How much should I charge as a beginning freelance artist?

While drawing is art, you are producing a graphic image that will be used with a product. If you were doing a portrait of someone of just freelance artwork, I'd say "charge anything you want." In this case, the company has a budget and if you go too high, they simply won't be able to pay it. It's true you shouldn't undersell yourself, but don't be greedy either. I'd would charge $500 for the diagram image for the repair manual. As for the mascot, this requires a bit more creativity on your part, so maybe $700, for a total of $1200 for everything. If that's too high for them say "okay, how about $1000 for everything?" If I were a business owner, that would sound fair to me. But then again, I'm in Los Angeles where everything is more expensive, so consider your customer and what you feel he can afford - then price it accordingly.

The rule is to quote people the maximum amount you feel comfortable quoting, the worst feeling is undercharging someone so avoid it like the plague, however, it will happen. Sometimes you'll be surprised at how much you can charge someone and they'll be happy to pay it.

The rule in the industry is that good illustration is priceless, there is no such thing as overcharging.

Also think about the materials you will need to use and also charge for that.

How much would be your dream amount, then charge that. If the company says its too high then say 'but that includes all of the material costt ect ect.

Start at a few hundred and have a sliding scale based off of difficulty.

$100-$200 *estimate* for both.