Illustration Pricing Survey 2019: THE RESPONSE. A realistic look at illustration fees
Back in 2019 I opened a big can of worms and conducted a survey about pricing illustration. Money is notoriously difficult to discuss and so I offered both illustrators and commissioners the opportunity to contribute anonymous insight into their experiences. The data was eye-opening and revealed that, while illustration proved extremely lucrative for some, many experienced illustrators weren’t making a sustainable living from their work. The lack of transparency with fees resulted in many taking on very low paid work and assuming it was the going rate. The confusion around fee expectations was not only specific to illustrators but to commissioners too.
If you haven’t read the original survey results you can do so here:
Summary of the original survey:
Both illustrators and commissioners lacked clear expectations regarding fees and usage.
Fees did not necessarily increase with experience but higher fees correlated more with those who worked full-time as illustrators.
Those who worked for clients in London were on average able to charge over 3 times higher than those with clients in the rest of the UK.
The most lucrative jobs were within advertising but these jobs were rare. Most illustrators worked for small businesses.
The percentage of illustrators who need other sources of income did not decrease with experience.
These conclusions led me to speak to a number of creative professionals in order to gain further insight and find ways of increasing confidence with pricing. I spoke with commissioners, industry associations, illustration agents and lecturers. I wanted to follow up with a resource that included expected fees from various groups within our industry to raise further discussion and empower illustrators through knowledge. The result was a guide full of information and prices for illustrators to have greater confidence pricing their work. The guide I created, along with my online course, has helped me to raise over £1500 for Arts Emergency Charity to date.
UPDATES COMING SOON
UPDATES COMING SOON
Thank you to everyone who contributed and for the feedback on how helpful the guide has been. Due to this information becoming dated, I am currently seeking to do further research to ensure any prices are relevant and information is not misleading. If you would like to be kept updated on future research and pricing information, please sign up to my newsletter below.
Thank you to all who contributed information to help this research.
You may also find some of the comments at the bottom of this post useful.
INTRODUCING, THE NO BULLSHIT GUIDE TO MAKING A LIVING FROM YOUR ART
After the response to my pricing research, I was encouraged to write a course for aspiring illustrators. Throughout my career I have felt that there are not enough honest resources. Sure, you might know how to develop your drawing skills, but how do you get people to part cash for them? Why does no one talk about the business side of illustration? In this course I have decided to spill the beans on how I now make a fulltime living out of my work. I want to share my experiences with you in order to help you to develop a successful career as an illustrator.
(No bullshit, I promise.)
