@Zachary-Schrage, you need to become a force of nature that creates your reality. One thing I do is start by making an uncompromising commitment to a project that I visualize in all aspects, down to the last detail. So, this might be an illustrated children's book: thirty-two pages, sixteen illustrated spreads in your style and minimal text. The reason I use Franklin Booth is that he is a known quantity in terms of determining where you fit in the marketplace.
So, once again, I asked ChatGPT to estimate the time, compensation, and preparation needed to complete such a project. Here is the response:
Bidding on an illustrated book project, especially one with a distinctive style like Franklin Booth's line art, involves several considerations to determine a reasonable asking price and timeline. The pricing and duration depend on several factors, including the complexity of the illustrations, the illustrator's experience, the client's budget, and the project's scope.
Pricing for the Project
Factors Influencing Pricing:
Complexity and Detail: Franklin Booth's style, known for its intricate line work and high level of detail, can be time-consuming. Pricing should reflect the time and skill required for such detailed work.
Experience and Reputation: The illustrator's experience and reputation in the market also affect pricing. A more experienced illustrator can command higher rates.
Client Budget and Market Standards: Understanding the client's budget and industry standards for similar projects is crucial in setting a competitive yet fair price.
Pricing Range:
Per Illustration: Given the detailed nature of the illustrations required, a reasonable rate per spread could range from $500 to $2,000 or more per illustration, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Total Project Cost: For 16 spreads, this brings the total project cost to a range of $8,000 to $32,000. This range can vary based on specific project details, the illustrator's negotiation with the client, and potential additional costs (e.g., revisions, rights, or royalties).
Considerations for Pricing:
Rights and Usage: Determine if the fee includes full rights to the illustrations or if the illustrator retains some rights (e.g., for prints or other uses). Full rights typically increase the fee.
Revisions and Changes: Clarify how many revisions are included in the price and how much extra revisions will cost.
Deadlines and Rush Fees: If the project has a tight deadline, a rush fee may be appropriate to compensate for the increased workload.
Expected Duration for Illustrations
Estimated Time Per Illustration:
Complex Line Art: Creating intricate, detailed line art in the style of Franklin Booth can be time-consuming. A single spread could take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours or more to complete, depending on the complexity and size of the illustration.
Average Time Calculation: For 16 spreads, this equates to 320 to 640 hours of work.
Total Project Duration:
Overall Timeline: Assuming the illustrator works full-time (40 hours per week), the project could take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete.
Buffer Time: It’s advisable to include additional time for revisions, feedback, and unexpected delays, so the overall project duration might be around 10 to 20 weeks.
Steps for Bidding and Planning
Prepare a Detailed Proposal:
Include a breakdown of costs, time estimates, and any conditions (e.g., revisions policy, payment schedule).
Provide examples of similar work or a portfolio to showcase the illustrator’s capability to meet the project's requirements.
Communicate Clearly with the Client:
Discuss the client’s expectations for style, detail, and deadlines.
Clarify the scope of work, including any additional tasks beyond the 16 spreads (e.g., cover design, endpapers).
Negotiate Terms:
Be open to negotiating the price based on the client's budget while ensuring fair compensation for the work.
Agree on payment terms (e.g., upfront deposit, installment payments, final payment upon delivery).
Conclusion
A reasonable asking price for a project requiring 16 spreads in a highly detailed style like Franklin Booth's ranges from $8,000 to $32,000, with individual illustrations priced between $500 to $2,000 or more. The expected duration for each illustration could be 20 to 40 hours, leading to a total project timeline of 8 to 16 weeks for completion, with an additional buffer for revisions and delays. Proper planning, clear communication with the client, and a detailed proposal are crucial for a successful bid and project execution.
At 16 weeks, you could do three projects annually and earn approximately $96,000. Then, you ask yourself if this is workable. For most, this would be adequate. Of course, there are other vehicles, such as posters.
