The Must Have [Customizable] Contract Template For Event Calligraphers and Live Event Artists

Live event artists and calligraphers, if you’ve been looking for a customizable calligraphy contract template, this one’s for you!

I don’t know about you, but after being in business for 4 years, I was OVER sending out a contract to clients that were closer to a Frankenstein document than a legally binding agreement. I always knew the importance of having a contract, so I’ve always implemented them in my business. But to be totally honest, it just never felt legit enough. 

For years I was using contract templates that were made specifically for creative business owners. And while a lot of content was applicable, the majority of the templates still didn’t quite fit my needs as an event calligrapher.

The Need for Customizable Contracts for Creative Business Owners

So that’s when I decided that I just needed to create my own and make it available to other event calligraphers and live event artists who are likely struggling with the same thing.

But how?! I’m no lawyer, that’s for sure. So I decided to email Paige Griffith (better known as The Legal Paige on Instagram). I explained the gap in our industry and how that gap was leaving us (and our work) vulnerable.

She responded in a matter of HOURS and was ready to put together a customizable contract template that fit our needs.

Together, we created a contract template that’s built specifically for calligraphers and creative artists who offer services at live events. The template is lawyer-written and reviewed, and it’s approved by yours truly to ensure it really checks all the boxes so you can book all your events with confidence! It’s also completely customizable so you can truly tailor it to fit your business.

(Because NO ONE knows your business better than you!)

The business that we run as live event artists is incredibly unique which means that your contract needs to be, too. But in case you’re wondering WHY a contract like this is so important, let me explain.

Why Event Calligraphers and Live Event Artists Need Contracts

As an event calligrapher or live event artist, your work is a unique blend of artistry and service. Whether you’re creating custom calligraphy tags, bottle-painting at a luxury retailer, or hand-engraving champagne glasses on-site at a wedding, your role is critical to the success and ambiance of an event.

But with that responsibility also comes the need for very clear agreements!

And that’s where your contract comes into play. Like any professional contract, your calligrapher contract serves as the foundation of trust between you and your clients. It outlines all expectations, protecting your time and creativity, and minimizing misunderstandings. Without a contract, you’re left vulnerable to last-minute changes, unclear payment terms, or even disputes over the scope of your work.

By using a well-drafted calligraphy contract template that is tailored to your industry, you set the stage for a smooth and professional experience for both you AND your clients.

5 Key Calligraphy Contract Template Clauses

Since a contract is truly a non-negotiable, it’s important to understand what clauses to look for and include before sending it off to your clients. 

Because remember: a strong contract doesn’t just protect your business (even though that’s definitely a huge part of it). It also ensures a seamless experience for everyone involved.

Five key contract clauses to include in your live calligraphy contract are:

1. Scope of Work

The scope of work clause is the section of the contract that clearly defines the services you’re providing, including specific deliverables. This includes things such as the type of service, minimum number of items completed, specific embellishments, the timeline for completion, etc.

This section will likely vary from event to event and it’s important to be extremely detailed so that the client knows exactly what they’re receiving. Having this in writing from the very beginning prevents you from having to deal with the “oh, can you do this too?” or the “oh, I thought that was included” awkward scenarios. 

2. Payment Terms

This part of the contract is where you outline your fees and payment schedule. You should also outline any additional costs, such as travel or materials, to avoid confusion later. 

3. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

It’s super common for creative contracts to include a cancellation policy. But it’s a little bit different when you’re dealing with live events — which is why it’s important that this clause is specifically tailored to you. 

As I’m sure you’re well aware of, events can be unpredictable. So it’s essential to include terms for cancellations, rescheduling, or force majeure situations, ensuring you’re compensated for work already done.

4. Ownership of Artwork

One thing that creatives really have to specify is whether the client receives the original artwork or a license to use it. This clause ultimately protects your intellectual property rights and can help prevent (or at least get in front of) copyright issues.

5. Client Responsibilities

Lastly, it’s incredibly important to detail what the client is responsible for. This includes things such as providing a workspace, necessary materials, or access to the venue, so you have everything needed to succeed.

For example, I make it very clear that clients must provide a table and chair, adequate lighting, a place to display or store items to be customized, and access to power for certain services.  I also specify who is responsible for providing the items to be customized at the event.

Outlining these things up front prevents any confusion or misunderstanding on event day!

Overall, by including these clauses, your contract will not only protect your time and artistry but also communicate professionalism and confidence to your clients.

The Best Customizable Calligraphy Contract Template

While you absolutely could keep piecing together your live event contracts and hoping for the best (I remember those days all too well), I’m here to say that you don’t have to live that life anymore!

Your business deserves to be legitimately protected. And there’s no better (or easier) way to do that than to simply invest in a lawyer drafted contract template that was made specifically for YOUR industry. 

The Legal Paige listened to all of my concerns and questions and she truly didn’t leave anything out. The contract template she created covers everything listed above, PLUS:

• Terms for Social Media
• Venue and Location Limitations Clause
• Inclement Weather Clause
• Travel Fees Clause
• Artistic Style Clause
• Cancellation of Live Event Artist Services by Company Clause

…and SO much more!

CLICK HERE to grab your very own contract template and use code ‘CatLauren10’ to save 10% at checkout!

And if you happen to be subcontracting other artists to work events with your clients on your behalf, then the Associate Addendum is also a great contract option for you. This template can be added to any contract that you’re currently using! 

Here’s to having one less thing on your plate and being fully confident that your booty and your business are both protected.

P.S. If you’re a creative that doesn’t offer live events, but you’re still in need of a contract template, The Legal Paige is still your go-to. Click here to browse contracts by industry! And don’t forget to use that code at checkout to save yourself some dollar billssss.