Industry rates
How much to charge for Illustration
For illustration we recommend charging from $780 to $6,020 (US rates, default project scope). A typical quote includes Brief & references, Sketch concepts, and Linework & inking. Use the calculator below to adjust region, line items, and your rate.
Or jump straight to the pricing calculator.
What illustration usually covers
Custom illustrations, icons, and editorial artwork.
Our default scope for illustration includes: Brief & references, Sketch concepts, Linework & inking, Colour & rendering, Final files & formats. Turn optional items on or off in the calculator to match how you actually work.
Deposits and getting paid
Take a deposit before you start. It filters out tyre kickers and protects your time. 50 percent up front is standard for project work.
Revisions and scope creep
Cap your revision rounds in writing. Anything beyond the included rounds is billed at your hourly rate. This is the single best defence against scope creep.
Common questions
How much should I charge for illustration?
For US freelancers using our default scope, illustration projects typically land between $780 and $6,020. That range reflects the Charge less / Charge more slider in the tool (0.4x to 3x on the suggested rate). Your market and experience may sit anywhere in that band.
What should a illustration quote include?
At minimum: Brief & references, Sketch concepts, and Linework & inking. Our calculator pre-selects the usual deliverables for illustration so you can start from a realistic scope instead of a blank page.
Hourly rate or project total?
The calculator supports hourly, per-item, and whole-project pricing. Most illustration quotes start hourly until scope is locked, then switch to a project total for the final client-facing number.