Terms & Conditions

Welcome to studio Simple!

Thank you for choosing us. These Terms and Conditions are designed to create a clear and positive working relationship. They outline how we collaborate, what you can expect from us, and the mutual responsibilities that help ensure your project’s success.

We’ve written them in plain language to be as transparent as possible. If anything is unclear, please don’t hesitate to reach out. By using our services, you agree to these terms.

Definitions & Project Initiation
How We Work Together
Creative Ownership & Intellectual Property
Project Process & Revisions
Pricing & Payment Terms
Design & Development Projects
Our Mutual Responsibilities
Final Provisions

1. Definitions & Project Initiation

1.1. Definitions

“Agreement” means these Terms and Conditions together with the accepted “Project Proposal”.

“Project Proposal” is a separate document detailing the scope, timeline, deliverables, fees, and selected intellectual property model for a specific project.

“Final Deliverables” means the final, approved work product specified in the Project Proposal, delivered in the agreed formats.

“Client” means you, the party commissioning the services.

1.2. Project Initiation

This Agreement becomes legally binding, and the project is formally initiated, upon the Client’s written acceptance of the Project Proposal. The Project Proposal may be a formal contract document or a detailed email outlining the scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees. Acceptance is provided either by:

Replying to an e-mail proposal to confirm agreement; or
Signing and returning a formal contract document.

The effective date of this Agreement is the date of such acceptance.

2. How We Work Together

2.1. Our Schedule & Availability

We’re available Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 17:00 Central European Time, excluding Croatian holidays. Client meetings are typically scheduled:

9:00-12:00 CET for Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia
15:00-17:00 CET for the Americas

We’re flexible when needed and can occasionally arrange meetings outside regular hours for the Client’s convenience.

2.2. Project Kickoff Process

Proposals are valid for 30 days. A project is formally initiated under this Agreement according to Section 1.2. Upon initiation, we will begin the work as outlined in the Project Proposal.

2.3. File Delivery & Storage

Final Deliverables will be delivered via electronic means. The Client is responsible for downloading and securing files promptly, as long-term archival is not provided.

Important: We don’t archive Client’s files indefinitely, so please store final files securely. If Client missed the download time, please reach out and we will reupload Client’s files for Client to download them.

3. Creative Ownership & Intellectual Property

3.1. Our Underlying Rights

We, studio Simple, retain all rights to our proprietary tools, methods, source files, preliminary works, and unused concepts. We retain the non-waivable moral right to be identified as the author of the work.

3.2. Standard License Grant (Standard Model)

Upon full payment of the fees in the Project Proposal, we grant the Client a non-exclusive, perpetual, and non-transferable license to use the Final Deliverables for the Client’s own business operations. This license is granted subject to the restrictions in section 3.4.

Permitted Transfer: This license may be transferred only as part of the sale of the Client’s entire business.

Portfolio Right: We retain a non-revocable, perpetual license to display the work in our portfolio for promotional purposes.

3.3. Full Copyright Assignment (Premium Model)

If the Project Proposal specifies a “Full Copyright Assignment” and the associated premium price is paid in full, studio Simple assigns and transfers all economic copyrights in the Final Deliverables to the Client.

Client’s Rights: The Client may use, modify, and transfer the work.

Our Retained Rights: We retain the rights specified in section 3.1. We retain a non-revocable, perpetual license to display the work in our portfolio.

3.4. Restrictions Common to Both Models

The Client may not resell, sub-license, or transfer the Final Deliverables as a standalone product, template, or service. Any other transfer requires our prior written consent.

3.5. Ghost Design (White Label)

If Client requires confidentiality (“ghost design”) or if Client wishes to omit a credit link, this must be agreed upon in writing in the Project Proposal before the project begins, and may be subject to an additional fee.

3.6. Content on Our Website

3.6.1. Ownership of Website Content

All text, articles, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software presented on the studiosmpl.com website (collectively, the “Site Content”) is the property of studio Simple, its contributors, its content suppliers or third-parties, and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

3.6.2. Categories of Site Content

Our Original & Modified Content: This includes all articles, text, and images created by studio Simple or AI-generated images that we have significantly modified, edited, or integrated into unique creative works. We hold the copyright or sufficient intellectual property rights to this content.
Third-Party Content with Credit: This includes images, quotes, or other materials where the copyright is held by a third party. We use such content under license, with permission, or within the bounds of fair use/fair dealing principles, and we provide clear credit to the original author or creator as specified. This content remains the property of its respective owners.

If you believe your copyright-protected work has been used without proper authorization, please contact us promptly at contact@studiosmpl.com. We are committed to addressing such concerns and will take appropriate action, which may include the removal of the content in question.

3.6.3. Permitted Use by Visitors

You may access, view, and download Site Content for your personal, non-commercial informational purposes only, provided you:

Do not remove any proprietary notices, credits, or watermarks.
Do not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, or distribute any Site Content in any form or by any means without our prior written consent.
With respect to Third-Party Content with Credit, you must comply with any additional terms or credit requirements specified alongside that content.
When sharing or using our content you must include our business name and active link toward our page source.

3.6.4. Restrictions on Commercial Use

Except as expressly provided in this TaC, no Site Content may be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever without our prior written authorization. “Commercial purpose” includes, but is not limited to:

Selling, licensing, or otherwise monetizing the content.
Using the content in marketing, advertising, or promotional materials for a business.
Incorporating the content into products or services for sale.
Using the content to train machine learning or artificial intelligence models.

If you wish to use any Site Content for a commercial purpose, you must contact us via our contact form at studiosmpl.com/contact-us to request a separate licensing agreement.

3.6.5. Enforcement

We actively monitor and enforce our intellectual property rights. Unauthorized use, especially for commercial gain, may result in legal action to seek injunctive relief and recover damages, including legal fees, to the fullest extent permitted by Croatian law and applicable international treaties.

4 . Project Process & Revisions

4.1. Our Collaborative Approach

We include a reasonable number of revision rounds in our proposals – enough to refine the work without endless changes. This keeps projects focused and on budget.

4.2. Scope & Changes

If project goals change significantly after we begin, we’ll work with the Client to define a new scope and provide a separate estimate. This ensures we can deliver our best work for the Client’s new vision.

4.3. Feedback Timelines

Please provide revision requests within 7 days of receiving materials. If we don’t hear back within 14 days, we’ll consider the current version approved to keep the project moving forward.

4.4. Project Schedule & Deadlines

The project schedule and any deadlines provided are estimates made in good faith. While we are committed to meeting these targets, the inherent complexity of creative and technical work can sometimes necessitate adjustments to ensure quality. Should any significant delay arise or become anticipated, we will notify the Client promptly, discuss the reasons, and propose a revised timeline for the Client’s mutual agreement before proceeding.

5. Pricing & Payment Terms

5.1. Transparent Pricing

Fees are as specified in the Project Proposal, based on the agreed scope. We will discuss any potential changes affecting cost before proceeding.

5.2. Payment Schedules

Payment terms (schedule, amounts, due dates) are defined in the Project Proposal.

5.3. Invoices & Timing

Invoices are due for payment within 15 days of the invoice date. If an invoice is not paid in full by its due date, we will notify the Client and may pause all work.

Default Interest: On any overdue amount, we are entitled to charge default interest at the rate prescribed by the Croatian Civil Obligations Act.

Collection Costs: For invoices unpaid for more than 30 days, we reserve the right to engage a licensed collection agency. All reasonable costs of collection (including legal fees) shall be borne by the Client.

Withholding Deliverables: All rights and Final Deliverables are withheld until full payment is received.

5.4. If Plans Change

Pausing a Project: Just let us know. We’ll securely save all work and can resume when Client’s ready, subject to our current availability.
Cancelling a Project: If Client decides to cancel, we will issue a final invoice for all work completed up to the cancellation date.
Inactive Projects: If we don’t hear back from Client for 30 days after our last communication (we’ll make reasonable attempts to reach Client), the project will be considered abandoned. In this case:
- All work produced remains our intellectual property.
- We may close the project files with no obligation to retain materials or restart work.
- All fees paid are non-refundable and compensate us for the resources allocated.

Force Majeure & Hardship: This policy does not apply to delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside either party’s reasonable control (e.g., natural disasters, war, severe illness, or government action). If such an event occurs, Client must notify us in writing as soon as possible. We will work with Client in good faith to pause the project timeline or find another equitable solution without penalty.

6. Design & Development Projects

6.1. Graphic Design

Our Recommendation: We strongly recommend beginning any rebranding project with a brand audit. This crucial step helps clarify Client’s vision and goals, ensuring the final design effectively serves Client’s business.
Print Preparation: We prepare all print-ready files to professional print standards. However, we require that Client request and review a physical print proof from Client’s chosen print company before authorizing the final production run. This is the best way to ensure color accuracy and print quality.
Client’s Guidance: The success of Client’s project depends on clear direction. Providing detailed business goals, mission, and target audience information allows us to make informed, strategic choices about colors, fonts, and visual direction. Starting a project without this foundational information is not advised, as it may lead to unsatisfactory results.
Client’s Responsibilities: The Client is responsible for providing all final text, images, brand assets, and other content required for the graphic design project. The Client must own or hold all necessary licenses, rights, and permissions for any content provided.

6.2. Website Development

Our Recommendation: We strongly recommend beginning any redesign project with a web audit. This crucial step helps clarify Client’s vision and project goals, leading to a more effective final design and more efficient budget management.
Design to Development: Browser rendering may vary slightly from design software, but we ensure the final product matches the approved design as closely as possible.
SEO & Marketing: Our service includes on-page optimization and technical SEO setup. For ongoing marketing, search engine strategy, and performance campaigns, we recommend engaging a dedicated SEO specialist.
Launch & Integration: We will publish the completed site to Client’s hosting (with the access Client provides). We can integrate the design with WordPress or other CMS platforms. While we can repair or modify code other professionals wrote, we are most efficient and ensure the highest quality when developing with our own codebase.
Client’s Responsibilities: Client is responsible for providing all final website text, images, and other content. Client must own or hold all necessary licenses, rights, and permissions for any content Client provides. Client is also solely responsible for maintaining regular backups of Client’s site and its content.

7. Our Mutual Responsibilities

7.1. Client’s Core Obligations

The Client agrees to:

Provide timely, clear feedback and accurate materials.
Supply all final content (text, images) and ensure they own or have licensed all necessary rights for any materials provided.
Maintain regular backups of Client’s website and content (where applicable).

7.2. Limitation of Liability

Our total liability to the Client for any and all claims arising from our services shall be limited to, and shall not exceed, the total fees Client paid for the specific project giving rise to the claim. This limit applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, or otherwise).

In no event shall we be liable for any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages (including lost profits, revenue, or data), or for damages arising from: third-party services; Client-provided content; force majeure events; or the Client’s implementation of our advice.

7.3. Client’s Indemnity

The Client shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless studio Simple from and against any third-party claims, damages, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from: (i) materials provided by the Client that infringe any rights or violate law, or (ii) the Client’s use of the Final Deliverables in breach of this Agreement.

7.4. Digital Maintenance

The web evolves constantly. We may recommend updates for security or compliance – implementing these is Client’s responsibility unless we have a maintenance agreement.

7.5. Resolving Concerns

If issues arise, the Client should notify us promptly. We’ll work in good faith to resolve them directly. Formal disputes go through mediation in Croatia before any legal action.

8. Final Provisions

8.1. Order of Precedence

In the event of any conflict, the terms of the Project Proposal shall prevail over these Terms and Conditions.

8.2. Updates to These Terms

We may update these terms. The current version is always at studiosmpl.com/terms-conditions. The terms in effect at the time a Project Proposal is accepted govern that project.

8.3. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This Agreement is governed by Croatian law. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in Croatia, with mediation encouraged as a first step.

8.4. Contact

If Client has questions about these terms please use our contact form at studiosmpl.com/contact-us.

These terms create a foundation for our creative partnership. We look forward to building something great together.

Last Updated: December 2025.