Initial test and technical requirements

Working process

Payment and billing information

Tax withholding

Copyright

Reasons for rejection

 

INITIAL TEST AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

What kind of files can I upload to Freepik?

Currently, we’re only looking for vector illustrations (AI & EPS) from our Commision designers.

 

Test instructions

For the test, you’ll have to create 3 vector illustrations where you show your full potential in the style that suits you best in the themes we give you.

You have to upload your images of the final design in JPG format (2000x2000 px, 72 ppi). Thus, sketches and/or files with a different format aren’t acceptable.

When taking the test, have this in mind:

• Freepik is a stock image database, so the designs must be useful to our users.
• They must be vector files. We use Illustrator and we need both the AI and EPS files to be in CS6 version. There mustn’t be any bitmap image in the design.
• You can’t use resources from Freepik, from any other external web or from your own portfolio to create the designs. They must be 100% exclusive.

*The rights to the images sent for the test belong to the author until after he/she, if selected, agrees to a transfer of rights to Freepik so we can purchase it and publish it.

 

Preparing the files for Freepik

• Illustrator files
• Color mode: RGB
• Artboard size: 500x500 px
• Must be in EPS and AI formats, CS6 version
• Each design must have 3 files: AI, EPS and JPG (2000x2000 px). The total size can’t exceed 100 MB.
• Text must be left editable (except in some specific cases where it’s not necessary). Only free fonts from this website are allowed.
• There mustn’t be elements outside the artboard. If any of the elements go over the boundaries, the best option is to use a clipping mask.

 

1. TEXTURE: When there’s a texture or gradient over the elements, which the main function is decorating the design, it has to be on a different layer placed above the OBJECTS layers. Depending on the design, this layer is optional.
2. OBJECTS: It contains the elements found on the design.
3. BACKGROUND: It’s the lower layer, and it contains the design background.

How to export the preview in JPG

You can generate the preview in JPG by saving the design for web and readjusting the size settings.

 

Using Live Trace

Using this tool is not allowed, with the following exceptions:

• Watercolor textures and splashes: They can be created manually, and then you can scan or take a picture of them to subtly trace them later on.
• Watercolor illustrations: They can be created manually, and then you can scan or take a picture of them to trace them later on.

Using this tool with external images or resources is not allowed.

 

Using typefaces

Every single text must be editable, with the following exceptions:

• When using set phrases or fixed expressions such as “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Birthday”, et cetera.
• When they have an applied effect that doesn’t allow leaving the text without tracing.
• When the style and shape of the text proper is an essential part of the design.
• When the font has been manually created by the designer him/herself.

In cases where the font hasn’t been manually created by the designer him/herself, only free fonts from this website are allowed.

 

 

WORKING PROCESS

What kind of styles are you looking for at Freepik?

Once you are part of our team, your assigned art director will give you a theme and the required style.

What should I make my content about?

Your art director will assign you a number of themes. Your illustrations should be based on those themes and you must send them within the agreed deadline.

How many files would I need to send to become an Commissioned designer for Freepik?

You must send in a minimum of 40 illustrations a month. There is no maximum number of illustrations.

What happens if I don’t get to the monthly 40-design minimum?

If this happens due to a justified cause and only from time to time, it would be a matter of discussing this with your coordinator. However, if this become a more recurring occurrence, our collaboration with you can be ended for this reason.

How do I send my content in for revision?

As a designer, you’ll have access to our internal system, where your art director will assign you your theme and, from there, you’ll be able to send in your content to be validated or to receive the corresponding feedback.

Is there a deadline within which I have to send in my resources?

Yes. Your art director will assign a deadline for you to send in your files. In general, our designers have weekly objectives to reach.

Can I upload my resources directly to Freepik or do I have to send them to my coordinator?

Once you become an Commissioned designer for Freepik, you’ll have access to our internal system, where you’ll be able to upload your images quickly and easily. Keep in mind that your files must be revised and validated by your art director before being published. You can also ask your art director to guide you or clear up any question you might have.

How long will I have to wait for my resources to be validated?

Validation and publishing can take between 1 to 5 working days. In some cases, it could be more, depending on the kind of files you send.

 

PAYMENT AND BILLING INFORMATION

What document do I need to upload?

In order to get paid, you must upload a valid ID document. The preferred identification document is a passport valid for international travel. National identification cards are acceptable from residents of EU countries. In some cases, a valid driver’s license may be permitted from certain countries. All documents must be submitted through your Tasks panel, please do not send copies of documents via email.

Click here to learn how to upload the ID document to your panel.

How much will I earn for my resources?

Your assigned coordinator will establish a set price per resource once you have completed an initial test to verify the quality of your work. To become one of our Commissioned designers is something that requires very high standards.

How will I be paid and how often?

Your invoice will be generated in our system on the 4th each month. Then, you need to validate it at your task panel between the 4th and the 9th. The payment will be made between the 10th and the 15th of each month.

What payment model does Freepik use for its payments?

Once you become part of our team, we’ll give you access to our internal payment system. Payments will be made through PayPal or Payoneer. For countries within the SEPA, the payment can be made via bank transfer, as long as the bank account number has an IBAN format.

What kind of commitment do I have? Is the contract legally binding?

The contract specifies the collaboration conditions. However, both parties may terminate it, as long as any of them notifies the other a few days in advance.

Could I get an employment certificate?

Freepik does not offer the possibility to issue an employment certificate for its Commissioned designers, as the relationship is strictly collaborative.

Do I have to be registered as self-employed to become an external collaborator? Do I have to send invoices?

Yes, it is essential that our Commissioned designers are registered as self-employed and can issue and send invoices. The stipulated payment model requires invoicing for us to purchase the images.

How do I manage holidays? What happens if I am on leave or get sick?

If on leave due to illness, as it would be an unforeseen event, notifying your coordinator of your situation would be enough. In the case of holidays, the best thing to do is to plan them in advance to keep your coordinator updated and achieve the minimum of monthly tasks.

I can’t see any invoice. Why?

Remember that you need to validate your invoice between the 4th and the 9th of each month. Outside this time frame, no validation-pending invoices will show up. If you have already validated your invoice, it will show up between the 10th and the 15th as payment-pending. If, for some reason, you couldn’t validate your invoice between the given time frame, you’ll be able to validate it the following month, and the income generated will be accumulated.

Please be aware that the invoice will be generated only if the minimum amount is reached (50 USD if you have Payoneer as payment method, 100 USD if it is Paypal). 

How long my contract lasts for? Can I terminate it at any time?

The Commissioned designer contract has no expiration date. Both parties may terminate it at any time, and you’ll earn the amount of income still to be collected.

What do I need to know about the billing of the earnings generated by my services and content? These earnings include taxes?

All earnings shown on your user panel are without taxes applied. Once the invoice is generated, the final amount to earn will vary depending on the taxes applicable to the user in particular.

Freepik pays off the taxes applicable to my country or do I need to do it?

Freepik pays off the taxes applicable to Spain, complying with tax regulations and trying to make it easy for its users to meet their tax settlement. However, Freepik does not actively take part in its users’ tax settlement. If you need information about tax settlement, we suggest that you seek advice from your tax adviser.

My payment platform is charging me a commission whenever I receive the payment for my invoice.

At no time Freepik is responsible for the costs derived from the invoice payments. These costs must be assumed by the user, and it’s he/she who needs to discuss it with his/her payment platform.

What is the VAT ID number? What document do I need to provide?

The VAT ID number is used to verify the identity and tax data of the user. In Spain, freelancers provide their ID, and companies provide their Tax ID card with the Spanish CIF/NIF number. For the rest of the companies based in the EU, they need to provide the VAT number, and, in the case of freelancers, their ID or passport. For non-EU countries, the company needs to provide its company registration document, and in the case of freelancers, their ID.

As a company, can I work as an Commissioned designer?

Whether you are self-employed or a company, you can work for us as an Commissioned designer. At the moment of signing the contract, you’ll need to provide us with the VAT ID card and number of your company for validation. Once we validate the information, we’ll activate the account for your company.

 

TAX WITHHOLDING

      1. TAX WITHHOLDING FOR SPANISH RESIDENTS

As established by the Spanish Tax Agency, Freepik Company is obliged to maintain up-to-date tax information about its collaborators for a proper withholding of their work income and subsequent tax payment.

Freepik Company is not entitled to provide personal advice to its collaborators regarding tax payment. For this reason, we have prepared the following FAQ to help you understand everything about it.

Why is my income subject to tax withholding?

When the collaborator is a natural person (self-employed), Freepik Company is obliged to effect a 15% withholding on the invoice. This action has its legal basis in the Personal Income Tax Law 35/2006, dated 28^th November, in the amendment of the laws on Corporation Tax, Non-Resident Income Tax and Wealth Tax, and in the Royal Decree 439/2007, dated 30^th March, which approved the Personal Income Tax Regulation and amended the Pension Plans and Funds Regulation Act, previously approved by the Royal Decree 304/2004, dated 20^th February.

According to my tax situation, my income is subject to a 7% withholding. How can I request it?

If you consider that your income should be subject to a 7% withholding, in compliance with Art. 95.1 of the Royal Decree 439/2007, you must send us the attached document ‘PLANTILLA DE RETENCIÓN 7%’ duly filled to the e-mail address taxhelp@freepik.com.

Once validated by our legal department, the corresponding withholding rate will be effected on your invoice.

      2. TAX WITHHOLDING FOR NON-SPANISH RESIDENTS

The assignment of an intelectual creation right (commission of works contract), like the assignment of an intelectual property right, is an economic activity. As a Freepik Company partner, income derived from your sales in Spain is subject to spanish withholding tax. In compliance with the Royal Legislative Decree 5/2004, dated 5th of March, by which the consolidated text of the Non-Resident Income Tax Act was approved (BOE, 12th March 2004) and the Royal Decree 1776/2004, dated 30th of july, by which the Non-Resident Income Tax Regulations were approved (BOE, 5th August 2004), and aiming to adjust the withholding applicable to the perceived quantities, Freepik Company must keep an up-to-date record of the billing information of all of its collaborators.

The information below helps you determine which withholding is applicable to your situation. We encourage you to follow the different steps below and to contact a tax/legal advisor for definitive advice:

Should I pay tax on my earnings?

It depends on your personal tax situation, it’s best to check with your local tax office if you’re not sure.

What do I need to know about tax witholding?

If you are not a Spanish citizen or resident, you may be subject to tax withholding at a rate of up to 24% for all generated earnings.

However, this withholding rate may be lower or zero if you are resident in a country that has an income tax treaty with Spain and you can prove it with a valid certificate of tax residence.

Where can I learn about tax withholding rates for my country? What If my country of residency does not have a double taxation treaty with Spain?

In this list, you can check the countries that have a double taxation treaty with Spain and the withholding rates in each case. If your country is not on the list below, your tax withholding will be rated at 24%.

Check list of countries here.

What do I have to do in order to get the right tax withholding applied?

We are required to ensure that you have the right documents on file so we can withhold taxes at the appropriate rate and meet our obligations with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT)

Because of this, in order to adjust this tax withholding to the minimum possible according to each treaty, we need a certificate of tax residence issued by the tax Agency of your country where it states the double taxation treaty between Spain and your country.

It’s very important to bear in mind that the details in that certificate must match the details you entered in your profile when you signed up as collaborator. For this reason, we advise you make sure these details are the ones in the certificate you send us.

What is the tax residence certificate and where do I request it?

You, as a natural or juridical person, will credit your billing address in a certain country through a certificate of tax residence signed by the Tax Agency of your country of residence. This certificate must mention that you or your Company is resident in your tax residence’s country for Income Taxation, within the meaning of the double taxation treaty between your tax residence’s country and Spain. Otherwise it will not be valid to avoid the withholding tax.

How often do I have to submit this certificate?

Your certificate of tax residence is valid only for one calendar year. For that reason, once a year you will be required to submit a new certificate. We will notify you by email or through your Freepik Company profile panel when you are required to submit a new certificate.

How do I submit my certificate of tax residence?

You can attach your certificate of tax residence through Freepik Company’s collaborator panel. It will automatically appear as “pending” until our legal department validates it. Once it’s processed you will be notified through email.

Click here to learn how to upload the residence certificate to your panel.

What is the deadline for submitting my certificate of tax residence?

You should submit your certificate of tax residence before the next payout or your earnings are processed. If you do not update your certificate before your next payment is issued, 24% will be withheld from your earnings generated in Spain as its law requires.

While in the process of obtaining your certificate of tax residence, you can refrain from validating your bill so no incorrect withholding of your earnings will be applied.

Your tax status will be ‘pending’ and you may be subject to 24% withholding on your earnings generated in Spain until you supply your documentation.

As long as you don’t validate your bills, your earnings will accumulate month after month for future bills until you decide to validate them with the appropriate withholdings according to your billing information at that moment.

What if I don't send my certificate of tax residence before my next payment?

Without an approved certificate of tax residence on file, your Spain source earnings will be subject to 24% withholding as per Spain government regulations. If this occurs, Freepik Company cannot issue a refund to you, because the withheld amount goes to the Spanish Tax Agency.

If you were entitled to a lower or zero rate of tax, then to reclaim this amount, you will need to file a Spanish tax return.

What if the information on my certificate of tax residence has not changed?

If your certificate of tax residence is expired or you make any other change in your billing information (for example your tax residence’s country), you will need to submit a new certificate even if your name, address and other pertinent information has not changed.

How do I know if my certificate of tax residence was approved?

You can check your current tax status on your Freepik Company profile panel.

What if I still have questions?

Freepik Company cannot give personal tax or legal advice. If you still have questions about taxes after reading our FAQ, please contact your legal and/or tax advisor.

 

COPYRIGHT

Will my resources be protected against plagiarism?

Freepik takes any kind of copyright infraction very seriously. As all of our users know, non-authorized distribution or inclusion of our content in any file or database of graphic resources is not allowed, and legal actions will be taken if that non-authorized content is not removed immediately.

Whenever we find that someone is committing copyright infringement, we contact that person at once and we inform that person of the legal consequences that they may be up against due to the incorrect usage of our resources.

Can I share my images on social media?

Yes, as long as the “Designed by Freepik” signature is always there, and the attribution is correctly mentioned when sharing the link.

What if my test designs are not selected? Do you still have the rights to those images?

No, we only purchase and publish on Freepik the images that pass our tests.

 

REASONS FOR REJECTION

Here you’ll find the reasons why your content may be rejected to be published as Freepik exclusive resources.

• Language wrongly used 

Please note that we only accept text properly written in English. Make sure the text has no mistakes, is related to the resource and is correctly integrated into the image that comprises it. Only a brief text in the local language is accepted when the image refers to a relevant specific festivity.

• Outdated

Designs referred to a specific holiday or event that has already passed will not be accepted. Have in mind that we send the specific themes at least two months in advance, so they have to be designed as soon as possible. 

• Trademark / Copyright

Images that contain registered trademarks are not allowed. Example of trademarks: Adobe, Amazon, Nintendo, Disney... However, the use of social media icons is allowed. 

Celebrities and fictional characters are not allowed due to image rights. However, we may accept public domain characters like Frankenstein, for instance.

• Invalid files 

If the editable files (.ai and .eps) or the preview file present loading errors and the content cannot be opened. 

• Color palette 

The color palette used in the composition does not match the resource theme. Your content can also be rejected because the colors are obsolete or not harmonious. 

• Non-editable text or non-Fontsquirrel fonts.

The text included in the resource cannot be outlined. You should always use fonts downloaded on https://www.fontsquirrel.com/.

• Avoid irrelevant text

Avoid including irrelevant text in your design. If you include it, try to do it subtly within the design, don’t add unnecessary information.

When adding text to improve the composition, try to be creative and avoid captions like: “Floral Background.” Something like “Nature is blossoming” would be better.

• Composition

The design does not comply with the basic composition rules. In order for a resource to have good composition, all elements must be put together coherently. Make sure they are correctly arranged in the artboard and have adequate size. 

• Aesthetic and technical issues

Files that do not meet the aesthetic or technical standards established by the company will be rejected.