Graphic Designer Invoice Template (Australia)

When to Use This Template

This template is tailored for graphic designers operating in Australia, whether you are a solo freelancer or running a small design studio. Design projects have specific invoicing considerations beyond standard service billing, including how you handle revisions, licensing of creative work, and the split between project fees and out-of-pocket expenses like stock imagery or printing costs.

Australian tax requirements add another layer. Every business invoice in Australia must include your ABN. If you are GST-registered, you must issue a tax invoice that meets the ATO’s requirements, including showing the GST amount separately (or noting that the total is GST-inclusive). The distinction matters because your client can only claim a GST credit if they hold a valid tax invoice from you.

Design projects often involve a mix of fixed fees (for the design concept and execution) and variable costs (stock photos, fonts, printing). Your invoice should clearly separate your creative fee from pass-through expenses. If you mark up third-party costs, state this in your contract and show the total on the invoice. Transparency about what is a creative fee and what is a reimbursable expense prevents confusion and keeps the client relationship professional.

Key Fields to Include

• Your name or studio name and address
• Your ABN (Australian Business Number)
• Client’s name, address, and ABN (for B2B)
• Invoice number and date
• Project name and description of deliverables
• Itemized creative services (e.g., logo design, brand guidelines, social media templates)
• Number of revision rounds included and additional revision charges
• Third-party costs (stock photos, fonts, print production) listed separately
• Subtotal, GST amount (if GST-registered), and total in AUD
• License type for deliverables (reference to contract)
• Payment terms (Net 14 or Net 30)
• Bank details for direct deposit (BSB and account number)

Tips

• Specify the number of included revision rounds on the invoice or in the project scope. Open-ended revisions are the fastest path to scope creep and unpaid work.
• If you charge a deposit (common for design projects, usually 50% upfront), issue a separate invoice for the deposit and reference it on the final invoice as a credit.
• For GST purposes, the ATO requires you to issue a tax invoice within 28 days of a request. Keep your invoicing prompt.
• Consider adding a kill fee clause to your contract and referencing it on the invoice if a project is cancelled mid-way. This protects your time investment.
• Keep records of all invoices for five years as required by the ATO. Digital copies are acceptable as long as they are readable and complete.