Are contracts with graphic artists necessary? Or does emailing work as well? I meant just establishing something through discussion in e-mail.
Contracts are a very good thing, and you should do all you can to lay down exactly what is expected of both parties before work is begun and money exchanged. However, I believe you can send a contract by email. If it's binding may depend on your jurisdiction. Anyone who's planning to do regular freelance work should have some sort of template contract ready for the occasion. Best practice is to do this, and consult a lawyer about its wording and use. Ask your graphic artist whether they have anything of the sort ready. Setting out a good contract to begin with will protect you both.
I would absolutely recommend a contract with a graphic artist and even deem it essential. 1. You absolutely want this to prove that you own the rights to the deliverables in case you are ever questioned, e.g. infringement or someone buys your site. 2. You want the basic terms and the working agreement (e.g. statement of work) to be written down so there are no disputes as to what you are getting. How many preliminary examples will you be presented with? How many modifications? For how long? Are you getting a PSD file? When will it be delivered by? What is paid up front and how much later? 3. Get it signed. It doesn't have to be long winded. It can be short, sweet and right to the point. I will be putting up some basic contracts on my site shortly because I'm asked this question so often. If you don't think you need a lawyer (which is best or getting one from a good source, e.g. a professional guild/group), I still suggest you try to get something in writing that you think defines the whole agreement fairly.