contractual form to fill out and sign if they are willing to move to the next level.
- Make it easy for the client to respond by giving them a clear action.
Cone - The Ultimate Proposal Software
From stunning design tools to seamless client collaboration, Cone is the best proposal software for small businesses to create proposals that impress and win clients. With Cone, you can save time, increase your professionalism, and focus on what matters most—creating exceptional designs. Try Cone today and take your design business to the next level!
Here's why Cone stands out as the go-to solution for designers:
Easy-to-Use Proposal Editor: It has a simple drag-and-drop system to add text, images, price tables, and your logo.
Customizable Templates: Cone also provides proposal templates suitable for different industries, including proposal templates for graphic design.
Automated Billing and Invoicing: Once the proposal is approved from the proposal details, you can easily do invoice automation concerning the payment conditions, and the payments made.
Client Collaboration: Cone lets clients participate in the progress in real time. They can leave feedback, request changes, or approve designs directly within the proposal.
E-Signatures: Cone comes with an e-signature, making the process quicker and enabling you to begin the work on the project earlier.
Track Proposal Performance: Cones provides analytics features that will show when the proposal was opened, which sections the client visited, and how much time he spent on every part.
Client Portal: Cone provides clients with a secure, branded portal to view and manage their proposals and contracts.
Affordable Pricing Plans: Cone offers flexible pricing plans starting at just $8 per user per month; you get premium features at competitive prices.
Pricing
- Essentials: £6.50 or $8 (billed annually) or £9 or $11 (billed monthly).
- Growth: £9 or $11 (billed annually) or £12 or $15 (billed monthly).
Sign up now!
Take Action And Land the Project
A clear, organized graphic design proposal not only sets expectations but also strengthens your professional image and boosts your chances of landing the project. Creating a graphic design proposal should not be cumbersome or stressful. A clear structure and a bit of planning can make it easier. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, the above information will help you learn how to create an awesome proposal that will result in you landing that client.
Meanwhile, you can rely on Cone’s free graphic design template, which saves you time and helps you land many clients. You can also give Cone, one of the best proposal and invoicing software in the market, a try.
Check out Cone for free now!
FAQs
- What should be included in a graphic design proposal?
The proposal must include an introduction, client details, solution, cost, methodology, and a sample project.
- How do you write a design proposal that stands out?
A unique proposal should be very specific, demonstrate that you understand the client’s problem, give them solutions, and use compelling language.
What is the best way to structure a freelance design proposal?
Your design proposal structure should be friendly. It should start with project understanding, duration, cost, and call to action.