The Good Ship Illustration “I’m not sure how to price my illustration work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’ll change their mind if it’s too much.”
This week’s podcast question is from Annabelle:
“I’m not sure how to price my work. I think I panic and undercharge because I’m worried they’ll change their mind if it’s too much.”
Ooft.
This is a juicy episode. Money, mindset, value, VAT nightmares, and charging what you’re worth.
Bon apetit from your Good Ship pals.
Tuck in.
Timestamps
00:00 – The question: “How do I stop undercharging?”
01:30 – People can feel when you don’t believe in your prices
03:00 – What affects your value: niche, profile, usage, experience
05:00 – Editorial vs publishing vs live illustration: pricing realities
06:30 – Raising your rates to manage your workload
10:00 – Calculate what you need to earn (and start from there)
12:00 – Most illustrators can’t actually work 8 hours a day
14:00 – Self-worth ≠ pricing strategy
16:30 – Add 20% and see what happens
18:00 – TL;DR: You’re probably undercharging
Stuff we mention:
- The AOI’s Pricing Calculator
- Jessica Hische’s brilliant tool: The Dark Art of Pricing
- Our Business Course for Illustrators gives you the pricing confidence (and strategy) that no one teaches you at art school.
→ Join the waiting list - Freelancer’s Bible by Alison Grade – super helpful if you like numbers and practical steps
Have a lovely week. And up yer rates.
x Helen, Katie & Tania
The Good Ship Illustration
Come and say hello!
✏️ @thegoodshipillustration
🌏 www.thegoodshipillustration.com
p.s. We love answering your illustration questions. Click here to submit your question for The Good Ship Illustration Podcast 🎙