Whether you're a business owner or just someone with a creative idea, illustrator sites are your go-to for finding talented artists. This guide is your shortcut to understanding the process and making the right choices. Let's dive in!
What Do Freelance Illustrators Do? A freelance illustrator draws and designs art for clients. Businesses and individuals use these visual artworks for marketing content and product packaging. Freelance illustrators are often self-employed, but some work with advertising agencies or publishing companies as contractors.
Here are some primary responsibilities of an illustrator:
Meeting with clients to discuss and assess their design requirements Drawing, sketching, and painting illustrations Using design software and technology to finalize illustrations Creating sample designs for clients' approval Negotiating contract details such as price and project timeline Learning about current industry trends and techniques A freelance illustrator could create various illustrations, and some of these are:
Concept art Character design Illustration for entertainment purposes Product design Package illustration Book and editorial illustration Is Hiring a Freelance Illustrator Worth It? Hiring a freelance illustrator is a good choice if you need unique or customized artwork but don't need or want to hire a full-time employee. Freelance illustrators are suitable for short-term projects for an affordable rate. A freelance illustrator is worth considering if you need an illustration for such a project.
How Much Does a Freelance Illustrator Charge? Freelance illustrators charge differently based on their expertise and experience level. It could also vary depending on the scope and duration of the project and the amount of work the client needs.
According to our source, a freelance illustrator may charge between $25 to $150 per hour , based on an hourly fixed rate. Aside from this, there are other ways illustrators have been paid for illustrations:
Weekly Rate: This fixed rate ranges between $500 and $2,500. Individuals or companies who require bulk illustrations weekly prefer this time- rate. Project-Based: This illustrator rate is being paid. A flat rate per illustration can cost anywhere from $25-$1,000 per illustration or project, respectively. Royalties: This process works when the illustrator is paid the percentage of your earnings using the illustrations. For example, if 1–5% of the commission is agreed upon, the illustrators get that amount per product sold using the images.Services or Products: This payment method is more of a value exchange. This is a method where Illustrators use their services in exchange for goods or services.Remember, it depends on how experienced that artist is. Make sure to check the illustrator's portfolio before deciding to hire one.
Freelance Illustrator Hiring Process Follow this five-step to finding your perfect freelancer via illustration sites:
1. Identify Your Project Requirements Prepare an outline that specifies the details of your project. You must determine what illustration style you're looking for, how many images you need, purpose, and timeline. In addition, include reference images or inspiration to give artists a sense of your vision.
2. Research and Identify Potential Illustrators Start browsing platforms like Dribbble, Working Not Working, Fiverr, and Upwork. Look for an illustrator whose style fits your vision, then create a shortlist based on their portfolios. Their past work, client feedback, and specialties are also critical aspects to consider.
3. Reach Out and Request Quotes Talk to the illustrators on your shortlist, relay your project before, and request a quote. At this point, ask about their availability, turnaround times, and any associated costs.
4. Evaluate Portfolios and Conduct Interviews Assess the portfolios of potential candidates with a focus on the consistency of quality and a style that aligns with your vision. Then, schedule in-depth interviews to discuss the project and assess the illustrator's motivation to accept your project.
Based on the insights gathered from portfolio reviews and interviews, select the illustrator who best aligns with your project's needs and budget.
5. Finalize Terms and Start the Project After choosing your illustrator, prepare a contract outlining the project scope, payment terms, deadlines, and ownership rights for the illustrations. This document clarifies who retains the final artwork. Finally, you and the illustrator should sign the contract, fulfill any agreed-upon upfront payments, and initiate the collaborative process.
5 Websites to Hire Freelance Illustrators Here are some illustrator sites to help you find the right talent for your design project.
1. Working Not Working This platform is a favorite in various industries seeking creative freelancers. Its user-friendly dashboard allows instant visibility of illustrators' work, eliminating the wait time for freelancers to find jobs. Working Not Working maintains a selective process, ensuring illustrators go through vetting or receive invitations to join. However, users must pay a monthly fee for access.
2. Dribbble Specializing in design freelancers, Dribbble connects businesses with skilled illustrators. The platform emphasizes growth and learning, providing training materials for freelancers. Dribbble's tight-knit community fosters mentorship, ensuring your hired illustrator is dedicated to enhancing their skills. Clients can connect with illustrators based on portfolios, and the platform facilitates agreements and secure payments.
3. Fiverr Fiverr is an excellent option for affordable illustrations. The platform features allow clients to filter their search based on specialization, experience level, and tools used. Clients can filter based on budget, service options, and delivery time, finding illustrators who can meet tight deadlines. Like other platforms, clients contact freelancers directly, finalize terms, and make upfront payments using Fiverr's secure platform.
4. DesignCrowd Popular as a crowdsourcing platform, DesignCrowd hosts contests for projects, allowing clients to choose the best illustration from multiple options. The platform is user-friendly, offering support throughout the process. Ideal for those exploring options, DesignCrowd simplifies the selection process without additional complications.
5. Twine Boasting a global network of over 400,000 illustrators, Twine covers various illustration styles. With a "success-based" pricing system, clients can post jobs for free and receive pitches from qualified artists promptly. Twine prioritizes diversity and inclusion, allowing clients to specify preferences for underrepresented groups when posting jobs.
