How can you differentiate your pricing and contracts from competitors in digital illustration?

1 Define your goals

Before you set your rates and terms, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your illustration projects. Do you want to make a living from your art, or do you see it as a side hustle? Do you want to work with a specific niche or industry, or do you want to explore different styles and genres? Do you want to build long-term relationships with your clients, or do you prefer one-off assignments? Your answers to these questions will help you determine how much you need to charge and what kind of contracts you need to protect your rights and interests.

2 Research the market

The next step is to research the market and see what other digital illustrators are charging and offering. You can use online platforms, such as Behance, Dribbble, or Fiverr, to browse through portfolios and profiles of illustrators who work in similar fields and styles as you. You can also join online communities, such as Reddit, Facebook, or Discord, where illustrators share their experiences and advice on pricing and contracts. You can also ask your peers, mentors, or clients for feedback and referrals. The goal of this step is to get a realistic and updated picture of the demand and supply of digital illustration services, and to identify your strengths and weaknesses compared to your competitors.

3 Calculate your costs

Once you have a sense of the market, you need to calculate your costs and expenses as a digital illustrator. This includes both the direct costs, such as the software, hardware, and materials you use, and the indirect costs, such as the time, energy, and skills you invest in your projects. You also need to factor in the taxes, fees, and insurance you have to pay as a self-employed professional. You can use online tools, such as Bonsai or HoneyBook, to help you track and estimate your costs. The goal of this step is to determine the minimum amount you need to charge to cover your costs and make a profit.

4 Choose your pricing model

After you know your costs, you need to choose a pricing model that suits your goals and preferences. There are different ways to price your digital illustration services, such as by the hour, by the project, by the value, or by the royalty. Each model has its pros and cons, depending on the type, complexity, and scope of your projects. For example, if you work on short and simple tasks, you might prefer an hourly rate, whereas if you work on large and complex projects, you might prefer a project-based or value-based fee. You can also combine different models or offer discounts or incentives for certain clients or situations. The goal of this step is to find a pricing model that reflects your worth and meets your clients' expectations.

5 Write your contracts

Once you have your pricing model, you need to write your contracts that outline the terms and conditions of your illustration services. A contract is a legal document that protects both you and your client from misunderstandings, disputes, and fraud. It should include the following elements: the scope of work, the deliverables, the timeline, the payment terms, the ownership and usage rights, the revision and cancellation policies, the confidentiality and liability clauses, and the signatures. You can use online templates, such as And Co or Hello Bonsai, to create your contracts, or hire a lawyer to review them. The goal of this step is to create clear and fair contracts that define your responsibilities and expectations.