Market Data

Find Out How Much Children’s Book Illustrators Make!7 min read

Mar 1, 2023 5 min

Find Out How Much Children’s Book Illustrators Make!7 min read

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Children’s book illustrators make a wide range of incomes. Some make very little, while others make a very good living. It all depends on the illustrator’s experience, skill, reputation, and the market for their work.

There are many ways for an illustrator to make money from their work. They can sell original artwork, prints, or digital files of their illustrations. They can also license their work for use on products, in apps, or for other purposes. And, of course, they can get paid for illustrating books.

How much an illustrator makes from book royalties depends on a number of factors, including the publisher, the format of the book, the illustrator’s experience, and the popularity of the book. For example, an illustrator who is just starting out may only make a few thousand dollars for illustrating a picture book. But a well-established illustrator who illustrating a best-selling book can make tens of thousands of dollars, or even more.

So, if you’re wondering how much do children’s book illustrators make, the answer is: it depends!

How Much Do Children’s Book Illustrators Make

Children’s book illustrators can make a wide range of salaries depending on factors such as the popularity of their work and the amount of time they can dedicate to creating illustrations. Some may make a few hundred dollars per book, while more experienced illustrators could make up to $20,000 per book. Additionally, illustrators may also receive royalties from their books, which can be a significant source of income. The amount of royalties an illustrator receives is related to the number of copies sold, so it is important for illustrators to promote their work. Additionally, some illustrators may be able to find other ways of monetizing their illustrations, such as selling prints or licensing their images. All in all, there is a great range of potential incomes for children’s book illustrators, and the success of an illustrator is dependent on their individual creativity and dedication.

Factors That Determine Illustrators’ Salaries

How much do children’s book illustrators make? It’s a question that often comes to mind when considering a career in illustration. While the answer can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, there are several key elements that can help determine the salaries of children’s book illustrators.

The most obvious factor is experience. A seasoned illustrator with a portfolio of impressive work will likely have higher pay than that of a beginner. This is because the more experienced illustrator has a network of contacts, a greater understanding of the industry, and the ability to produce better results. As an illustrator gains more experience, their rates will likely increase as well.

In addition to experience, the type of commission will also influence an illustrator’s salary. For example, a book cover will typically fetch a higher rate than a single illustration. An illustrator may also be asked to produce a series of artworks for a book or magazine, which can come with a significantly higher rate for the entire project.

Location can also play a role in an illustrator’s salary. For example, a children’s book illustrator working in a major city may be able to demand higher rates due to the higher cost of living in that area. On the other hand, an illustrator working in a rural area may have to accept lower rates to make ends meet.

Finally, the size of the publisher can also affect an illustrator’s salary. Large publishers typically have more money to spend on illustrations, and may be able to offer higher rates than smaller, independent publishers. However, independent publishers may be more willing to take risks on new illustrators, which can lead to greater opportunities further down the line.

In summary, there are many factors that can influence an illustrator’s salary. Experience, the type of commission, location, and the size of the publisher are all factors which can determine how much a children’s book illustrator can make. With the right combination of factors, an illustrator can make a comfortable living from their work.

Find Out How Much Children's Book Illustrators Make!

Average Salaries of Children’s Book Illustrators

Are you interested in becoming a children’s book illustrator? If so, you may be wondering how much you can expect to make in this profession. After all, the average salary of a children’s book illustrator can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and the types of books they create.

The average salary of a children’s book illustrator ranges from around $35,000 to $100,000 per year. The exact amount you can make depends on several factors. For those just starting out, the salary range can be on the lower end of the spectrum, but experienced illustrators can make upwards of six figures.

Location can also play a role in the salary of a children’s book illustrator. Those working in large metropolitan areas or in areas with a thriving publishing industry may be able to command a higher salary. Additionally, the type of book an illustrator is working on can also affect their salary. For example, illustrators creating books for major publishers may be able to make more than those creating books for smaller, independent publishers.

In addition to salary, there are other perks that come with being a children’s book illustrator. Many illustrators are able to work flexible hours, allowing them to have time to pursue other creative endeavors. There is also the potential to work on both print and digital books, giving illustrators the opportunity to reach a wider audience with their work.

Overall, becoming a children’s book illustrator can be a rewarding and lucrative career. With the right experience, location, and portfolio, illustrators can make a comfortable living while pursuing their passion. For those who are interested in becoming a children’s book illustrator, researching the average salary of the profession is the first step in the process.

Additional Ways to Earn Money as an Illustrator

Are you an illustrator looking for ways to make extra money? If so, you’re in luck! There are a variety of additional ways to earn money as an illustrator. From creating custom artwork for clients to selling prints, there are plenty of creative ways to supplement your income.

One way to make money as an illustrator is to create custom artwork. Clients may be interested in commissioning work for logos, book covers, posters, greeting cards, and more. You can create a website to display your portfolio and list your services, or join a platform like Fiverr or Upwork to find clients.

Another great way to earn money as an illustrator is to open an online shop. This allows you to sell prints of your artwork, as well as custom products such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases. Popular platforms for setting up shop include Society6, Redbubble, and Etsy.

You can also make money as an illustrator by teaching classes or workshops. This is a great way to share your knowledge and experience with beginners and help them get started. You could offer classes online or in person, depending on your preference. You can also create tutorials and sell them online.

Finally, you can make money as an illustrator by freelancing. You can find freelance jobs on websites such as Freelancer, Guru, or People Per Hour. You can also join a platform like 99Designs, where clients can post design contests for you to compete in.

These are just a few of the many additional ways to earn money as an illustrator. With a bit of creativity and hard work, you can turn your passion into a profitable side hustle.

Conclusion

Overall, the average salary of children’s book illustrators is highly dependent on the illustrator’s experience, geographical location, and the type of publishing house they work for. Generally, children’s book illustrators can make anywhere from $7,000 to $70,000 a year. The higher end of the pay scale is usually reserved for well-established illustrators with a long career in the field. In addition, the type of publishing house a children’s book illustrator works for can also have an impact on their salary. Illustrators working for larger publishing houses often receive higher pay than those working for smaller independent publishers. With the right combination of experience and contacts, children’s book illustrators can make a comfortable living in the field.

5 Tips for New Children’s Book Illustrators