Short answer: To get a quote, tell the illustrator seven things. How many illustrations you need. The type: spot, 2D or 3D. Whether each one is a spread or a single page. Whether you need a cover illustration. Whether you need a cover layout. Whether you need interior page layout. Ideally, also send your manuscript.
As illustrator Jasmine Jane says: "The more you share upfront, the faster they can tell you whether they're a good fit and give you an accurate quote."
A 32-page picture book typically needs 14 illustrations. Not sure about your book? Read how many illustrations a 32-page picture book needs.
A spot is a small artwork without a full background. 2D and 3D are styles. To compare styles, see our guide to children's illustration styles.
A single-page illustration fills one page. A spread runs across two facing pages. One spread covers two pages but counts as one spread.
This is the art for the cover. Our cover illustration is a full wrap: front, back and spine.
This is the design of the cover around the art, for example where the title goes. Tell us if you need it. It is a separate item from the cover illustration.
This is the design of the inside pages. Our layout includes: interior pages, print-ready book design, print-ready files and a free Amazon publishing consultation. Tell us if you need it.
Ideally, send the manuscript. Then the illustrator gets a thorough understanding of the story. Send the final text if you can. The note on text changes below explains why.
Enter your answers in the estimator on our pricing page. You get an estimated price, not a final quote. If your project has unusual needs, we review it and reply.
Revisions and text changes are not the same.- Revisions to the art are unlimited: "Unlimited revisions at every stage, from sketch to final color."- A redraw caused by a text change is paid. Our rule: "Text changes are free at any time if the illustration does not need to change. If a text change needs a page redrawn, the redraw costs 50% of that illustration's price in the sketch stage, and the full illustration price in the coloring stage. No text edits after the book is published."
You own the art. Clients get full ownership of the art by default, and the contract states this clearly.
Yes. Start from 14 for a 32-page book. You can adjust it later.
Ideally, yes. It gives the illustrator a thorough understanding of the story.
Yes. A text change is free if the illustration does not need to change. If a page must be redrawn, the redraw is paid: 50% of that illustration's price in the sketch stage, and the full price in the coloring stage. No text edits after the book is published.
No. Revisions to the art are unlimited at every stage, from sketch to final color.
Clients get full ownership of the art by default, and the contract states this clearly.
No. It is an estimated price. Unusual requests are reviewed.
Have your answers ready? Request a free colored sample. See your character in your chosen style before you commit. Our illustrations are 100% human-made.
Ready to see your story in color?
