One of the most common questions I receive is, “How much does it cost to illustrate a children’s book?” The answer, as with many creative endeavors, depends on several factors, including the style, complexity, and specific needs of your project. To help you better understand what to expect, I’ve put together a detailed breakdown of my pricing and services.
Illustration Pricing
1. Minimalistic Illustrations
For those who prefer a clean, simple design, my minimalistic illustrations are priced at 60€ per illustration. These are ideal for projects that require a modern, understated aesthetic or spot illustrations within the text.
An example of minimalistic illustration
2. Detailed Spread Illustrations
If you’re looking for more elaborate illustrations that span an entire spread (two facing pages), prices range from 150€ to 400€ per spread. The final cost depends on the level of detail required and the time invested. These spreads are perfect for creating immersive, richly illustrated scenes that captivate young readers.
3. Character Design and Development
Creating unique and memorable characters is a complex process involving multiple stages of sketching, refining, and finalizing the design. Prices for character-based illustrations start at 120€ per character and can increase depending on the complexity and the number of revisions needed.
An example of character design
4. Full-Page Illustrations
For full-page illustrations that don’t span a spread but still cover a significant portion of the page, prices start at 120€ per page. The final price depends on the complexity and level of detail.
An example of complex illustrations for children’s book
Book Design and Layout Services
Beyond illustrations, I provide a full suite of book design services to ensure your project is cohesive, professional, and ready for print. Here’s what’s included:
1. Custom Layout Design
- Basic Layout: Starting at €300 for books up to 50 pages, this service includes text arrangement and simple image placement.
- Advanced Layout: For books over 50 pages or those requiring more complex layouts, prices start at 500€. This includes integrating various visual elements, such as charts, infographics, and special typography.
2. Cover Design
- Front Cover Design: Prices start at €150 for a simple yet eye-catching design.
- Full Cover (Front, Back, and Spine): For a cohesive design across the entire book, prices start at 250€.
How designing a cover page looks like
3. Binding Sheets
- Custom Binding Sheets: Prices start at 20€, adding a unique and professional touch to your book. We usually use patterns for this types.
An example of binding sheets, where we use a pattern for design
4. Print-Ready Files
- Preparation for Print: A service that ensures all files are optimized and ready for the printing process, starting at. This includes file setup, color correction, and final checks to meet the printer’s specifications.
Exporting a book
Photography Services (Included)
In addition to illustrations and design, I also offer professional photography services, which can be a valuable addition if your book relies on photographs or requires original photo content. The best part? I don’t charge extra for photography. Whether your book is based on photographs or requires specific images to complement the illustrations, this service is included in the overall project cost.
Book photography
Tailored Pricing Based on Project Complexity
Every book is unique, and so are its design and illustration needs. Whether your book is based on photographs, informational content, or character-driven stories, pricing will vary to reflect the complexity and time required.
- Character-Based Projects: These are often the most complex and time-intensive, with higher pricing due to the intricate details involved. These projects require thorough planning, character development, and iteration to achieve the perfect result.
- Informational or Photographic Projects: Books that heavily rely on photographs or informational content typically require less illustration work but may need more attention to layout and design. Pricing for these projects will be adjusted accordingly.
Final Pricing Estimate
To give you an idea of the overall investment, the cost for a fully illustrated book generally ranges from €1,600 to €5,000 depending on the specifics of the project. For projects outside Slovenia, prices may vary depending on additional requirements such as travel or shipping.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Quote
To provide the most accurate quote for your project, I prefer to discuss the specifics of your book in detail. This allows me to understand your vision and deliver a customized service that meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for minimalistic design, a fully illustrated book with intricate character designs, or original photography, I’m here to bring your vision to life.
Feel free to reach out with details about your project, and I’ll be happy to provide a personalized offer. Together, we can create a book that not only tells your story but does so in the most beautiful and professional way possible.
