Can I show the work in my portfolio?

Yes, if the NDA includes a portfolio carve-out — and it should. Standard pattern: you can display the work after public release with prior written approval for any sensitive details, and you retain the right to credit yourself for the work even if some specifics remain confidential.

How do attribution and credit work?

The NDA should be paired with attribution language in the main contract — credit on the published work, mention rights in interviews and case studies, and what happens if the client makes changes you don't want to be credited for. Don't rely on the NDA alone for credit terms.

What about my creative process and methods?

A residuals or methods clause preserves your right to use the techniques, processes, and general knowledge developed during the engagement on future work. Without it, you technically can't reuse what you learned, which makes creative practice impossible. Most thoughtful clients accept this when explained.

Non-Disclosure Agreement for Creative Professionals

NDAs for creative work, without the corporate-lawyer bloat.

An NDA template built for creative professionals — protect client confidential information, your unreleased portfolio, and your creative process.

Create your NDA

Free to start — No credit card required

Creative work involves a lot of confidential material: unreleased products, brand strategies, character designs, story drafts, music demos. Generic NDAs miss the specifics that matter for creative engagements — release timelines, portfolio rights, attribution, and reuse limitations. This template is sized for creative work.

Why creative professionals need a non-disclosure agreement

Mutual structure protects both client information and your unreleased creative work.
Portfolio carve-out preserves your right to display the work after release.
Attribution and credit language keeps your name on the work where it should be.
Reasonable term gets signed without legal back-and-forth.

Common scenarios

Pre-release creative engagements

Brand campaigns, product launches, or media projects where the creative work is confidential until launch — NDA covers the development period.

Pitch and concept work

Sharing concept boards, character designs, or campaign concepts during a pitch — mutual NDA protects both sides' ideas.

Collaboration with other creatives

When working with other artists, writers, or designers on a joint project, an NDA chain protects the original client's information.

Clauses to pay attention to

Mutual obligation

Definition of confidential information

Portfolio carve-out (with permission and timing)

Attribution and credit

Term and survival period

Permitted disclosures (collaborators)

Common questions

Can I show the work in my portfolio?: Yes, if the NDA includes a portfolio carve-out — and it should. Standard pattern: you can display the work after public release with prior written approval for any sensitive details, and you retain the right to credit yourself for the work even if some specifics remain confidential.
How do attribution and credit work?: The NDA should be paired with attribution language in the main contract — credit on the published work, mention rights in interviews and case studies, and what happens if the client makes changes you don't want to be credited for. Don't rely on the NDA alone for credit terms.
What about my creative process and methods?: A residuals or methods clause preserves your right to use the techniques, processes, and general knowledge developed during the engagement on future work. Without it, you technically can't reuse what you learned, which makes creative practice impossible. Most thoughtful clients accept this when explained.

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