With the market constantly evolving, it's crucial for commercial artists to explore different sources of income as well as regularly review their rates to ensure sustainable profits in the long run.

Openly sharing this information helps break the money taboo between artists, fostering transparency and collaboration. By discussing numbers, we can break down barriers and gain valuable insights into how to make a living from our art while shaping the future of the industry.

We surveyed our global audience of freelancers on their experiences as commercial artists or aspiring creatives, and we received a response of over 500 answers. Now, let's dive into the key findings!

Location of freelance lettering artists & illustrators that took the survey.

Based on our 2023 survey responses | Percentage of responses

The location of freelance lettering artists and illustrators who participated in the survey has a significant influence on the results. Geographical location can impact various aspects of their careers, including client base, market demand, pricing, and competition.

in Lettering & Illustration

Unlock Your Income Potential as a Lettering Artist or Illustrator by Joining this Workshop

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take part in our once-in-a-year FREE workshop series designed to help you create a sustainable income with your lettering and illustration skills. Over the course of 4 days, you'll join a vibrant community of hundreds of creatives on a mission to make a living from their artistic talents.

Average hours worked per week

Based on our 2023 survey responses

The majority of creative freelancers (58.2%) work 20-40 hours per week, followed by 10-20 hours per week. Only 5.5% work less than 10 hours per week.

"Do you work for clients?"

Based on our 2023 survey responses

93.8% of the established and newcomer freelancers who participated in the survey do client work, while 6.2% don't. Remember, client work is not the only way to freelance!

Average projects per year

Based on our 2023 survey responses

36.5% of the commercial artists in our community take on 5 to 10 projects per year, closely followed by 10-20 yearly projects for 29.9% of surveyed freelancers.

Alternative sources of income

Based on our 2023 survey responses

When asked about additional sources of income, surveyed artists highlighted Shop (online or physical) as the most popular, followed by Teaching and Workshops. Artwork licensing, ccollaboration projects and books royalties followed.

27.4% of freelancers don't have alternative sources of income.

Ranking of income streams per revenue

Based on our 2023 survey responses

Client work and commercial projects were the primary sources of income for the surveyed artists, followed closely by owning a shop and collaborating with other professionals. Teaching, although popular as an alternative income source, ranked fourth in revenue, followed by artwork licesing and other sources of income.

in Lettering & Illustration

Unlock Your Income Potential as a Lettering Artist or Illustrator by Joining this Workshop

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take part in our once-in-a-year FREE workshop series designed to help you create a sustainable income with your lettering and illustration skills. Over the course of 4 days, you'll join a vibrant community of hundreds of creatives on a mission to make a living from their artistic talents.

Average rate per type of project

Based on our 2023 survey responses

Among the types of projects provided, Advertising emerged as the most profitable, with an average income generation of $8,000 per project. Branding/Packaging closely followed.

“How happy are you with how much you charge for your projects?”

Based on our 2023 survey responses

When asked about their satisfaction with how much they charge, 50% of artists reported being okay but knowing they could charge more, while 43.2% felt they were undercharging.

Only 6.8% expressed satisfaction with their prices.

93.2% of freelancers feel they could charge more.

Reasons why artists are undercharging

Based on our 2023 survey responses | non-exclusive responses

Among those who felt they were undercharging, 63.2% cited fear of losing clients by overcharging, 35.3% lacked the confidence to charge more, 29.4% felt unsure about how to calculate their fees.
Additionally, 8.8% felt like the less they charge, the more work they will get.

Reasons why potential artists haven’t launched their business yet

Based on our 2023 survey responses | non-exclusive responses

For artists who haven't launched their businesses, 40.5% expressed fear of not making enough money, while 31% believed they lacked guidance. 37.7% felt they lacked the necessary talent, and 21.5% had attempted but didn't acquire any clients.

"I feel that I'm a talented person but I'm suffering from lack of confidence."

"I don't know how to market myself and find clients willing to pay for what I can offer."

"Lack of confidence in my abilities and unsure about the pricing and how to promote myself."

"I have already launched my business. I drove it for almost a year. I got too few clients to be able to make a living of it. That is why I have taken a part time job and go on with my solo business."

"I don't find any clients, and I feel daunting having to write emails daily to people who almost never reply."

in Lettering & Illustration

Unlock Your Income Potential as a Lettering Artist or Illustrator by Joining this Workshop

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take part in our once-in-a-year FREE workshop series designed to help you create a sustainable income with your lettering and illustration skills. Over the course of 4 days, you'll join a vibrant community of hundreds of creatives on a mission to make a living from their artistic talents.

“What is a big tip or some words of encouragement you would tell an aspiring artist that is thinking of making the leap into freelancing?”

“Make sure your are organised with a working system that suit your need well and stick to it.”

“You don't need all the conditions to be perfect to start. Do the work behind the scenes and you'll naturally plug away at all the important business pieces as you go. If you need to wait for some financial stability, that's ok. But don't forget to bet on yourself.”

“Despite the fact that being a Freelance is quite challenging, it is also very gratifying to be able to choose the projects in which if you want to be a part, own your time.”

“The thing that is your biggest advantage/strongest feature can often be something that you don’t consider special - because it feels very natural and easy to you. But THAT thing is your superpower! So find out what it is, and you will be so much better at your work and have great assignments.”

“Believe in your work, mindset is everything, clear communication is super important.”

“You don't know until you try. Building something that is yours and carries your mark is one of the most fulfilling things you can do.”

Thank you for participating in the survey and sharing these results with fellow creatives.

Understanding your income-generating options and pricing correctly is crucial for building a sustainable creative business. By coming together, we can elevate the industry and empower artists like you to succeed.

We're in this journey together!

in Lettering & Illustration

Unlock Your Income Potential as a Lettering Artist or Illustrator by Joining this Workshop

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take part in our once-in-a-year FREE workshop series designed to help you create a sustainable income with your lettering and illustration skills. Over the course of 4 days, you'll join a vibrant community of hundreds of creatives on a mission to make a living from their artistic talents.