5 Essential Tips for Finding the Perfect Children's Book Illustrator

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Finding the perfect children's book illustrator can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and resources, you can turn your vision into a beautifully illustrated children's book. In this blog, we'll discuss five essential tips to help you find the ideal illustrator for your project.

1. Understand Your Style

Before you start searching for a children's book illustrator, it's important to have a clear understanding of your desired illustration style. This will not only help you find the right illustrator, but it will also make the collaboration process smoother. Here are three steps to help you understand your style:

a. Identify Your Audience

Knowing your target audience will help you determine the best illustration style for your children's book. Consider the age group, interests, and preferences of your readers. For example, if you're writing a book for toddlers, you may want to opt for a simple, colorful, and engaging style. On the other hand, older children might appreciate more detailed and sophisticated illustrations.

b. Research Popular Styles

Explore various children's book illustration styles to get a sense of what resonates with you and your audience. Some popular styles include:

Cartoon: Characterized by exaggerated features and bold colors.
Realistic: Detailed and life-like illustrations that closely resemble real-world objects.
Abstract: Using shapes, colors, and patterns to convey ideas and emotions.
Collage: Combining various materials and textures to create unique illustrations.

By researching popular styles, you can better define the visual direction you want for your book.

c. Compile a Visual Mood Board

Create a mood board to collect and organize visual inspirations for your children's book illustrations. This can include images, color palettes, typography, and other design elements that represent the style you want to achieve. A mood board will help you communicate your vision effectively to potential illustrators and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

2. Explore Various Platforms

Once you've defined your desired illustration style, it's time to start searching for the right children's book illustrator. There are numerous platforms where you can find talented illustrators with varying styles and expertise. Here are three popular platforms to begin your search:

a. Behance

Behance is a popular online platform where artists and designers showcase their work. You can easily browse through a vast collection of children's book illustrations and find artists whose style aligns with your vision. You can also view their profiles, learn more about their experience, and directly contact them for collaboration.

b. Dribbble

Dribbble is another platform where illustrators share their work and connect with potential clients. You can filter your search by style, location, or skills, making it easier to find the perfect children's book illustrator for your project. Many illustrators on Dribbble also provide links to their personal websites or social media, allowing you to explore more of their work and get a sense of their personality.

c. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can find a wide range of children's book illustrators with varying styles and price points. You can browse through their portfolios, read reviews from previous clients, and directly hire an illustrator that fits your needs. Fiverr also offers a secure payment system, making it a convenient and reliable option for hiring freelance talent.

By exploring various platforms, you'll have a better chance of finding the right children's book illustrator who can bring your story to life.

3. Check Illustrator's Portfolio

Once you've found potential children's book illustrators on various platforms, it's essential to carefully examine their portfolios. A strong portfolio is a key indicator of an illustrator's ability to bring your story to life. Here are three aspects to consider when reviewing an illustrator's portfolio:

a. Evaluating Quality

Quality is of utmost importance when selecting a children's book illustrator. Look for attention to detail, color harmony, and overall composition in their work. Make sure their illustrations evoke emotions and effectively communicate a story. High-quality work will make your book more appealing to readers and increase the chances of success.

b. Consistency in Style

A consistent style is crucial when selecting a children's book illustrator, as it will help create a cohesive look and feel throughout your book. Examine the illustrator's portfolio to ensure they can maintain a consistent style from one illustration to another. This will make your book more visually appealing and help to keep your young readers engaged.

c. Variety of Subject Matter

Children's books often feature a wide range of characters, environments, and situations. Look for an illustrator who can handle a variety of subject matter and demonstrate versatility in their portfolio. This will ensure they can effectively illustrate your story, no matter how diverse or imaginative the content may be.

Thoroughly reviewing an illustrator's portfolio will give you a better understanding of their capabilities and help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect children's book illustrator for your project.

4. Communicate Your Vision

After identifying a children's book illustrator with a strong portfolio, it's essential to effectively communicate your vision to them. This will ensure they understand your expectations and can bring your story to life in a way that resonates with your target audience. Consider the following tips to effectively communicate your vision:

a. Provide Clear Briefs

When discussing your project with a children's book illustrator, provide them with a clear and detailed brief. This should include information about the story, characters, setting, and any specific visual elements you have in mind. Be as precise as possible when describing your ideas, as this will help the illustrator visualize your vision and create artwork that matches your expectations.

Sharing examples of artwork or illustrations that inspire you can help the illustrator understand the style and tone you're aiming for. This can be particularly helpful if you're unsure how to describe your vision in words. Don't hesitate to share images or even snippets from other children's books that capture the essence of what you want your illustrations to convey.

c. Ask for Sketches

Before the illustrator begins working on the final illustrations, ask for preliminary sketches or rough drafts. This will give you the opportunity to review their interpretation of your vision and provide feedback or request changes before they invest time in creating the finished artwork. This collaborative approach will ensure the final illustrations align with your vision and help to avoid any surprises or disappointments later on.

Effectively communicating your vision to your chosen children's book illustrator will not only result in a more cohesive final product, but also foster a positive and productive working relationship.

5. Consider Budget and Timeline

While finding the perfect children's book illustrator is important, it's also essential to consider your budget and timeline. These factors will influence your choice of illustrator and help ensure a smooth and successful collaboration. Keep the following tips in mind when considering budget and timeline:

a. Establish a Realistic Budget

Before you begin searching for a children's book illustrator, determine how much you're willing to spend on illustrations. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that experienced illustrators may charge more, but their expertise and skill can be worth the investment. Remember, striking a balance between quality and affordability is key.

b. Negotiate Payment Terms

Once you've established a budget, discuss payment terms with your chosen illustrator. Some illustrators may require a deposit upfront, while others might prefer payment upon completion or in installments. Be transparent about your budget constraints and try to reach a mutually agreeable payment plan. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings or financial surprises during the project.

c. Plan Your Deadlines

Having a clear timeline for your project is crucial. Discuss your desired completion date with the illustrator and ensure they can meet your deadline. Keep in mind that creating quality illustrations can take time, so be realistic when setting your expectations. It's also a good idea to build in some extra time for revisions or unforeseen delays.

Taking budget and timeline into consideration when finding the perfect children's book illustrator will help ensure a positive experience for both parties and a successful final product that you can be proud of.

If you enjoyed this blog post and want to learn more about illustrating for the publishing industry, don't miss Laura Suarez's workshop, 'How to Illustrate for Publishing'. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to help you create stunning illustrations for books, magazines, and more. Dive in and take your illustrating skills to new heights!