TimeTrack Pro
Log inSign up free
Built for Illustrators

Time Tracking for Illustrators

Sketches, revisions, final renders — illustration is more than the finished piece. TimeTrack Pro helps illustrators capture every stage of the creative process so your pricing reflects the real craft behind your work.

Start tracking for freeNo credit card required

Why illustrators struggle with time tracking

  • 1Clients compare illustration prices to stock art without understanding the custom creative process
  • 2Concept sketching and exploration feel like play, not work, so illustrators often forget to track that time
  • 3Usage licensing (editorial vs. commercial vs. exclusive) adds value beyond hourly work, but time tracking ignores it
  • 4Revision requests often fundamentally change the direction, requiring near-complete redraws that weren't in the original quote

How TimeTrack Pro helps illustrators

Stage-based tracking (concept, sketch, line art, color, final) reveals how time distributes across your illustration process

Timer starts with one click so you can capture sketching sessions without overthinking it

Project notes field lets you record licensing terms alongside time entries for complete project documentation

Revision tracking with comparison to original estimate makes scope-creep conversations easier

Common projects illustrators track

Editorial and magazine illustrationsChildren's book illustrationCharacter design and concept artIcon and spot illustration setsPackaging and product illustrationTechnical and scientific illustration

Average hourly rate for illustrators

$50–$150/hr

US market range — rates vary by experience, specialization, and location.

Frequently asked questions

How do illustrators price their work?
Illustration pricing combines a creative fee (the time to create the work) and a licensing fee (the right to use it). TimeTrack Pro handles the creative fee side — track your hours to know your true production costs, then add licensing on top based on usage scope.
Should illustrators charge by the hour or by the project?
Project-based pricing is more common in illustration, but you need accurate time data to set profitable rates. Use TimeTrack Pro to track every project, then use that data to quote future similar work with confidence.
How do I handle major revision requests as an illustrator?
Include 1–2 minor revision rounds in your base quote and define what 'minor' means (color adjustments, small detail changes). Major revisions (new composition, different character direction) should be billed at your hourly rate. TimeTrack Pro records help you demonstrate the scope of revision work.
How do I track time when sketching in a physical sketchbook?
Start TimeTrack Pro's timer on your phone or browser before you pick up the pencil. It runs in the background while you work traditionally. Tag it as 'concept sketching' so it's properly categorized even though you're working offline.

Time tracking for other freelancers

Graphic DesignersContent CreatorsWeb Designers

Ready to track your time smarter?

Join illustrators who use TimeTrack Pro to track hours and send invoices in minutes.

Get started for freeSee invoice template

Free plan includes unlimited time tracking