Individuals: Hire an Illustrator

Your custom portrait to frame

Why individuals should consider hiring a freelance illustrator

Although illustrators often work with publishers, the press, communication agencies, or businesses, individuals can also hire a freelance illustrator for personal projects.

Perhaps you are yourself passionate about drawing, or a beginner illustrator — as is sometimes the case for those who commission a drawing from a professional. If that’s your situation, I also invite you to read this article on how to get noticed when starting out in this profession.

Some examples of work a freelance illustrator can do for individuals:

• Personalized portraits: a unique gift for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or family portraits...

• Custom greeting cards or invitations: for weddings, births, holidays...

• Illustrations for personal projects: whether you want to self-publish a book, illustrate your latest YouTube video, or decorate a space with a unique framed drawing...

An illustrated keepsake to give

The fee must ensure the illustrator a fair compensation, essential for quality work:

The cost of a drawing is primarily determined by:

• Work Time and Expertise: A custom illustration requires several hours of work and artistic skill, whether for conceptualizing, drawing, or finalizing the piece.

• Exclusivity: You are paying for a unique creation that will not exist anywhere else. Unlike standardized images, your illustration is made specifically for you.

• Revisions and Adjustments: The price often includes revisions to ensure the result matches exactly what you want.

So, plan a budget, just like for any other service from any other profession. Note: In some cases, an additional budget may be required for the finalization of the product — for example, book layout. Indeed, once the illustrator has sent you the drawings, it will be up to you to place texts and illustrations into a layout. If you don’t do this yourself, you’ll need to hire a graphic designer. The best option is to work with an illustrator who is also trained in print graphic design and can manage the entire project.

Your self-published children's book illustrated by a professionnal

Added value beyond generic or AI-generated images:

• Thanks to Personalization: A professional illustrator offers you the opportunity to obtain a work that perfectly aligns with your vision, tastes, and needs. A ready-made image or one generated by AI often lacks this nuance and adaptation.

• Thanks to Artistic Quality: AI and pre-designed images can sometimes lack the coherence, emotion, or creativity that only a human can provide. An illustrator will apply their expertise to your project, with a unique style.

• Thanks to Authenticity and Exclusivity: By working with an illustrator, you support artistic creation and obtain a 100% original work, a rare creation that you won't find on other media.

Check out my freelance illustrator portfolio on the main page of my website to get an idea of my various creations — 100% human intelligence!

Are you an individual thinking about commissioning one or more drawings from an illustrator? Contact me and we can discuss your ideas.