If you have a graphic design business, you need to provide invoices to your clients. Skynova's invoice template enables businesses to create and customize professional invoices within minutes. Some graphic designers might use Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word templates to create their invoices, but these can sometimes be more difficult to customize.

Using Skynova's graphic design invoice template, you can easily edit and send your own invoice directly below as well as download a PDF to send directly to your client. When you work with us, you also have everything organized in one place for you to quickly reference so you have more time to focus on your creative work. If you're a graphic designer, learn more about how to customize your invoice template below.

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How to Create a Graphic Design Invoice

Invoicing is simple, as Skynova has a comprehensive invoice template. Once you've completed the custom invoice for free, click the save button to print, download, or send your invoice.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every step to complete your invoice as a graphic design business. When creating an invoice, you should add not only the discussed price of the project but also the cost of supplies for the project.

  1. Include Your Business Address and Your Client's Address

    To begin, you'll need to add business contact information. This should include your company name and address as well as the client's name business address. It's incredibly important to add accurate information to this section of your invoice, as it adds validity to your invoice in the eyes of the client. By providing accurate information, your client will be able to recognize your graphic design business, avoiding any confusion as to who sent the invoice.

    You can also choose to include an email address or phone number on the designer invoice. This is recommended if you are completing all of your graphic design work for the client online. Remember to double-check this information before you send the invoice to your client. It's important that the contact information that you are providing is accurate.

  2. Add Your Invoice Number

    Next, you'll need to add the invoice number. The invoice number acts as an internal and external reference. Invoice numbers are important to track and refer to invoices. Skynova's platform automatically creates a unique invoice number for you.

  3. Include Invoice Due Dates

    Once you've added the invoice number, you'll need to add the invoice date. The invoice date is important, as it officially records that the client has been billed. Generally, the invoice date should be the date you created the invoice. Some businesses have different policies for invoice dates, so double-check before selecting.

    In addition to the invoice date, you will need to select the invoice due date. The due date tells your client when the amount due needs to be paid, providing essential information. Typically, invoice payment terms are 14 or 30-day periods. The duration of the payment period should have been covered at the beginning of the work agreement, as well as the acceptable form of payment methods.

  4. Calculate and Include the Cost of Your Supplies

    In any business, especially graphic design, you should track any supplies, materials, and creative software that you might have to purchase or rent for a specific design project. Spending on job-specific rentals or purchases can add up, and you should be compensated for this.

    Calculate the cost of supplies or materials on the invoice by selecting "New Line." This allows you to add up all of the costs accrued during the project. For instance, you might need creative software that is specific for this job and a design studio camera. If those costs were specific to the job, you should add them to the invoice.

  5. Calculate and Enter the Cost of Your Labor

    Aside from tracking any necessary supplies or materials, you'll need to track your labor. Before starting the project, you and the client should have discussed design service rates. Whether you're paid hourly or by a fixed rate, you will need to add the labor to your invoice.

    Depending on the type of project, a graphic designer might charge:

    • By the hour
    • For the entire project

    When using Skynova's graphic design invoice template, you will need to select Service, Hours, Days, Product, or Discount in the section titled "Item." From there, add the Unit Price. If you are paid by the hour, the Unit Price is your hourly rate. Quantity, on the other hand, would be the number of hours you worked. For example, if you have a Unit Price (hourly rate) of $25, and a Quantity of 4.00 (four hours), your total amount would be $100.

    In some cases, you might charge your client by the project. In this case, select "Product" in the section titled "Item." The Unit Price would be considered the price of the entire project in this example and the Quantity would be 1.00.

  6. Account for Any Discounts Provided to the Client

    In some cases, you might also add a new-client discount, discount code, or referral discount. Adding discounts to the invoice is easy. Simply add a "New Line" and select "Discount." Next, put the amount that you would like deducted from the total in the Unit Price. For example, if you have a 10% new-client discount and the total amount of the project was $100, then the Unit Price would be $10. Since there is only one new-client discount, the Quantity will always be 1.00. Once this information is added, the discount will be deducted from the amount.

  7. Add a Note Describing Your Work to Provide Additional Context

    We also recommend leaving a note. Notes provide helpful information to explain line items that you entered above. For instance, you might tell the client the percentage of a new client discount and how it is reflected in the amount. All in all, adding a note helps clients understand each of the items and how they impacted the overall amount.

Invoicing Tips and Best Practices for Graphic Design Businesses

Although the project you worked on for your client might feel finished before the invoice, it's not over yet. Creating a descriptive but simple invoice is a huge piece of the project. If overlooked, a poorly created invoice can be detrimental to your graphic design business. In this next section, we'll go over some tips and best practices for graphic design invoices.

  • Discuss How the Project Will Be Charged

    First and foremost, it's important to discuss the cost upfront. To answer this question, you will need to discuss how you will be charged for the project. For example, you can be charged hourly or by the project.

    For projects that you're getting charged hourly for, it's important to give the client an estimate of how much time it will take you. Not only does this help lay out how long they should wait to expect the finished project, but also how much they will owe you. By giving your client a quote, they are able to better budget.

    On the other hand, if you charge per project, you should discuss with your client how much they will be billed for the entire project. This way, expectations are made upfront for both parties, avoiding any miscommunication after the project is complete. All in all, you should discuss the total cost or the hourly wage before you begin working on the project.

  • Create Professional Invoices

    However tempting it may be to quickly complete an invoice without double-checking your work, it can be detrimental to your appearance as a graphic design business. Because of this, it's vital that you confirm that you have selected the correct Item, Unit Price, and Quantity.

    Since creating organized invoices with Skynova is so simple and quick, reviewing your invoice is just a small step that can have a powerful impact on your image. Small errors can come across as unprofessional and by taking a few extra minutes to review the invoices, you ensure having a good image. Whether you're a graphic design business owner or work as a graphic design freelancer, a professional appearance can help you retain clients.

  • Track Invoicing

    Lastly, it's essential to track your invoicing. Keeping track of invoicing dates and deadlines will help ensure that all of your clients have paid you. If any late payment situations arise, remember to be professional and approach the client with a well-mannered attitude. By approaching the situation with caution and kindness, you will maintain professionalism.

Let Skynova Help Turn Your Creative Pursuits into Income

Using Skynova's invoice template for your graphic design business adds a level of professionalism that can set your business apart from competitors. In addition to easy-to-use invoice templates, Skynova also offers templates that cover a large variety of business needs for graphic designers, like our quote template and receipt template.

Skynova is dedicated to helping small businesses get paid faster. By simplifying and speeding up the billing process, you can focus on your business and have access to your money faster. Customize invoices from our templates and send them out in less than five minutes.

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