Drawing, Animation, and Illustration: Flat Fee vs. Royalty

If you have a passion for drawing, animating, and illustrating, there are two main ways to monetize your skills: working for a flat fee or earning royalties. Here’s a breakdown of both options to help you decide which works best for you.

Flat Fee vs. Royalty: What’s the Difference?

• Flat Fee: When you create illustrations for a flat fee, you’re paid a one-time payment upfront. This could be for creating illustrations for children’s books, advertisements, or other projects. However, in most cases, you lose the rights to resell that artwork elsewhere. While it pays more immediately, the earning potential stops once the project is completed.
• Royalty: On the other hand, platforms that offer print-on-demand services allow you to create drawings, illustrations, or animations that are then reproduced on products like clothing, canvases, and furniture. You earn a small royalty for every sale of your work. While the upfront payment is lower, the potential for ongoing income is much greater. If your illustration becomes popular, you can earn royalties on hundreds or even thousands of sales. Plus, you often retain the rights to sell the same design on other platforms.

Which Option Do You Prefer?

• Flat Fee: If you prefer a guaranteed upfront payment and are willing to give up reselling rights, then working for a flat fee might be a better fit for you.
• Royalty: If you like the idea of long-term, passive income and don’t mind earning a smaller amount per sale, royalty-based platforms like print-on-demand sites may be a great option.