How To Hire The Best: Children’s Book Illustration Rates & Tips
Alright, you’ve got this incredible story, and now you have to go out and find mind-blowing artwork to make it happen. But wait a minute, how much is that going to set you back? $500? $5,000? More?
You don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, but you don’t want your book to look like it’s a school project thrown together. And honestly, awful photos can ruin a good book.
Therefore, how do you get amazing artwork without spending your life savings? Let’s take apart book illustration rates, and the secret consideration factors, plus the clever approach to hire the perfect artist!
So… How Much Do Book Illustrators Really Charge?
The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all fee for an illustrator. Fees can be quite divergent depending on experience, style, and scope of involvement. Here’s the key information:
Fresh Talent: $50 – $150 per page
They’re just starting out, so they might have more accessible design skills but they could be the next great illustrator!
Mid-Tier Pros: $150 – $500 per page
They have the skills and a portfolio that’s full of happy clients.
High-End Artists: $500 – $2,000 per page
Imagine incredible, Pixar-quality images. If your book is screaming “Best Seller” in all aspects, then this is the place to be.
Reality Check: If your book is 20 pages, you may spend anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for the services of a mid-grade artist. High-quality work is expensive!
Why do some illustrators charge way more than others?
Creative Boom once stated:
“Worried you’re not charging the right rates for illustration work? Well, you’re not alone. It’s no exaggeration to say there is an awful lot of confusion on this issue within the artist and illustrator community.”
Not all artists are created equal. Here’s what subtly raises or lowers the price:
-
Art Complexity
A cute, minimalist drawing? Cheaper. A hyper-detailed, storybook-level masterpiece? Get ready to pay up.
-
Page Count
Artists don’t make pictures; artists make worlds. The more pages there are, the higher the cost (of course).
-
Hand-Drawn vs. Digital
Hand-painted original artwork takes longer to produce than computer work, so it is more expensive.
-
How Many Revisions?
If you require a lot of changes, be prepared to pay more (nobody wants unlimited free changes).
Insider Tip: Want to cut costs? Be clear on what you want ahead of time. Fewer changes = less cost on revisions!
The shady side of illustration pricing (Watch Out!)
Not all illustrators post their book illustrator rates. Some have surprise charges, like:
“Oh, You Want the Full Rights? That’s Extra!”
Other artists will cost less upfront but will retain the rights to their work. If you want full control, be sure to make this explicit prior to signing.
“Revisions? Sure… But That’ll Cost Ya.”
Some illustrators lowball their fees and then charge you ridiculous fees for every tiny change. Find out about revision costs upfront!
“Rush Fee Trap!”
Need your book in a rush? Some artists charge double or triple for rush orders. Pre-order and save!
Pro Tip: Always obtain a full contract with the overall cost, modifications, and ownership. No surprises = no headaches!
Shoul you pay per page or per project? The truth!
Thus, the illustrators charge differently, and depending on how you decide to work with them, you can actually control your budget. Charging per page is common for small books since you have some flexibility. However, if your book has plenty of illustration , the total cost can rise way more than you ever thought.
A flat book rate is paying one price for the whole book. It will typically have changes and rights, so you will have your overall cost. Just be sure to get everything in writing so you’re not caught off guard with extra fees because some illustrators will have extra fees for extra changes or a different file format.
If you’re hiring a professional, you can request a package price. Most illustrators will quote you a lower price for book-sized work rather than per-page charging. This way, you will pay less and have excellent illustrations without compromising on quality.
Where to find the best illustrators (Without Getting Scammed!)
Ditch the random Google searches; trust us, you do want to hire pro illustrators. Here’s where you can locate them:
-
Behance and Dribbble
The top illustrators are below. If you see something you like, message the artist personally!
-
Upwork and Fiverr (With Caution)
You can find cheap illustrators here some reviews, though- and don’t look for book illustrator rates that are too good to be true (they normally are).
-
Instagram and ArtStation
Most illustrators now use Instagram and ArtStation as their digital portfolios. Check out hashtags such as #childrensbookillustrator to discover some really wonderful artists!
Warning: NEVER pay 100% upfront advance unless you are working with an extremely experienced, proven artist.
How to get the best art at the best price!
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to receive great pictures. New artists will be cheaper since they’re just starting their careers, so expect average rates for book illustrators for beginners. They might not have years of experience, but some are willing to give you excellent work.
Clear communication is key. State what your intentions are at the start of the process; this reduces changes, speeds up the work, and saves you money in the long run. Negotiation is a good plan, too! Some illustrators give discounts for their illustration large work or even royalties that can help you cut down the initial cost.
But watch out if it sounds too good to be true; it probably is. Always view portfolios, request recommendations, and obtain expectations in writing so you don’t receive rushed work or surprise expenses.
Pick the perfect illustrator without refrets!
New illustrators typically cost $50 to $150 per page, so it is a budget choice. While that keeps expenses in check, newbie artists might require more guidance, which can cost you time.
Professional book illustrator rates vary from $150 to $500 per page and provide the best value for the money. They can work very efficiently, understand the rules of the business, and get your vision on paper with fewer revisions. For the best artwork, independent illustrators cost $500 to $2,000 per page.
Such illustrators work for years and have honed their talent and excellent work. Sure, it will cost you money, but if your book is going to have stunning graphics, it is well worth it!
Zayn Cole
