How do you price your illustration services?

To price illustration services, consider:

Time and Effort: Estimate hours and complexity.

Skill Level: Reflect your experience and expertise.

Market Rates: Research industry standards and competitors.

Project Scope: Account for size, revisions, and deadlines.

Materials: Include any additional costs like software or tools.

Quote

"Price your art not just for the work you do, but for the value you bring."

I price my work based on the value I provide and the impact on the client’s goals. I use a mix of fixed rates for clear projects and hourly rates for those with unpredictable scopes. I also factor in market rates and industry standards to ensure fairness and transparency.

How I price my work in publishing, animation and video game industries as an illustrator, character designer and concept artist:

1. Market insights & rate RESEARCH:
For fair pricing and solid practices, I look beyond just online research. The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines is a key resource with a long history since 1973. This handbook has been crucial for understanding the business side. I also join webinars and workshops for creatives, and Chris Do’s work has had a major impact on my approach.

1. Understand the work's value (client size and the benefits from the project)
It's important to understand the value of the work by assessing the client's budget and the potential impact on their success. If the illustration can significantly drive profit or enhance their brand/career/project success, the pricing should reflect that high value.

2. Hourly rate vs fixed rate projects:
Michelangelo once said: "It took me only a few minutes to make the statue of David, but it took me 30 years to achieve the skill to make it in those few minutes." Hourly rate contracts come with their pros and cons. I value the hourly model for ensuring fair compensation, particularly for long-term projects with unforeseen changes and additional iterations. However, this approach can fall short in reflecting the true value and quality of my work. Often, clients appreciate when high-quality results come quickly, which means a fixed rate might be more appropriate in these situations.

While endlessly developing artistic skills is crucial, it’s equally important to invest time in understanding the market and business. Clients highly value both strong artistic talent and effective business practices.

The cost of my illustrations varies based on complexity, number of elements, delivery times and whether or not copyright is present.

The more complex and dense an illustration is, the higher the time it will take and therefore its value.

The timing issue, if perhaps a client wants a simple illustration but in half the time it would normally take, that also becomes a cost, since more hours will have to be worked in less time.

When pricing my Fiverr illustration gigs, I consider a few things to ensure a win-win for both me and my clients.

First, I check out what other illustrators in my field are charging. This helps me set competitive prices and reflect my skills. I want my prices to be fair compared to others while still showcasing my unique style.

Another significant factor in my pricing strategy is my experience. I adjust my rates as I continue to learn and excel in my projects. The more I progress, the better I can deliver, making it reasonable to charge more as I enhance my skills and capabilities.

If a project is super complex and will take a ton of time, I price it higher to account for the extra work.

I offer different pricing packages, too. Clients can choose simple or detailed pieces based on their budget and needs.

Clients judge my value by looking at my portfolio and reading reviews. Positive feedback from past clients builds trust big-time.

At the end of the day, I aim for pricing that works for everyone. Clients get quality work, and I get compensated fairly for my skills and hustle.
 

The cost of an illustration depends on its complexity. The more elements included, the higher the price. For instance, an illustration of an entire field of flowers will cost more than a simple bouquet. Additionally, clear communication from the client can help lower costs.

To keep project costs down, it's helpful to provide detailed information about what you need. This saves time and ensures we fully understand your vision. If you're working with a limited budget, a detailed brief enables us to create an offer that fits your financial needs.