World's Top Choice For Illustration

Why is illustration important?

Businesses of all sizes, from one person start-ups to small and mid-size businesses to international conglomerates, will benefit from using good illustrations online and offline. Freelance illustrators can help a company to more effectively market its products or services to customers by providing graphical elements that reinforce the text on a webpage or the text on paper, such as in a magazine or newspaper, or in a marketing brochure. Studies show that regardless of whether the marketing materials are in print or online, people generally react better when words are accompanied by graphics and illustrations. Good illustrators can also help individuals and businesses to build their brands offline and online, including on social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Classmates, Bebo, hi5, LinkedIn, and others. Some of the best social media sites are illustrated by experienced freelance illustrators. When looking for freelance illustrators, price is one of the most important considerations. And although many graphics designers might consider themselves illustrators, keep in mind that not every graphic designer is an effective illustrator. Illustration requires special skills – and very different skills than, for example, logo design or web design.

Why can illustration cost so much?

Individuals, small and midsize businesses, and even large companies must understand the cost to hire illustrators. The cost of freelance illustration services varies widely among firms, designers, and also varies significantly by geography. Freelance illustrator firms will have different rates and prices depending on what type of project they are bidding on. For example, it’s not unusual to find small freelance illustration firms charge thousands or tens of thousands of dollars for an illustration. The rates from large firms and agencies could be even higher. A freelance illustrator is more likely to charge less for the same freelance illustration. This is largely because freelance illustrators typically don’t need to pay for overhead to maintain their businesses and are able to pass those savings directly to their clients. However, this too varies widely. Keep in mind too that freelance illustrators will often set rates and offer pricing based on their level of expertise. A more experienced freelance illustrator will often charge much more for the same freelance illustration than less experienced illustrators. Finally, don’t forget that prices for freelance illustration vary widely based on geography. Freelance illustration projects from freelance illustrators and firms based in the United States and Europe, for example, may cost more for the same projects than the same project bid by freelance illustrators and firms located in countries who can afford to charge lower rates.