Many businesses are embracing the art of illustration to power up their brand identity. Adobe, Mailchimp, and Slack are some brands that integrate unique visuals to communicate their message. In this article, we’ll delve into the definition of custom illustrations, the role of illustrators,  and the actual cost of hiring illustrators.

What are Custom Illustrations? 

Custom illustrations present concepts, written texts, and tones. They can be used online or on printed materials such as books, magazines, product packaging, and even merchandise. 

While there are online tools for DIY illustrations, custom illustrations are difficult to create. It is best to entrust them to experts. 

It might be expensive to hire professional illustrations, but affordable options like on-demand services are available. Penji, for example, offers unlimited graphic designs and custom illustrations at a flat monthly rate. If you continue reading until the end of this article, you’ll understand more about the cost of custom illustrations. 

There are 12 custom illustration types available, giving you broad options for creative visuals to convey your message. Some of the widely used illustrations include the following: 

  • Brand mascot 
  • Branding Illustrations 
  • Conceptual Illustrations 
  • Comic Illustrations 
  • Product Illustrations
  • Portrait Illustrations

What Does an Illustrator Do? 

Illustrators create sketches, draw concepts, and design products to bring ideas to life. They help transform ideas into visual representations for a specific purpose. 

Businesses use different types of illustrators. For example, in-house illustrators are hired mainly by industries that require a continuous supply of output and a quantity of work or constant checking-in. Advertising and publishing agencies often use in-house illustrators.

The majority of freelance illustrators work on a per-project basis. These artists/designers work with multiple clients simultaneously versus an in-house illustrator who works under a single company.

If you’ve never tried hiring an illustrator, you’ll learn some costs and considerations to make the best decision.

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How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Illustrator?

Illustration rates vary depending on expertise, ample experience, location, and prevailing market conditions. In addition, illustrator salaries differ based on requirements from one industry to another. Choosing the right illustrator will depend on who you decide to work with and your project requirements.

  • An expert illustrator with years of experience in the field generally commands a higher salary. They work faster, have a more specialized approach, and deliver higher-quality work.
  • On the other hand, a contract or freelance illustrator who is still building a client base can also price their illustrator services competitively. 

Here are the hourly rates commonly charged by illustrators based on experience level:

  • Entry Level: $15 to $18 per hour
  • Mid – Level: $20 to $25 per hour
  • Expert: $30 to $35 per hour

Understanding Illustration Costs

Once you decide to work with an illustrator for your custom designs, your rates depend on the scope, how you will pay, and your budget.

Here are a few ways illustrators are paid for custom illustrations.

  • Hourly Rate: The fixed hourly rate is between $25 and $150. This option is right for you if you want a few illustrations done immediately. For illustrators working hourly, expect different prices depending on the levels of expertise. You have the freedom to modify the scope of work as long as you are willing to pay.
  • Weekly Rate: This fixed weekly rate ranges between $500 and $2,500. It is suitable for those who need a set of illustrations on a weekly basis. Once the scope is clear between you and the illustrator, this pay rate will save you time and money compared with per-hour pay.  
  • Project-Based: Some illustrators want to get paid a flat rate per illustration, costing from $25 to $1,000 per project or illustration. The contract is over until the project is done or the number of illustrations required is completed. With this method, the only factor that will affect the project’s price is a sudden change in scope. That said, you must understand that the pricing adjustments must be made if this happens while the project is ongoing. In this case, a reevaluation of the illustration is important before proceeding.

Illustration Costs by Project Type

Illustrators with high expertise and solid experience in advertising and commercial graphics often provide rough estimates for specific types of creative projects. Let’s look at some examples of design projects offered by illustrators:

  • Corporate identity package (business cards, stationery, etc): Starts at $250.
  • Brand identity kit (logos, icons, custom illustrations): Between $200 to $1,000.
  • Newsletter design (news, events guide, etc): From $1,000 and above.
  • Promotional materials (brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) From $1,500 and above.

Where to Find the Best Illustrators

Finding the right illustrator for your creative project can be an exciting but challenging task. Here are some of the best places to start your search:

Freelance platforms:

  • Upwork: A vast pool of illustrators with diverse styles and skill levels.
  • Fiverr: Offers a wide range of illustrators, often with fixed-price packages.
  • 99designs: Ideal for design contests where multiple illustrators compete for your project.

Portfolio websites:

  • Behance: Showcase platform for illustrators to display their work.
  • Dribbble: Another popular platform for designers and illustrators.

Although finding illustrators on these websites is easy, there’s another straightforward way to get custom illustrations. Penji offers unlimited custom illustrations for a fixed monthly fee starting at $499. This makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses needing various illustrations. With a focus on fast turnaround times, unlimited revisions, and consistent quality, Penji empowers you to outsource your design needs and concentrate on growing your business. Watch the demo video now to learn more!