About This Report
AI prompt artistry is a relatively new, and fast evolving industry. Which means clients have few sources of reliable information about what deliverables might cost. Without such information, planning budgets is challenging, bordering on impossible, and misalignment of stakeholder expectations occurs all too frequently.
With 3000 Prompt artists registering with The Promptists guild since we launched in November, we find ourselves in a unique position to help fill this vacuum. Earlier this year we embarked on a wide-ranging research exercise to find out what these practitioners were charging in the open market, based on different types of outputs, and their respective experience level.
This report is the culmination of that research project, and aims to provide some broader context about the evolving pricing norms for this new category of creative craft.
First Principles: What Is AI Prompt Artistry?
AI prompt artistry is a professional discipline that combines creative vision, technical skill, and deep expertise with AI image and video generation tools. Like photography or graphic design before it, it is easy for a layperson to take a snapshot, but a world away from the work of a professional.
Skilled Promptists bring craft to every output: they understand composition, color theory, brand language, lighting, negative space, motion, pacing, and how to translate a client brief into a precise technical instruction set that generates consistently excellent, on-brand results.
Our Promptist Tiers
All Promptists in our community are assessed against a consistent standard and placed into one of three tiers. This was of huge assistance in the research process, as it helped factor in how the experience and skills of Prompt artists influences the prices they charge.
Apprentice - Entry Level
Apprentices have foundational knowledge of at least one major AI generation platform (Midjourney, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, Firefly, Runway, Sora, etc.) and can produce competent, clean outputs for straightforward briefs. Best suited to simpler, well-defined projects where creative direction has already been established.
Typical experience: 0 -18 months. Portfolio shows consistent technical competence. May require more revision rounds and closer creative direction from clients.
Artisan - Intermediate
Artisans demonstrate strong creative range and technical command. They can work across multiple tools and styles, interpret more ambiguous briefs, and produce outputs that require minimal revision. They understand brand guidelines and can develop consistent visual systems.
Typical experience: 18 months - 4 years. Portfolio shows stylistic range and commercial application. Comfortable leading creative development and presenting multiple directions.
Maestro - Expert
Maestros are seasoned AI creative professionals with deep multi-platform expertise, advanced post-production skills, and a proven track record across high-stakes commercial projects. They operate at art director level - shaping visual strategy, developing original styles, and delivering broadcast/print/screen-ready assets.
Typical experience: 4+ years. Portfolio demonstrates complex commercial projects, original style development, and high-volume campaigns. Often work with in-house teams or agencies.
What Goes Into A Price?
When you receive a quote from a Promptist, you are paying for more than the final files. A professional fee reflects:
Pricing by Asset Type
Based on the research, the tables below show suggested price ranges for common commercial deliverables, broken down by Promptist tier. These are guideline ranges based on current market rates across the industry, not fixed prices.
Projects with tighter deadlines, higher complexity, or larger licensing scope may command higher rates. And as always, Promptists may choose to engage in projects at prices below the market standard for their experience if that work is of particular interest to them.
What follows is a guide, not a set of rules.
Static Imagery
Advertising & Campaign Assets
Assets intended for paid media placements: digital display ads, print ads, billboards, OOH, and full ad campaign suites.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single digital display ad | $60 - $140 | $140 - $300 | $300 - $600 |
| Display ad set (3 sizes) | $140 - $320 | $320 - $700 | $700 - $1,400 |
| Full display ad suite (6+ sizes) | $300 - $600 | $600 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Print ad (magazine / press) | $100 - $220 | $220 - $500 | $500 - $1,200 |
| Billboard / OOH hero image | $120 - $280 | $280 - $650 | $650 - $1,800 |
| Full campaign suite (hero + ads) | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $8,000 |
Brand & Identity Assets
Foundational visual assets that define how a brand looks and feels, including brand photography stand-ins, visual identity imagery, and style guides.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand hero image (website / print) | $80 - $180 | $180 - $450 | $450 - $1,100 |
| Product lifestyle imagery (single) | $70 - $160 | $160 - $380 | $380 - $900 |
| Product lifestyle set (5 images) | $280 - $600 | $600 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $3,500 |
| Brand texture / pattern asset | $50 - $120 | $120 - $280 | $280 - $600 |
| Visual style guide (AI-generated) | $300 - $700 | $700 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,500 |
| Brand imagery library (20+ assets) | $800 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,500 | $4,500 - $12,000 |
Website & Digital Assets
Images for website use including hero banners, section backgrounds, blog imagery, and landing page visuals.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website hero banner | $80 - $180 | $180 - $420 | $420 - $1,000 |
| Section / feature image | $40 - $90 | $90 - $200 | $200 - $450 |
| Blog article header image | $25 - $60 | $60 - $140 | $140 - $300 |
| Blog image pack (5) | $100 - $240 | $240 - $550 | $550 - $1,200 |
| Landing page full image set | $250 - $550 | $550 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $3,500 |
| Email header / banner | $40 - $90 | $90 - $200 | $200 - $420 |
Editorial & Content Marketing
Imagery for thought leadership content, reports, white papers, presentations, and publications.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report / white paper cover | $80 - $180 | $180 - $420 | $420 - $950 |
| Presentation deck imagery (5) | $120 - $280 | $280 - $650 | $650 - $1,400 |
| Infographic illustration (complex) | $150 - $350 | $350 - $800 | $800 - $2,000 |
| Ebook / guide cover | $80 - $180 | $180 - $400 | $400 - $900 |
| Event / webinar banner | $50 - $120 | $120 - $280 | $280 - $600 |
Video & Motion
AI-generated video is the fastest-growing deliverable on our platform. Pricing reflects the significantly higher technical complexity, longer generation times, compute costs, and post-production requirements compared to static image work.
Short-Form Social Video
AI-generated or AI-enhanced short video content for social platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and similar. Includes concept, generation, basic motion, and platform-ready export.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 5-10s clip (no audio) | $80 - $180 | $180 - $380 | $380 - $750 |
| Single 15-30s social video | $200 - $450 | $450 - $900 | $900 - $2,000 |
| Single 30-60s social video | $350 - $700 | $700 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Short-form video pack (3 × 15s) | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,200 | $2,200 - $5,000 |
| Reel / TikTok with motion text | $250 - $550 | $550 - $1,100 | $1,100 - $2,500 |
| Story video set (5 assets) | $300 - $650 | $650 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $3,200 |
Video Advertising & Paid Media
AI-generated video assets for paid media placements across digital, broadcast, OOH, and streaming channels. Higher licensing complexity and quality standards apply.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital pre-roll ad (15s) | $300 - $650 | $650 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $3,500 |
| Digital pre-roll ad (30s) | $500 - $1,000 | $1,000 - $2,200 | $2,200 - $5,500 |
| Social ad video (single concept) | $400 - $850 | $850 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,500 |
| Social ad video (3 variations) | $900 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $9,000 |
| CTV / streaming ad (15-30s) | $600 - $1,300 | $1,300 - $2,800 | $2,800 - $7,000 |
| Broadcast TV spot (30s, AI-assisted) | $1,200 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,500 | $5,500 - $14,000 |
| Full paid media video suite | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,000 | $7,000 - $18,000 |
Product & Brand Video
AI-generated product showcases, lifestyle video content, hero brand films, and visual identity motion assets for website, pitch, and launch use.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product showcase clip (10-20s) | $300 - $650 | $650 - $1,400 | $1,400 - $3,200 |
| Product lifestyle video (30s) | $550 - $1,100 | $1,100 - $2,400 | $2,400 - $6,000 |
| Brand hero video (60s) | $900 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Website video loop / ambient BG | $250 - $550 | $550 - $1,200 | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Launch teaser / trailer (30-60s) | $700 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $3,200 | $3,200 - $8,000 |
| Full brand video suite (3 assets) | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $6,500 | $6,500 - $16,000 |
Motion Graphics & Animated Assets
AI-assisted motion graphics, animated logos, kinetic type, and looping graphic elements for use across digital channels. Distinct from live-action or photorealistic AI video.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animated logo sting (3-5s loop) | $200 - $450 | $450 - $950 | $950 - $2,200 |
| Kinetic type / title card (10s) | $180 - $380 | $380 - $800 | $800 - $1,800 |
| Looping animated graphic (15s) | $250 - $550 | $550 - $1,100 | $1,100 - $2,500 |
| Lower thirds / title pack (5 assets) | $350 - $750 | $750 - $1,600 | $1,600 - $3,800 |
| Animated infographic (30s) | $450 - $950 | $950 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Full motion graphics pack | $900 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
Video Retainer Engagements
For clients requiring a consistent pipeline of video content (i.e. ongoing social programmes, campaign frameworks, or rolling ad creative) retainer arrangements offer better value and ensure continuity of style, motion language, and brand consistency.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly lite (4-6 short-form videos) | $800 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,000 | $4,000 - $9,000 |
| Monthly standard (10-15 videos) | $1,800 - $3,500 | $3,500 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Monthly full-service (20+ videos) | $3,500 - $6,500 | $6,500 - $15,000 | $15,000 - $35,000 |
| Video campaign system build | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $30,000 |
| Long-form AI video (2-5 min) | $1,500 - $3,000 | $3,000 - $7,000 | $7,000 - $18,000 |
Video Hourly Rate Reference
Some promptists prefer hourly billing for exploratory or open-scope video projects.
| Tier | Hourly Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Apprentice | $35 - $70 / hr | Simple clips, basic iteration, well-defined scope |
| ⚒️ Artisan | $70 - $150 / hr | Creative video development, social campaigns, brand content |
| 🏆 Maestro | $150 - $350 / hr | Complex production, broadcast work, senior video strategy |
Additional Factors Affecting Video Pricing
Audio & music licensing: Licensed music tracks or custom AI-generated audio add $150-$800+ depending on scope and exclusivity.
Voiceover (AI or human): AI voiceover generation is typically $100-$400 per video; human voiceover talent is quoted separately.
Lip-sync & avatar video: AI avatar or lip-sync videos carry a 40-80% premium over equivalent motion content due to technical complexity.
Aspect ratio variants: Adapting one video across multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:5) is typically billed at 25-40% of the base rate per variant.
Platform delivery specs: Encoding to broadcast or streaming specs (ProRes, H.264, specific loudness levels) may carry a post-production fee.
Rush turnaround: Video projects required in under 72 hours (vs. the standard 5-7 working days) typically carry a 30-60% rush premium.
Revision intensity: Standard video quotes include 2 revision rounds on the final edit. Additional rounds are billed at $75-$250 per round depending on tier.
Ongoing Engagements
Static Asset Retainers
For clients requiring a consistent volume of static assets on an ongoing basis, retainer arrangements offer better value and ensure continuity of style and quality.
| Asset Type | 🌱 Apprentice | ⚒️ Artisan | 🏆 Maestro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly lite (8-12 assets) | $400 - $900 | $900 - $2,000 | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| Monthly standard (20-30 assets) | $900 - $1,800 | $1,800 - $4,500 | $4,500 - $10,000 |
| Monthly full-service (50+ assets) | $1,800 - $3,500 | $3,500 - $9,000 | $9,000 - $22,000 |
Reference
Factors That Affect Price
The ranges above assume standard commercial use and a moderate level of complexity. The following factors can shift pricing upward. Always discuss these with your Promptist before work begins:
Red Flags: What to Avoid
Quotes that seem dramatically below these ranges should raise questions. Unsustainably low pricing often signals: no commercial licensing, assets generated without real craft or curation, stolen or third-party generated outputs, or work that will not survive revision cycles. Protecting your brand means working with professionals who are paid fairly.
How to Build Your Brief & Budget
On The Promptists, you set a fixed budget when you post a project. Promptists then decide whether to apply based on the brief, the budget, and the work itself. The prices in this guide will help you pitch your budget at the right level. Here’s what to factor in…get these right and you’ll attract stronger applicants.
Define the output
How many assets do you need? What formats and sizes? Static or video? The scope of the deliverable is the single biggest factor in what you should budget.
Describe your brand
Will you be sharing brand guidelines, colour palettes, fonts, and existing visual assets? The more direction you provide, the more efficient the Promptist can be.
Provide references
Including examples of styles or imagery you love (even from outside your industry) helps Promptists assess fit and reduces wasted iteration.
State the deadline
Rush jobs cost more. If your timeline is tight, budget accordingly — otherwise strong Promptists may pass.
Clarify licensing
Where will the assets be used? Digital only? Print? National or global? Paid media? Broadcast? Broader usage rights mean higher fees.
Factor in revisions
How many rounds of feedback are you planning for? Two rounds is standard. If you expect more, reflect that in the budget.
Questions? support@thepromptists.com
Social Media Assets (Stills)
Single static images optimised for social platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), including branded posts, campaign imagery, and product spotlights.