Payment for scientific illustrations - help!
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Hi folks!
I’m gearing up to find work (all the fingers and toes crossed!) mostly in the kid’s publishing world, but I’m also in a stage where I’ll do a lot of different projects for the experience.
Because of a family connection, I was approached to help with figure/scientific images for a grant proposal - a lot of single panel , color images in a simplistic style (axel sheperdson was mentioned as a good comp for what they want). But like, a lot of images. Possibly up to ~35. All spots, no backgrounds. And I will be able to repeat some elements of the illustrations, and since I’m working digitally this will help with the workflow.
They need to know what I want to be paid, and I’ve of course looked online to see average hourly rates for scientific illustrators - but the trouble is, I’m inexperienced enough that I’m not sure how long this will take me, even a ballpark.
I do know this will be a lot of work, and having clear communication about payment up front is a must. What would you guys ask for/charge?
I should say, I’ve also tried to put the ball in their court by asking what comparable illustrators who have worked with other folks in the department have been compensated, but I haven’t heard back on that front.
I want to be fair to myself, and not shock them with some big figure and boy I know I need to get comfy talking about money but it feels so awkward to me.
Help!
(And thanks!!!)
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@allysa the other bit I should add is that while these are not images that I will use in my portfolio (it won’t be possible for me to do this many images in a few weeks given the style I really enjoy working in), I do want to say yes to this project, as they’re my husband’s collaborators and generally seem like cool people, and I’ve already expressed strong interest in working with them. So - I’m in it. I just need to get help finding a compensation strategy that’s fair to them and me. Thanks!
