Short answer: the price of a manual redraw mainly depends on how much drawing the artwork needs: its complexity, the quality of the source, the lettering, the number of colours and effects, the files you need, and how soon you need them. That’s why accurate quotes come after someone has looked at the file.
1. Complexity of the design
A simple text logo with one icon takes far less time than a detailed mascot, an illustrated badge with fine line work or a photo-realistic illustration. More shapes, more curves and more detail mean more hand-drawn paths.
2. Quality of the source
A clear, reasonably sized image is quicker to redraw than a tiny, blurry screenshot or a photo of a faded sign, where details have to be interpreted carefully and sometimes confirmed with you. If you can find a better source, it can save time. See only have a screenshot of your logo?
3. Lettering
If the font can be identified and matched, lettering is quick. Custom hand-drawn lettering, distorted text or letters that are unreadable in the source need to be rebuilt by hand.
4. Colours, gradients and effects
Flat colours are straightforward. Gradients, shading, highlights and textures take longer to rebuild, and may also need a simplified version for screen printing or embroidery.
5. Formats and versions
One master file with standard exports is the baseline. Additional versions add work: one-colour, reversed, simplified for embroidery, separated for screen printing, cut-ready SVG or DXF.
6. Deadline
Standard turnaround suits most projects. Urgent jobs are accommodated when capacity allows, and the deadline is part of the quote.
Typical patterns
| Usually simpler | Usually more involved |
|---|---|
| Few colours and simple shapes | Many colours, gradients or shading |
| Clear, readable source | Very blurry, small or damaged source |
| Standard lettering or a known font | Custom or unclear lettering to rebuild |
| One design, standard formats | Multiple versions or production variants |
| Flexible deadline | Urgent turnaround |
Why “cheap” can cost more
Very low prices usually mean an automatic trace with a quick tidy-up. It may look acceptable as a thumbnail, then cause problems at the printer or on a cutter, and end up being redrawn anyway. Read manual tracing vs auto trace.
How to get an accurate quote
Upload the clearest artwork you have, say where it will be used, list the formats you need and give your deadline. We review the file and confirm the price before any work starts. See our pricing page for more on how quotes work, or go straight to the quote form.
Need This Done Properly?
Upload your artwork, tell us how it will be used, and get a free, no-obligation quote.
