Freelance Illustration 101

[dmanrose]

Hey how's it going?

I'm pretty new to freelancing and it's hard to come up with pricing for some things. After hard lessons learned I can set prices for some things. What I'm looking for is a ball park pricing range for weapon design?

Along the lines of the attached. Not sure if it's a paint over, but either way I'd be designing and illustration 10 weapons and I really don't want to under charge. Any suggestions?

[B u r l]

i dunno how pricing goes for stuff like that, but here's a a pricing standard which could be helpful. if not for this, then for any future work you do: http://www.theaoi.com/Mambo/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=409&Itemid=33

[Raceme]

Here's a valuable resource I have used for years. It's published by the Graphic Artists Guild. If you can find a copy to browse through, you'll find there are categories including animation, digital illustration, etc.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Graphic-Artists-Guild-Handbook/Graphic-Artists-Guild/e/9780932102133

This publication has been around for YEARS and updates regularly to accommodate the growth in the commercial art industry. You'll find even a table for the Animation Guild (local 839), among other pricing structures.

Here's the great thing, this pricing guide is made by surveys sent out to thousands of agencies. A full range of studio sizes are represented and there is a range of prices to reflect this. It makes it easy to come up with reasonable billing for your client.

PLUS, it is full of forms for you to make for yourself: estimate, invoice, and tons more. Graphic designers have used this for years, but it's not just for graphic designers. Since it is an established, recognized authority, you're in good shape. Check it out if you like.