The Illustration Fee Calculator
Introducing the FREE Illustrator Fee Calculator
In this edition, we're exploring some vital topics aimed at empowering your artistic journey. Yes, we will talk a bit about pricing your work. But first, I'll start by introducing myself; I’m Pedro, your new collaborator in this creative publication.
We'll take a deep dive into the essence of The New Creative Draft - what’s our goal and how we're evolving to foster a more supportive and enriching space for artists like you. A major highlight will be presenting our Illustrator Fee Calculator, a toolset to support you in pricing your work. Cheers to demystifying illustration pricing complexities together!
Lastly, we'll discuss the expansive scope of The Creative Draft and how I, alongside Asia, will be facilitating the growth of this new creative ecosystem. So, strap in for a journey through the intriguing landscape of art, creativity, and the business side of things. In English and Spanish as well.
The Menu for This Week
🌳 Meet and Greet, Me :)
🌳 Free Fee Calculator (Beta)
🌳 The New Creative Daft
Meet and Greet
“My name is Pedro, that is my name.. they call me Pedro, coz that's my name...”
Hey there, Creative Drafters! My name is Pedro. You might see me as the new face around here, and yes, this is my first piece for The Creative Draft. I can’t believe I’m writing something that will be read & reshared by most likely by more than 19.000 people.
I bring with me a world where finance meets creativity - an eclectic blend of an executive finance leader and a passionate content creator. As a startup founder in the creator economy and a global business advisor, I've had some incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and help others along the way. Now, I'm thrilled to bring that same spirit to this amazing creative community.
Why should you listen to me, you might ask?
Well, I've walked the path. I've worked closely with creators, artists, and illustrators. I've felt the excitement of watching ideas come alive and the nervousness of pricing creative work, especially when starting out. It's this shared experience that drives me to make your journey smoother, more comprehensible, and yes, more successful. We're in this together, ready to turn your passion into a thriving, fulfilling career.
Speaking of, let's talk about The Creative Draft platform.
The Creative Draft isn't just a Substack publication anymore; it has evolve into a creative community, a supportive network, and a learning platform that will launch soon in June. We’re here to fuel your creative ambitions, lend you that extra push to bring your ideas to fruition, and create a safe, friendly environment where we lift each other up.
Together, we'll turn 'can I?' into 'I will!'
The Illustrator Calculator
Now, onto an exciting feature, we're introducing: the Illustrator Fee Calculator. This Beta tool is designed to guide those who are unsure about how to price their projects or need a ballpark estimate. And this is totally FREE for anyone to use and share.
I’ve noticed that pricing and price negotiations tend to be the most challenging ones, especially to anyone new to the illustration business. There are not many shared resources in the industry, and most are hush-hush. But we can change that; a more open and transparent pricing will help every creative to achieve fair pricing.
So, how does it work?
First, you input core information about your project, like the type of the commission, license, territory coverage, number of reviews, and size of the project. Then you add extra info, such as if the client needs a copyright buyout, rush fees, and considerations for the project's complexity and potential re-uses.
The Calculator then provides three basic pricing strategies, giving you a low-end, an industry average, and a high-end rate. It's like having a pricing guide right at your fingertips! And remember this is in the Beta feature so the results might not be 100% accurate, and feedback from the community will be key.
The Creative Draft doesn’t stop at the Calculator. We’re building a comprehensive palette (wink) of learning experiences - courses, workshops, and even a mentorship program.
On top of that, I will be working on a class called “The Art Of Pricing,” where I will cover not only how to calculate pricing but also how to do it right. Pricing is just the very first part, other considerations are necessary, such as negotiations, type of licenses, extras, and how to make sure if you take a 6-month project or a 2-week project, the pricing is right, how to communicate price with clients, how to negotiate changes, etc. The list is long.
The New Creative Draft
We are creating a new safe space for the creative community.
Over the past months, Asia and I have been retooling and redesigning The Creative Draft. We wanted more than just a content-sharing platform, we envisioned an expansive and nurturing hub for professional illustrators - an online home where you can learn, connect, and grow.
We tested Patreon and Discord. Patreon felt limited, great for sharing content but not quite for learning. Discord, on the other hand, was like a sprawling city - full of life, yet easy to get lost in.
Neither offered us the flexibility to host a class or a course - something we were really keen on providing. And so, we decided to rework The Creative Draft.
We rolled up our sleeves, booting up the hard drives and tapping away on keyboards, shaping and molding it into what we dreamed it could be - a vibrant community for learning, mentorship, and collaboration.
The focus?
To help you improve your craft, discover your unique style, and grow your art career. We assist with client work, portfolio building, and provide practical help whenever you need it.
That’s where I come in. As part of this creative ecosystem, my goal is to share my insights, financial expertise, and creative business strategies. Questions about pricing or licensing your work? Uncertain about client contracts or content creation strategy? Need advice on building a diverse, sustainable creative business? I’m here to help.
Through mentorship and coaching, I focus on topics like pricing strategies, contracts, negotiation, project management, content strategy, and building a sustainable freelance career. I’m dedicated to helping you grow your creative businesses from the ground up, create new income streams, and forge meaningful connections in the industry.
So here it is, the new and revitalized Creative Draft, it’s now a mix of the vibrant creative community, a learning platform and a mentorship program.
A Vibrant Creative Community
The heart of The Creative Draft lies in its community, The Hub. Here, you're not just an artist or a creator; you're part of a vibrant, nurturing network of fellow creatives. This is a space where inspiration flows freely, where ideas are exchanged, and where everyone supports one another. Our community gives you that extra push to transform your thoughts into action and to keep that creative flame alive. Meet other artists, learn from them, get advice from creative peers, and perhaps, find a collaborator for your next project. This is more than just a group - it's a safe, friendly environment where we uplift each other and celebrate the joy of creation.
A Dynamic Learning Platform
Education and growth are at the core of The Creative Draft. With our diverse range of courses, workshops, and mentorship programs, you're not just improving your art, you're also discovering who you are as an artist. We believe that art is as much about personal growth as it is about skill development. Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for fresh inspiration, or a beginner eager to explore the art world, our learning platform is tailored to support your journey. We go beyond traditional art lessons, offering guidance on growing your art career, building a solid portfolio, and handling client work. It's all about striking the perfect balance between your artistic passion and the practical business side of things.
Personalized Creative Mentorship
Every artist is unique, and so are their needs. That's why we created individual 1:1 mentorship sessions, providing you with customized guidance tailored to your specific goals and challenges. Our sessions are dynamic and personal, addressing your questions related to art, your illustration portfolio, your professional art career journey, or your creative business strategy. With us, you're not just getting generic advice - you're getting a concrete action plan to stay on track and achieve your goals. And this journey doesn't end with a single session. Our coaching plan includes regular follow-ups and assistance, ensuring you always have someone to turn to on your creative journey. Be it in English or Spanish; we're here for you.
Check out The Creative Draft and join the Waitlist.
At The Creative Draft, we're not just fostering a community or courses - we're building a supportive environment for creative minds to thrive, to learn, to grow, and that’s accessible to everyone.
Disclaimer: The calculator provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute specific pricing advice. The rates generated are not definitive and may not encompass all factors affecting pricing. Pricing decisions should be based on comprehensive research, industry benchmarks, and individual circumstances. We assume no responsibility for the use or interpretation of the calculator's results. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.