Freelance page rates
I'm available for collaborative projects as a writer, artist, or both. Work ranges from full story development through production-ready pages, or individual tasks on projects already in progress. Line art is produced traditionally, in india ink on bristol board, and delivered as high-resolution scans. Lettering and coloring are digital.
Rates below reflect current market conditions based on published page rate data from the direct market. Independent press rates assume a project with real editorial support and a path to publication or distribution — not spec work or "exposure" deals. Mainstream rates reflect the Big Two and their major licensed imprints.
Collaborative comics page rates
Rates are per interior page unless noted. Covers quoted separately.
| Task | Independent press | Mainstream (DC/Marvel) |
|---|---|---|
| Script (full plot + dialogue) | $75–$125 | $150–$200 |
| Plot only (Marvel method) | $50–$80 | $100–$150 |
| Dialogue only (from plot) | $40–$60 | $75–$100 |
| Task | Independent press | Mainstream (DC/Marvel) |
|---|---|---|
| Black and white (line art) | $150–$250 | $250–$350 |
| Flat color (B&W + basic fills) | $200–$300 | $325–$450 |
| Full color (rendered) | $275–$375 | $400–$600 |
| Task | Independent press | Mainstream (DC/Marvel) |
|---|---|---|
| Pencils only | $100–$175 | $175–$300 |
| Inks only | $75–$125 | $125–$200 |
| Colors only | $60–$100 | $100–$150 |
| Lettering | $20–$40 | $40–$60 |
| Task | Independent press | Mainstream (DC/Marvel) |
|---|---|---|
| Line art cover | $300–$500 | $500–$750 |
| Full color cover | $400–$650 | $650–$1,000 |
Design and marketing rates
Quoted per project, not per page.
| Task | Range |
|---|---|
| Logo design (character, title, imprint) | $300–$600 |
| Interior design (text pages, backmatter, title spreads) | $150–$350 |
| Marketing graphics (social, promo, convention) | $100–$300 |
| Pinup / single illustration (B&W) | $200–$350 |
| Pinup / single illustration (color) | $300–$500 |
A note on rates
Page rates in the direct market haven't kept up with inflation, and the range between publishers is wide. These rates reflect what experienced professionals charge for quality work — not what the market's floor is. Work-for-hire assignments from major publishers will have rights implications that affect the overall deal; creator-owned and revenue-share projects are negotiated individually.
Ready to discuss a project? Let's talk.