If you’re working on a children’s book, one question always comes up early:
“How much will illustrations actually cost me?”
And honestly, it’s a fair question. Illustration is usually the biggest expense in a children’s book project, and online answers are often confusing or unrealistic.
In this guide, I’ll explain real children’s book illustration costs in 2025, what affects pricing, and how you can estimate your budget without guessing or overpaying.
How Much Does a Children’s Book Illustrator Cost?
Most children’s book illustrators charge per illustration, not per book.
In 2025, typical pricing looks like this:
- $10–$50 per illustration
- $300–$1500 for a standard 32-page children’s book
The final cost depends on things like:
- Illustration style
- Level of detail
- Number of pages
- Background complexity
- Extra services (cover design, formatting, revisions)
There’s no “one price fits all,” which is why quotes often vary so much.
👉 If you want a quick estimate without emailing back and forth, you can use our
👉 Children’s Book Illustration Price Calculator
https://kidillus.com/price-quote
Why Illustration Prices Vary So Much
Two illustrations can take very different amounts of time, even if they’re the same size.
For example:
- A simple flat character on a white background may take 1 day
- A detailed scene with characters, lighting, and environment can take 1–2 days
That’s why style matters so much when calculating cost.
Illustration Cost by Style (Realistic Breakdown)
..
2D Flat Color Illustrations
- $10–$15 per page
- Best for younger age groups and simple stories
- Clean shapes, bright colors, minimal detail
👉 View examples here:
https://kidillus.com/illustration#flat
Soft or Solid Detail Illustrations
- $18–$25 per page
- More expressive characters and backgrounds
- Popular for story-driven picture books
3D or High-Detail Illustrations
- $25–$35 per page
- Rich shading, lighting, and depth
- Often used in premium or educational books
Watercolor Style Illustrations
- $20–$40 per page
- Soft, hand-painted feel
- Great for emotional or classic storybooks
Realistic Illustrations
- $30–$50 per page
- High detail and lifelike proportions
- Usually chosen for older children or learning-based books
👉 You can explore all illustration styles here:
https://kidillus.com/illustration
How Much Does a 32-Page Children’s Book Usually Cost?
A typical 32-page children’s book includes:
- Interior illustrations (20–24 pages)
- Front cover
- Back cover
Here’s a realistic total estimate:
Style Estimated
Total Cost
2D Flat $300 – $500
Soft Detail $500 – $800
3D Detail $700 – $1100
Watercolor $800 – $1300
Realistic $1000 – $1500
These are averages, not fixed prices. Some books need fewer illustrations, others need more detailed spreads.
What’s Usually Included in Illustration Pricing?
A professional children’s book illustrator should provide:
- Custom, original artwork (not AI, not stock)
- High-resolution files (print-ready)
- Character consistency across pages
- Revisions for adjustments
- Commercial usage rights
We also offer:
- Book cover design
- Amazon KDP formatting
- Print-ready PDF setup
Get an Instant Price Estimate (No Email Required)
If you’d rather not wait days for quotes, you can calculate your project cost instantly.
With our calculator, you can:
- Choose your illustration style
- Select number of illustrations
- Add optional services
- See the total price immediately
👉 Try the free calculator here: