Professional Graphics Designer

What is a fair hourly rate?

[GaryK]

I engaged a professional graphics artist to design a very high quality drawing for me. He did a superb job but because of some delays in the project he's playing games with me on the price in the sense that he's told me how many hours he spent and what he spent on ancillary costs but he said it's up to me to decide how much to pay him. He initially told me that because of the delays (due to his health) he'd do the project for free. I refused that offer and told him I'd settle for 50% of whatever his normal fee is. Now I can't even find out what his normal fee is! :)

What is a fair hourly price in US$ to pay someone who does excellent work even if they stink at running a business?

Thanks.

[Mardi_Gras]

Depends on your area. In this area (New Orleans), I would expect to pay $75 - $125 per hour, with the vast majority being at the lower end of that spectrum. But why not forget his games and just make an offer for a fixed dollar amount?

>even if they stink at running a business?

That is not an uncommon trait among artists. Respect their talents and accept the way they do business ;)

[GaryK]

Thanks for your reply. Could I please Sticky you a URL of the drawing and get your opinion on whether something like this should have taken 30 hours of billable time?

[Mardi_Gras]

Sure.

[Philip Hastings]

Fees are usually based on the size of the company that the work is being done for. These rates can be found in the AIGA Standards book, published annually. In this book you'll find various descriptions for jobs and what you should expect in return for your money.

Since a majority of my experience has been buying illustrations with all the exclusive rights for use in a variety of marketing communications, a fair price would be $700-$1200. Of course, we're talking about professional illustrators not graphic artists as you say.

By the way, there is a big difference between a graphic artist and a graphic designer. A graphic artist is basically someone who works within the printing industry, you know, handling inks and paper. A graphic designer is someone who works with colors, type, layout et cetera. It is two very different roles.

Also, a graphic designer is someone who makes things look pretty with little or no consideration for the appropriateness or appeal towards your audience. Basically, you get what you ask for. An art director or creative director research your market, develop a plan and execute than plan and measure the success of their work by the impact in the marketplace.

If you want results, see a professional designer not a design hobbyist.