When I read "Illustration" I don't think of toon or line art. I think of layers upon layers of shapes to build the total image.

However, there are many forms of illustration.

Max - What "style" are you going for? Maybe link to an illustration you have in mind. (If you cannot form the words to convey the actual style) IE: http://nakedgremlin.com/squares_big/...lustration.jpg or http://www.drjimble.co.uk/images/Pop...itionflyer.jpg

Or

Are you looking for the freehand style: http://www.sunberst.com/images/bethb...lustration.jpg

And

To be bitching over cost... What quality? You pay more when someone is good - EG: They already have jobs lined up and you are paying not just for their art but also their time.