Invoice clients for editorial illustrations, book artwork, and commercial licensing. Track usage rights and get paid on time with Tidybill.
An illustrator invoice documents fees for creating original artwork for editorial, publishing, advertising, or commercial purposes. Illustration work varies enormously in scope and complexity, from a single spot illustration for a magazine article to a full set of character designs for a children's book or a brand illustration system. Pricing models are equally varied: illustrators may charge a flat fee per illustration, a day rate, or a fee that incorporates a usage licence reflecting how and where the image will be published. The licence is a critical component of illustration invoicing — the same artwork used on a product sold globally commands a higher fee than a one-time editorial use. A professional invoice that clearly states usage rights protects the illustrator's intellectual property and prevents undervaluation of commercial work.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Illustration (spot, half-page, full-page) | £150 - £800 | per illustration |
| Book Illustration | £100 - £500 | per spread |
| Character Design | £300 - £1,500 | per character |
| Commercial Usage Licence | £200 - £2,000 | per licence |
| Brand Illustration System | £2,000 - £8,000 | per project |
| Rush Surcharge | 25-50% | surcharge |
For editorial work (magazines, newspapers, online publications), invoicing is typically post-delivery with Net 30 payment terms. For commercial and advertising work, request a 50% deposit before sketches begin. For book illustration, stage payments across manuscript delivery, sketch approval, and final delivery. Always include usage licence terms on the invoice — state the medium (print, digital, broadcast), territory (UK, worldwide), duration (one year, perpetual), and exclusivity. Additional uses beyond the licensed scope require a new licence fee.