Creative Invoice Template

Free Comic Artist Invoice Template

Invoice clients for comic pages, graphic novel artwork, and cover illustrations. Track your commissions and get paid on time with Tidybill.

Create Free Invoice View Pricing

What is a Comic Artist invoice?

A comic artist invoice covers fees for creating sequential art, graphic novel pages, cover illustrations, and character commissions. Comic artists work for publishers, self-publishing clients, game studios, and individual commissioners. Rates are typically per page (pencilling, inking, colouring, and lettering may be separate charges or combined depending on the artist's workflow). Cover commissions are often priced higher than interior pages due to their promotional value. Comic artists should clearly state IP ownership on their invoices, particularly for commissioned work — whether the client owns the artwork or the artist retains rights to the original pages and digital files.

What to include on a Comic Artist invoice

Common comic artist invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Comic Page (pencils + inks) £80 - £350 per page
Colouring (per page) £50 - £200 per page
Cover Illustration £300 - £1,000 per cover
Character Design Sheet £150 - £400 per character
Lettering (per page) £15 - £50 per page
Revision Round £40 - £100 per round

How to invoice as a comic artist

For publisher work, invoice at the page rates agreed in your contract, typically on a monthly basis for ongoing series. For self-publishing clients, invoice 50% upfront before starting a chapter, with the balance on delivery. For cover commissions, 50-100% upfront is standard. Define clearly whether the client owns the original digital files and physical artwork, or if you retain them. Net 14 to Net 30 depending on publisher size.

Create your comic artist invoice in minutes

Start free. No credit card required.

Get started free

Frequently asked questions

How do I price comic page rates?
Page rates depend on your experience, the type of work (pencils, inks, colours, full art), and the client. Published industry guidelines (such as those from comics creator organisations) can serve as benchmarks. Entry-level artists might charge £50-£100 per full-colour page; experienced artists with published credits can charge £150-£350+.
Who owns the original artwork I create for a comic?
For most independent work, you retain ownership of the original artwork unless your contract specifies otherwise. Publishers may request ownership of digital files or original pages — this should be reflected in your page rate. Physical original artwork can be sold separately if you retain it.
How do I handle clients who commission pages but never pay the full balance?
Take a deposit before starting. Release pages as each payment is received rather than delivering all pages upfront. Include a clause stating that unpaid pages remain your property until full payment is received.
Can I show published comic work in my portfolio?
Yes, for published work. For unpublished commissions, check your contract. Typically you can show work in your portfolio unless there is an explicit confidentiality clause. Always ask if unsure, particularly for work done under a studio contract.
Do I need to charge tax on comic commissions?
If your income from commissions exceeds the self-employment or VAT thresholds in your country, you will need to declare and potentially charge tax. In the UK, register as self-employed when your income exceeds £1,000 per tax year. VAT registration applies once turnover exceeds £90,000. Check current thresholds with HMRC or an accountant.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Comic Artist invoice template straight away after signing up.