Terms of Service

Effective Date: November 16, 2025
Last Updated: November 16, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to One-Story Studio. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website (one-storystudio.com) and the design services we provide. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you may not use our website or services.

1. Services Offered

One-Story Studio provides graphic design, branding, and marketing services, including but not limited to:

  • Brand identity design (logos, color palettes, typography, brand guidelines)

  • Hourly graphic design services

  • Monthly design retainers

  • VIP Design Days

  • Marketing collateral (brochures, flyers, presentations, pitch decks)

  • Digital design (social media graphics, email templates, website graphics)

  • Custom templates and design systems

Specific service details, deliverables, timelines, and pricing are outlined in individual service agreements, proposals, or contracts provided to clients.

2. Client Responsibilities

2.1 Information and Materials
You agree to provide:

  • Accurate and complete information about your business, project goals, and requirements

  • Timely access to necessary materials (brand assets, copy, images, login credentials, etc.)

  • Clear and constructive feedback within agreed-upon timeframes

  • Timely approval of deliverables

Delays in providing information or feedback may result in project timeline extensions.

2.2 Communication
You agree to:

  • Respond to requests for information or feedback within the timeframes specified in your service agreement (typically 24-48 business hours)

  • Communicate professionally and respectfully

  • Designate a single point of contact for project communication to avoid conflicting feedback

2.3 Content Rights
You warrant that:

  • Any content, materials, or information you provide does not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights.

  • You have the legal right to use all materials provided to us

  • All information you provide is accurate and truthful

You will indemnify and hold One-Story Studio harmless from any claims arising from your breach of these warranties.

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Pricing
Pricing for services is outlined in your service agreement, proposal, or as listed on our website. All prices are in U.S. Dollars (USD).

Payment structures vary by service type:

  • Hourly Design Services: Billed upfront based on estimated hours; additional invoice sent if project exceeds estimate

  • Brand Identity Packages: 50% deposit required to begin; 50% due upon final delivery

  • VIP Design Day: 50% deposit required to book; 50% due on the day of service

  • Monthly Design Retainer: Billed monthly at the beginning of each billing cycle

3.2 Payment Methods
We accept payment via:

  • Credit/debit card (Stripe, Square, or similar payment processor)

  • Bank transfer/ACH

  • PayPal

  • Zelle/Venmo

  • Check (by arrangement)

3.3 Late Payments
Invoices are due within the timeframe specified (typically upon receipt or within 7 days). Late payments may incur:

  • Late fees of 5% per month (or the maximum allowed by law) on overdue balances

  • Suspension of work until payment is received

  • Additional project timeline extensions

3.4 Refunds
Due to the custom nature of design work, all payments are non-refundable once work has commenced, except as outlined in the "Project Cancellation" section.

3.5 Taxes
Prices do not include applicable sales tax, VAT, or other taxes. You are responsible for any taxes applicable to your location.

4. Project Timeline

4.1 Estimated Timelines
Project timelines are estimates based on the scope of work and your timely provision of materials and feedback. Estimated timelines are provided in service agreements.

Typical timelines:

  • Hourly projects: 3-5 business days

  • VIP Design Day: Same-day delivery

  • Brand Identity Packages: 2-8 weeks depending on package

  • Monthly Retainer projects: 1-3 business days for standard requests

4.2 Timeline Extensions
Timelines may be extended due to:

  • Delays in receiving client materials or feedback

  • Scope changes or additional revision requests beyond what's included

  • Circumstances beyond our reasonable control (force majeure events)

We will communicate any timeline changes promptly.

5. Revisions and Approvals

5.1 Included Revisions
The number of revision rounds included in your project is specified in your service agreement:

  • Hourly Design Services: 2 rounds of revisions

  • Brand Identity Packages: 2-3 rounds depending on package tier

  • VIP Design Day: 7 days of post-project support for minor tweaks

  • Monthly Retainers: 2 rounds per project

5.2 Additional Revisions
Revisions beyond those included may incur additional fees at our standard hourly rate ($95/hour) or as agreed upon.

Revisions do not include:

  • Scope changes or new deliverables not in the original agreement

  • Complete redesigns based on new direction

  • Changes resulting from feedback that contradicts previously approved concepts

5.3 Approval Process
You will be provided with draft deliverables for review. Once you approve final deliverables in writing (email confirmation accepted), the project is considered complete. Any changes requested after final approval may incur additional fees.

6. Scope Changes

If you request changes to the project scope (additional deliverables, new features, expanded services), we will provide a revised proposal with updated pricing and timeline. Work on scope changes will not begin until you approve the revised proposal and any additional payment is received.

7. Project Cancellation

7.1 Client Cancellation
You may cancel a project at any time by providing written notice. Upon cancellation:

  • You will be billed for all work completed up to the cancellation date at our standard hourly rate

  • Deposits are non-refundable

  • Any work completed will be provided to you

  • Outstanding invoices remain due

7.2 One-Story Studio Cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel or refuse service at any time for any reason, including but not limited to:

  • Non-payment or repeated late payments

  • Failure to provide necessary materials or feedback

  • Unprofessional, abusive, or disrespectful behavior

  • Scope or requirements that exceed our capabilities

In the event we cancel a project, you will receive a refund for any prepaid work not yet performed, minus the value of any work already completed.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Client-Provided Materials
You retain all rights to materials you provide to us (logos, photos, copy, etc.). By providing these materials, you grant us a license to use them solely for the purpose of completing your project.

8.2 Final Deliverables
Upon full payment, you will own the final deliverables explicitly created for your project, including:

  • Final logo designs

  • Brand guidelines

  • Marketing collateral

  • Custom templates

  • Website graphics

You may use these deliverables for your business purposes in perpetuity.

8.3 Preliminary Work and Process Materials
We retain ownership of all preliminary concepts, sketches, drafts, and process materials not selected as final deliverables. These materials remain the property of One-Story Studio.

8.4 Third-Party Assets
Final deliverables may include third-party assets such as:

  • Stock photos (you may need to purchase licenses)

  • Fonts (you may need to purchase licenses for commercial use)

  • Icons or graphics from third-party sources

You are responsible for ensuring you have proper licenses for any third-party assets used in your deliverables. We will inform you of any licensing requirements.

8.5 Portfolio and Promotional Use
We reserve the right to display completed work in our portfolio, on our website, in case studies, and in promotional materials unless otherwise agreed in writing. If your project requires confidentiality, please inform us before work begins.

9. Confidentiality

We will keep confidential any proprietary or sensitive information you share with us during the course of our engagement. We will not disclose this information to third parties except:

  • As required to complete the project (e.g., sharing with subcontractors bound by similar confidentiality obligations)

  • As required by law

  • With your explicit permission

If your project requires additional confidentiality protections, we can enter into a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

10. Warranties and Disclaimers

10.1 Our Warranties
We warrant that:

  • Services will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards

  • Final deliverables will be our original work (except for properly licensed third-party assets)

  • We have the right to provide the services and deliverables outlined in our agreements

10.2 Disclaimers
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • No Guarantee of Results: We do not guarantee specific business results (e.g., increased sales, brand recognition) from our design work

  • No Warranty of Error-Free Work: While we strive for excellence, we do not warrant that deliverables will be completely error-free

  • No Technical Support: Unless specified in your agreement, we do not provide ongoing technical support for deliverables after project completion

  • Third-Party Services: We are not responsible for the performance, availability, or reliability of third-party services (hosting, email platforms, etc.)

ALL SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

Our total liability for any claims arising from or related to our services shall not exceed the total amount paid by you for the specific project or service giving rise to the claim.

We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

  • Lost profits or revenue

  • Loss of data

  • Loss of business opportunities

  • Reputational harm

  • Any other indirect or consequential damages

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise) and even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless One-Story Studio, its owner, employees, and contractors from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

  • Your breach of these Terms

  • Your use of the deliverables

  • Any content or materials you provide that infringe third-party intellectual property rights

  • Your violation of any law or regulation

13. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God (natural disasters, pandemics, etc.)

  • War, terrorism, civil unrest

  • Government actions or regulations

  • Internet or telecommunications failures

  • Power outages or equipment failures

In such events, our performance will be suspended for the duration of the force majeure event, and timelines will be extended accordingly.

14. Independent Contractor

One-Story Studio is an independent contractor, not an employee or agent. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, or employer-employee relationship between us.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15.2 Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising from these Terms or our services, the parties agree to:

  1. Good Faith Negotiation: First attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation

  2. Mediation: If negotiation fails, participate in mediation before pursuing litigation

  3. Jurisdiction: Any legal action shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Denver, Colorado

15.3 Legal Fees

In any legal action to enforce these Terms, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any service agreements, proposals, or contracts, constitute the entire agreement between you and One-Story Studio and supersede any prior agreements or understandings.

16.2 Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

For active projects, material changes will not be applied retroactively unless mutually agreed upon.

16.3 Severability

Suppose any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid. In that case, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

16.4 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

16.5 Assignment
You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your rights and obligations without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms to any successor or affiliate without restriction.

16.6 Notices
All notices under these Terms shall be in writing and sent to:

One-Story Studio
Email: hello@one-storystudio.com
Phone: 714-403-1189

Notices to you will be sent to the email address or mailing address you provide.

16.7 Survival
Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including but not limited to intellectual property rights, payment obligations, warranties, disclaimers, and limitation of liability) shall survive any termination or expiration of these Terms.

17. Website Use Terms

17.1 Acceptable Use
When using our website, you agree not to:

  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

  • Interfere with or disrupt the website's functionality

  • Collect information about other users without their consent

  • Post or transmit malicious code or harmful content

  • Violate any intellectual property rights

17.2 User Content
If you submit content to our website (e.g., via contact forms, testimonials), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, and display that content for business purposes.

17.3 Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of third-party sites.

18. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

One-Story Studio
Janelle Watzke
Email: hello@one-storystudio.com
Phone: 714-403-1189
Website: one-storystudio.com
Location: Denver, Colorado

19. Acknowledgment

By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

END OF TERMS OF SERVICE