As a freelancer or creative professional, your work is more than just a deliverable — it’s your reputation, portfolio, and calling card. That’s why it’s important to clarify upfront whether you can showcase your work publicly after the project ends.
Enter the attribution clause.
What Is an Attribution Clause?
An attribution clause is a section of your contract that gives you the right to:
- Display the work you created in your portfolio or on social media
- Mention the client’s name or project publicly
- Take credit for the work, even after the contract ends
Without this clause, you might technically be prohibited from sharing work you poured your time and talent into — especially if the contract includes confidentiality or ownership transfer language.
Why It Matters for Freelancers
As a service provider, your next job often depends on your last one. Potential clients want to see:
- Examples of past projects
- Brand names you’ve worked with
- Real-world results from your services
An attribution clause ensures you can show your work — even if the client owns it. It protects your ability to market your business and demonstrate your value.
When You Should Include One
You’ll want to include an attribution clause if:
- You create visual, written, or strategic work you want to feature later
- You’re building a portfolio, case study, or pitch deck
- You want permission to tag the client on social media or reference the project in interviews
- The project is a big milestone or has brand recognition
Attribution clauses are especially important for creatives like designers, developers, photographers, illustrators, strategists, and brand consultants — anyone whose work is meant to be seen.
When You Might Not Need One
There are situations where an attribution clause may not apply, such as:
- Projects for clients under strict NDAs
- White-labeled or ghostwritten work
- Internal-only deliverables that aren’t public-facing
- Sensitive industries (legal, medical, finance) where discretion is required
In these cases, you can still ask for permission later — but it’s better to bake in a clear policy upfront when you negotiate the agreement.
Sample Attribution Clause Language
Here’s an example of what you might see in a Counsel Club contract:
“Contractor may display the Deliverables in their portfolio, marketing materials, and social media channels and may identify Client by name, unless Client requests otherwise in writing.”
This language strikes a balance — it grants permission while giving the client an option to opt out if needed.
What If the Client Pushes Back?
If the client doesn’t want to allow attribution, ask why. You may be able to negotiate:
- A time delay (e.g. after launch or after 6 months)
- Redacted or anonymized displays
- Portfolio-only use, with no public social posts
- A mutual approval process before anything goes live
Be flexible, but advocate for your right to promote your own work.
Why This Clause Belongs in Your Contract
Creative freelancers often give up attribution rights by default — not because they want to, but because they didn’t ask.
With a simple attribution clause, you:
- Build long-term marketing value from each project
- Avoid awkward follow-up requests later
- Keep control over your public body of work
It’s a small clause with big upside.
Want to Add an Attribution Clause to Your Contract?
Counsel Club makes it easy to generate legally sound, freelancer-friendly contracts — including smart clauses like attribution, kill fees, revision limits, and IP protection. You can select what matters to you and tailor it based on the client, the project, or the platform.
Need guidance? Ask Amicus, our legal assistant, questions like:
“Can I show this project in my portfolio even if the client owns it?”
“What if I want to tag the client on Instagram — do I need permission?”
“Can I write a case study about the project without breaking the contract?”
Amicus will help you get clarity in plain English — no legal jargon required.
Build Your Reputation. Protect Your Work.
Your work speaks for itself — but only if people can see it. With Counsel Club, you can create a contract that protects your rights, lets you showcase your work, and helps you grow your business on your terms.
