Terms of Service

The specific project scope and deliverables are defined in the signed proposal. Final deliverables are provided to the client only upon receipt of the final invoice payment.

• Third-party services: Quotes exclude outsourced costs such as photography, copywriting, and printing. Clients are responsible for sourcing and paying these providers directly. While I may provide recommendations for convenience, all final arrangements remain between the client and the third-party supplier.
• Agreement confirmation: Please review the proposal carefully before signing. Your signature and deposit confirm that the terms accurately reflect our agreement.

• Deposit requirement: A 50% deposit is required upfront to secure the project in the studio schedule and allow work to commence. This deposit is non-refundable once work has begun.
• Payment schedule: The remaining 50% is due immediately upon project completion.
• Late payments: In accordance with standard practice, the studio reserves the right to charge interest at a rate of 2% per month on any balances outstanding beyond 30 days.
• Method: Preferred payment is via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Upon receipt of the deposit, I will request the necessary assets to begin the project.

• Transfer of rights: Ownership and usage rights of final deliverables are granted to the client only upon receipt of full and final payment.
• Unpaid concepts: All drafts, sketches, and preliminary files remain the property of Michael Viljoen Studio until the final invoice is settled. Unauthorised use of unpaid concepts may result in legal action.
• Portfolio rights: I reserve the right to showcase completed projects within the studio Archive and The Journal. Should confidentiality be required, please inform the studio in writing prior to signing the proposal.

• Ownership of IP: All preliminary drafts, design files, and source files (e.g., layered .psd, .ai, or .indd files) remain the sole intellectual property of Michael Viljoen Studio.
• Deliverable formats: Clients are granted usage rights to the final, completed output files (e.g., .jpg, .png, .pdf, .svg) as specified in the proposal.
• Release of source files: The release of working/source files requires a separate written agreement and will incur an additional licensing fee.

The studio does not manage or purchase SaaS (software as a service) or hosting subscriptions on behalf of clients. All hosting and licensing fees must be paid directly to the provider by the client. While I can assist with account setup, financial maintenance remains the client’s sole responsibility.

• Mid-project cancellation: If a project is cancelled by the client after commencement, the initial 50% deposit is retained. A partial refund of any further payments may be considered based on the volume of work completed.
• Studio inability: A full or partial refund may be granted if the studio is unable to complete a project due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Project suspension: I reserve the right to suspend or terminate a project without refund in instances of repeated delays in payment or a fundamental breakdown in the professional working relationship.

• Verification: Clients must verify the accuracy of all artwork before providing files to third-party suppliers (e.g., printers or sign writers).
• Liability: Michael Viljoen Studio is not liable for production costs, errors, or losses resulting from mistakes in final artwork once the client has provided final approval for production.
• Office Hours: General studio hours are Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:30.