Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic - How much to charge to make custom illustration?

ctesti · Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 1344 Location: California

Hello,

Need some advice on how much I should charge to create a custom illustration for one of my customer?

What is the usual hourly rate for a vector artist?

Thanks!
-C

lukaszb · Joined: 21 Sep 2009 Posts: 145

I know some individuals in Chicago who charge about $50-$100 (sometimes even more) per hour for a design. I think it all depends on how well you know your client, and on your and your client's geographical location. So the Chicago $50 is more like $60-$70 in California probably...Also you need to factor in the complexity of the design, do they know what they want or will you have to create multiple drafts? Then you should have much better idea of how many hours it will take.

Finally is this a one time thing or do you think you'll be doing it on regular basis. If on regular basis then you need to factor in your costs of living and how much profit you want to actually make (be realistic), then you should get an idea of how many of these designs you'll need to make in order to pay for rent or mortgage. Also call up some graphic shops in your area who do similar jobs and find out how much it will cost to create a similar product. Good luck.

cthoman · Joined: 06 Dec 2006 Posts: 260 Location: Austin, TX

Here's a couple of threads that are similar:

http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=63651&highlight=

http://submit.shutterstock.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38987&highlight=freelance+prices

I personally like working on flat fees rather than hourly, but it takes time to find a price that works for you (and clients too). What that "right price" is for you? I'm not sure. I heard someone say to calculate what you wanted to make per day. Then, estimate how many work days you think it will take to get the project done or how many projects you could get done in one day. I always thought that was a good method.

ktgraphics · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 638 Location: Ont, Canada

First you need to agree on whether the person will except either flat fee or hourly rate. Second you need to figure out what he or she will be using it for. Example. Say you are doing it for a flat fee and he/she would like it for internet use. Well then you probably won't charge much compared to if they are going to use the graphic for a logo for say like a business card and stationary. It really all depends.
You may want to visit a freelance place like Guru or Elance .com to maybe get some examples of what people charge for what ever illustration you are going to do.