Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How to Use Per-Illustration Pricing as a Freelance Illustrator
Per-illustration pricing typically ranges from $50 for a simple spot to $3,000+ for a complex full-page commission. This model is the most transparent and widely used in editorial, publishing, and commercial illustration.
Floor
$50
per hour
Typical
$500
per hour
Premium
$3,000
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Illustration size (spot, half-page, full-page, double spread)
- Complexity and detail level
- Colour vs. black and white
- Usage rights granted
- Client size and commercial reach
- Turnaround time
- Number of revision rounds
Real quote breakdowns
Simple Spot Illustration
A blog needs a simple, clean spot illustration to accompany a web article.
Breakdown
1.5 hours at $80/hr, web digital rights only, one revision, RGB delivery.
Editorial Half-Page Illustration
A trade magazine needs a detailed half-page illustration for their features section.
Breakdown
Concept sketch, 5 hours illustration at $90/hr, print and digital rights, two revision rounds, CMYK and RGB delivery.
Commercial Full-Page Brand Illustration
A brand needs a detailed full-page illustration for an annual report, website, and marketing campaign.
Breakdown
Two concept directions, full-page illustration (15 hours), broad commercial usage rights (3 years), three revision rounds, and all source files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide what to charge per illustration?
Start with your target hourly rate and estimate production time. Adjust upward for broad usage rights, commercial clients, and tight deadlines. Adjust downward for editorial, non-profit, or portfolio work where exposure has real value.
Should I charge the same rate for digital and print illustrations?
The creation process is the same, but usage rights should differ. Print rights (especially for publications with large circulations) should be priced higher than digital-only web rights.
How do I handle a client who wants unlimited revisions?
Cap revisions at two rounds in your contract. Additional revisions are billed hourly. Define what counts as a revision (minor colour or text changes) vs. a structural change that restarts the brief.
Is it better to charge per illustration or per hour for complex work?
Per-illustration is preferred by clients for budget certainty. For very complex or open-ended work, an hourly rate with a maximum cap gives you protection. Always use a contract regardless of billing model.