Please Note: These rates of pay are based on the Australian Society of Authors, and are a guide only. We are in the process of reviewing and updating our recommended rates of pay. Updating this resource is a priority, we will be putting out a survey at the end of the year to gather data and hopefully develop a more specific guide.
Book Illustrations
These are only rough guides and do not factor in any usage or other requirements of the project. These are meant only as a base rate for you to build your own price from.
These are generally for ‘Book’ illustrations.
Roughs
- Black and white $90
- Colour $120
B&W illustrations
- Quarter page, chapter head, spot $230
- Half page $360
- Full page $500
- Double page spread $600
Colour illustrations
- Quarter page, chapter head, spot $350
- Half page $500
- Full page $800
- Double page spread $1100
- Cover $1400
Further Resources
Other places you can find pricing information for illustrators:
National Association of Visual Arts (NAVA) freelance rates of pay:
Australian Society of Authors (ASA):
https://www.asauthors.org.au/rates-of-pay/
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance:
https://www.meaa.org/download/recommended-freelance-rates/
Books on business for illustrators:
- ‘Starting your career as a freelance illustrator or Graphic Designer’ – Michael Fleishman
- ‘Between the Lines: a legal guide for writers and illustrators’ – Lynne Spender
- ‘Australian Book Contracts’ – ASA
- ‘Inside the Business of illustration’ – Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman
- ‘Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines’ – Graphic Artist’s Guild (currently up to 13th ed)
- ‘Nuts & Bolts’ – Charles Hively (3X3 magazine)
- Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist – Lisa Congdon
- Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative – Austin Kleon
- Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered – Austin Kleon
- Marketing Illustration: New Venues, New Styles, New Methods – Steven Heller and Marshall Arisman