Connecticut graphic designer employment contract template

Connecticut Graphic Designer Employment Contract

This Full-Time Graphic Designer Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between:

[Company Legal Name], a company organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, with a principal place of business at [Company Address] (“Employer”),

and

[Employee Legal Name], residing at [Employee Address] (“Employee”).

1. Position and Responsibilities

• The Employer hereby employs the Employee as a Graphic Designer. The Employee accepts such employment and agrees to perform the following duties:
• Option A: Creating branding and visual identity systems.
• Option B: Designing digital and print materials.
• Option C: Developing layouts and typography.
• Option D: Editing and retouching images.
• Option E: Producing assets for web and social media.
• Option F: Adhering to brand guidelines.
• Option G: Preparing files for production/printers.
• Option H: Collaborating with marketing, product, or content teams.
• Option I: Participating in creative brainstorming.
• Option J: Providing project updates to supervisors.
• Employee will perform other duties as assigned by Employer.

2. Tools, Software, and Skills

• Employee shall be proficient in and utilize the following:
• Option A: Required Software: Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), [Specify Version].
• Option B: Preferred Software: Figma, XD, Canva.
• Option C: Hardware: Employer will provide [Specify Hardware].
• Option D: Color Calibration Standard: [Specify Standard].
• Option E: Required Skills: Digital art, vector illustration, [Specify Skills].
• Option F: Preferred Skills: Animation, UI/UX familiarity.
• Option G: Design Process Expectations: Mood boards, mockups, revisions, proofs.
• Option H: Approval Workflows: [Specify Workflow].
• Option I: Portfolio Development: Employee responsible for maintaining portfolio showcasing work completed during employment.

3. Work Location and Equipment

• Option A: Work Location: The Employee's primary work location shall be at the Employer's office located in [City, Connecticut].
• Option B: Work Arrangement: Remote or Hybrid, as per company policy.

The Employer will provide the Employee with the necessary equipment, including a computer, software licenses, and other materials to perform their job duties.

Data Security Protocols: Employee must adhere to all company data security protocols to comply with Connecticut privacy regulations and OSHA workplace safety standards.

4. Employment Term and Working Hours

This is a full-time employment position.

Working Hours: Employee is expected to work 40 hours per week.

• Option A: Daily Schedule: [Start Time] to [End Time], Monday through Friday.
• Option B: Break Requirements: As per Connecticut law.
• Option C: Remote Work Expectations: [Specify Expectations].
• Option D: Flexibility Options: [Specify Options] (subject to approval).

5. Compensation and Benefits

• Option A: Annual Salary: The Employee shall receive an annual salary of [Amount], payable [Weekly/Bi-Weekly].
• Option B: Hourly Wage: The Employee shall receive an hourly wage of [Amount], payable [Weekly/Bi-Weekly].
  • Payment Method: Direct deposit or check.
  • Overtime: [Specify Overtime Rules, ensure Compliance with Connecticut State Law: E.g., If non-exempt, overtime will be compensated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.]
  • Bonus Programs: [Specify Bonus Programs].
  • Commissions: [Specify Commission Structure, if applicable].

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: [Specify Health Insurance Options].
• Dental Insurance: [Specify Dental Insurance Options].
• Vision Insurance: [Specify Vision Insurance Options].
• Paid Sick Leave: As per Connecticut law.
• Paid Vacation and PTO: [Specify Vacation and PTO Policy].
• Connecticut Statutory Holidays: Observed as per state law.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFMLA): Compliance with CT PFMLA.
• Transit/Parking Subsidies: [Specify Subsidies].
• Professional Development: [Specify Budget/Reimbursement].
• Certification/Education Reimbursement: [Specify Reimbursement].
• Wellness Programs: [Specify Wellness Programs].
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): [Specify FSAs].
• Retirement Plan: [Specify Retirement Plan Options, including SECURE Choice compliance if applicable].

6. Intellectual Property

All designs, sketches, work products, concepts, drafts, and digital assets created during employment are the property of the Employer.

• Copyright Assignment: Employee assigns all copyrights to Employer under Connecticut and federal law.
• Waiver of Moral Rights: To the extent permitted by law, Employee waives any moral rights.

Third-Party Content: [Specify Rules on Third-Party Content].

Freelance/Personal Projects: All freelance/personal design projects must be reviewed and approved by the Employer to prevent conflicts of interest.

Pre-existing Works: Employee must disclose any pre-existing works or portfolio material.

7. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

Employee agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all trade secrets, client information, design briefs, and proprietary creative processes.

Data Handling: Employee shall handle data securely and destroy data upon termination as per Connecticut statutes.

8. Use of Assets and Warranties

Employee shall use client or internal brand assets and third-party licenses in compliance with applicable agreements.

Non-Infringement Warranty: Employee warrants that their work will not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.

Indemnification: Employee agrees to indemnify the Employer for any unauthorized use of copyrighted material.

9. Behavioral Standards

Employee shall comply with all company policies, including those on file management, version control, and communication tools.

Attendance: Employee shall attend scheduled creative reviews and meetings.

Professional Interaction: Employee shall interact professionally with clients, vendors, and team members.

10. Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disparagement

Note: The following clauses must be carefully drafted in light of Connecticut's 2023 legislation limiting non-compete enforceability.

• Option A: Non-Competition: [Restrict or omit entirely, unless strictly necessary and compliant with CT Public Act 23-49. If included, specify duration, geographic scope, and prohibited activities.]
• Option B: Non-Solicitation: During employment and for a period of [Number] months following termination, Employee shall not solicit clients or employees of the Employer.

Non-Disparagement: Employee agrees not to disparage the Employer or its products, services, or employees.

11. Termination

Employment is “at will” under Connecticut law.

Voluntary Resignation: Employee may resign with [Number] days written notice.

Termination by Employer: Employer may terminate employment with or without cause.

Final Pay: Employee's final paycheck will be issued at the next regular payday, as per Connecticut law.

Severance: [Specify Severance Eligibility, if any].

PTO Payout: [Specify PTO Payout Policy, if applicable].

Return of Property: Employee shall return all company property and digital assets upon termination.

12. Dispute Resolution

• Internal Complaint: The Parties agree to first attempt to resolve any disputes through the company's internal complaint procedures.
• Mediation: If internal resolution fails, the Parties agree to non-binding mediation.
• Arbitration/Litigation: If mediation fails, the Parties agree that any remaining disputes shall be resolved through arbitration or litigation in Connecticut state courts.
• Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut.

13. Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all Connecticut anti-discrimination laws.

Workplace Harassment: Employee acknowledges and will participate in training on workplace harassment and respectful collaboration, as per state statute.

14. Wage Transparency and Equal Pay

The Employer complies with Connecticut’s wage transparency and equal pay requirements.

Wage Range Disclosure: Under the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, the Employer will disclose the wage range for this position upon request.

15. Workers' Compensation and Workplace Safety

The Employer maintains workers' compensation insurance as required by Connecticut law.

Workplace Safety: Employee shall comply with all workplace safety policies under Connecticut OSHA.

Accommodations: The Employer will provide reasonable accommodations as required by the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

16. Data Protection and Privacy

Employee shall comply with Connecticut’s data breach notification law and safeguard client and company data.

Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality regarding client brands, trade secrets, and unreleased marketing campaigns.

17. Amendments

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

18. Acknowledgment

Employee acknowledges receipt, understanding, and voluntary acceptance of this Agreement.

Employee Signature: ____________________________

Employee Printed Name: [Employee Printed Name]

Date: [Date]

Employer Signature: ____________________________

Employer Printed Name: [Employer Printed Name]

Date: [Date]

Updates may be delivered electronically, in compliance with Connecticut Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).