These terms cover your use of this website and outline how engagements and payments work with Chicago Brand Studio. The specifics of any project are set in your separate signed services agreement.
This page is a plain-language summary for your convenience — not legal advice. The binding terms of your project live in your signed services agreement. We recommend reviewing both with a qualified attorney before relying on them.
By accessing this website and using its features — including the brand questionnaire and any forms — you agree to these Terms of Service. Your use of the site is voluntary, and continued use means you accept these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site or submit information through it.
Chicago Brand Studio ("CBS," "we," "us") is a boutique brand identity studio owned and operated by B. McAdams. This website is an informational and intake tool. Submitting a questionnaire or inquiry is not a contract and does not guarantee an engagement — it begins a conversation.
All projects require a separate, signed services agreement before any work begins. These website terms do not, on their own, create a client relationship. The signed agreement for your specific project governs scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees, and controls if anything here conflicts with it.
Much like retaining a lawyer or other professional, you pay for the studio's time, expertise, and reserved capacity — secured in advance. For every engagement:
Fees pay for reserved time and professional work performed — they are not contingent on subjective satisfaction.
Deposits and payments are non-refundable. Because the studio reserves time on your behalf and begins work upon payment, fees already paid will not be returned — including if a project is paused, cancelled, delayed, or left unresponsive by the client. If a client cancels mid-project, any unpaid balance for work already performed remains due.
Each package includes a defined number of revision rounds, specified in your signed agreement. Requests beyond the agreed scope, additional concepts, or new deliverables may be quoted and billed separately.
You agree to provide accurate information, timely feedback, and any materials needed to complete the work. You confirm that any logos, photos, text, or files you provide are yours to use, or that you have permission to use them, and that they do not infringe anyone's rights.
Until payment is received in full, all concepts, drafts, and files remain the property of Chicago Brand Studio. Upon full payment, ownership and usage rights to the agreed final deliverables transfer to you. Unused concepts and working files remain ours. We may display completed work in our portfolio and marketing unless agreed otherwise in writing.
Our services are provided on a best-efforts basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Chicago Brand Studio is not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, and our total liability for any claim will not exceed the fees you paid for the work in question.
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois. Any dispute will be handled in the courts of Cook County, Illinois, unless your signed agreement states otherwise.
We may update these terms from time to time. The "last updated" date above reflects the current version, and continued use of the site means you accept the latest version.
Questions about these terms? Email ChicagoBrands@gmail.com.