Free invoicing software for illustrators
Stop chasing payments.
Protect your artwork.
Invoice with confidence.
PennaPay is built for freelance illustrators who want professional invoices, online card payments, secure artwork delivery, and e-sign contracts — without complicated accounting software.
No credit card required · Free plan available forever
What to include on an illustration invoice
Clear, itemised invoices help clients understand exactly what they're paying for and reduce revision disputes. Here are common illustration billing line items:
| Line item | Description |
|---|
| Illustration fee | Fixed rate or day rate for creating the artwork |
| Concept / sketching | Initial rough sketches and concept development stage |
| Revisions | Per round of changes beyond the agreed included rounds |
| Usage / licensing fee | Editorial, commercial, exclusive — specify territory and duration |
| Rush fee | Premium for delivery faster than standard turnaround |
| Final file delivery | High-res PNG, layered PSD, SVG, or print-ready PDF |
| Kill fee | Cancellation charge if project is abandoned after work started |
Why illustrators use PennaPay
🔒
Payment-gated file delivery
Attach your final artwork files to the invoice. They're locked until the client pays — preventing the classic "files first, payment later" problem.
📝
E-sign contracts
Define usage rights, revision rounds, and kill fees in a contract the client signs electronically. Protect yourself before pencil meets tablet.
💳
Online card payments
Clients pay by card directly from the invoice link. Stripe-powered, instant notification when payment lands.
🎨
Branded invoices
Upload your logo and choose a brand colour. The Creative and Canvas templates are favourites among illustrators.
💬
Client messaging
A private thread per client for brief discussions, revision feedback, and delivery notes. All in one place, not lost in email.
🌍
Multi-currency & VAT
Invoice international clients in their currency. Add VAT or sales tax with a single toggle. 30+ currencies supported.
Invoice templates for illustrators
Start from a template built for your project type — correct line items for commissions, editorial work, and character design. Ready in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Is PennaPay free for illustrators?
Yes. The free plan lets you build and download unlimited professional invoices with no account required. Sign up to save invoices, manage one client profile, and access the dashboard. Pro unlocks online payments, unlimited clients, file delivery, and PennaConnect messaging.
How do I invoice for illustration licensing correctly?
Add a separate line item labelled "Usage licence — [type]" (e.g. editorial, commercial). In the notes field, spell out the exact usage: medium, territory, duration, and whether it's exclusive. This makes disputes much easier to resolve.
Can I protect my artwork files until I get paid?
Yes — PennaShare (Pro) lets you attach final files to the invoice. They're locked behind payment. Once Stripe confirms the charge, the download link activates automatically. No more awkward "can you pay before I send the files" conversations.
Can I add a kill fee to my illustration contracts?
Yes. PennaPay's contract builder has a cancellation/kill fee clause field. Define what percentage is owed at each stage and send the contract for e-signature before work begins.