6 Essential Steps to Be a Children's Book Illustrator

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

If you've ever found yourself doodling characters and dreaming up stories that ignite the imagination of the young (and young at heart), then you've already taken the first steps on the path to becoming a children's book illustrator. This exciting journey is full of creativity and discovery. Let's dive into six important steps to help you turn your passion for visual storytelling into a successful career as a children's book illustrator.

Step 1: Find Your Style

Just like every story is unique, so is every artist. Your style is your signature—it's what sets your work apart and makes it distinctly yours. Here's how to carve out your own artistic identity in the world of children's book illustration.

Choose a Medium

From watercolor to digital art, the medium you choose can greatly influence your style. Experiment with different materials and techniques—you might be surprised at what you gravitate towards. Remember, there's no 'one size fits all' when it comes to how to become a children's book illustrator. It's all about finding what resonates with you.

Identify Your Subject Matter

What do you love to draw? Whimsical animals? Adventurous kids? Magical landscapes? Identifying your favorite subject matter can help define your style. Consider what you enjoy illustrating and how it might appeal to a young audience. After all, if you're excited about what you're creating, chances are, your readers will be too.

Develop Your Unique Voice

Developing your unique voice means understanding and embracing what makes your artwork special. This could be your choice of color palette, the way you draw characters, or even the emotions you convey through your art. It's about more than just how to become a children's book illustrator—it's about how to become a memorable one.

Step 2: Build a Portfolio

Your portfolio is like a visual resume—it showcases your talent and range as an illustrator. It should be a collection of your best work that reflects your unique style and versatility. Here's how to build a portfolio that will grab the attention of potential publishers.

Display Your Best Work

Your portfolio should represent the best of what you can do. Choose pieces that you're especially proud of and that show off your distinctive style. Remember, quality is more important than quantity. A few standout pieces will speak volumes about your skills and potential as a children's book illustrator.

Include Variety

While sticking to your style is important, you also want to showcase your versatility. This can mean including different types of illustrations—from full-page spreads to character studies—or playing with different themes and color schemes. By demonstrating a range of capabilities, you show potential publishers that you're more than a one-trick pony.

Keep It Updated

As you continue to grow and evolve as an illustrator, so should your portfolio. Regularly updating it with new work not only demonstrates your ongoing dedication to your craft, but also gives potential clients a glimpse into your most recent artistic explorations. It's a key part of learning how to become a children's book illustrator that shouldn't be overlooked.

Step 3: Network Like Crazy

Once you've created a standout portfolio, it's time to get it in front of the right people. Networking is just as important as creating great art. It's about making connections and getting your name out there in the children's book illustration world. Here's how to network effectively.

Join Professional Groups

Professional groups provide an opportunity for you to meet like-minded individuals who are also in the children's book industry. Consider joining groups like the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) or local art associations. They often provide resources, workshops, and opportunities to showcase your work.

Attend Industry Events

Industry events, such as book fairs, illustration expos, and literary festivals, offer valuable opportunities to meet publishers, authors, and fellow illustrators. They also give you a chance to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends—a crucial aspect of figuring out how to become a children's book illustrator.

Connect with Publishers

Don't hesitate to reach out to publishers. Introduce yourself, share your portfolio, and express your interest in illustrating children's books. Remember, publishers are always on the lookout for fresh talent, and your next email or phone call could be your big break.

Step 4: Practice Continually

Like any other art form, mastering children's book illustration requires constant practice. It's not just about perfecting your skills, but also about exploring new styles, techniques, and receiving feedback. Here's a closer look at how you can make practice a routine part of your journey to become a children's book illustrator.

Set Aside Dedicated Creating Time

Make it a habit to draw every day. Whether it's early in the morning, during lunch breaks, or late at night, setting aside dedicated time for creating will help you develop your skills and style. It could be as simple as sketching your surroundings, doodling characters, or working on a piece for your portfolio.

Seek Out Constructive Criticism

Feedback is a great way to identify areas of improvement. Don't shy away from showing your work to others—be it fellow artists, mentors, or even friends and family. Their perspectives might provide valuable insights that can help you improve your work.

Explore New Styles and Techniques

Becoming a successful children's book illustrator isn't about sticking to one style or technique. The more styles and techniques you explore, the more versatile and appealing your work will be to different authors and publishers. So, embrace the unknown, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Step 5: Pitch Your Work

Once you've honed your skills and built your portfolio, it's time to show the world what you've got. Pitching your work to potential publishers is the next crucial step in your journey to become a children's book illustrator. Remember, every illustrator started somewhere, and for many, that "somewhere" was a well-crafted pitch!

Research Potential Publishers

Not all publishers are created equal. Some specialize in certain types of books, like picture books or young adult novels. Others might have a specific style or theme they prefer. Before you start sending out your work, do some homework. Find out what kinds of books different publishers produce and see if your style aligns with theirs. This can increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Tailor Your Pitches

A generic, one-size-fits-all pitch might not cut it. Tailor your pitches to each publisher you reach out to. Show them that you understand their brand and that your work could add value to their catalog. A personalized approach can make all the difference in showcasing your commitment and your understanding of the industry.

Be Persistent

Rejection is a part of the process. Don't get discouraged if you don't get a response right away. Keep refining your work, tailoring your pitches, and sending them out. Persistence often pays off, so don't give up! Your dream of becoming a children's book illustrator is within reach.

Step 6: Keep Learning

Remember, the journey to become a children's book illustrator doesn't end after you've landed your first gig. In fact, that's when it truly begins. The world of illustration is dynamic and ever-changing, and it's important to stay on top of trends to keep your work relevant and fresh.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

One of the best ways to keep your illustrations fresh is to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. This could mean anything from following popular illustrators on social media, reading industry publications, or just keeping an eye on the latest children's books hitting the shelves. Knowing what's popular can help you adapt your style and keep your work appealing to publishers and readers alike.

Try New Tools and Softwares

Technology is changing the face of illustration. New tools and software can open up exciting possibilities for your work. Consider experimenting with digital illustration tools like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate. These tools can help you explore new techniques that can add a unique touch to your illustrations. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—you might discover a new style that sets your work apart!

Never Stop Honing Your Craft

Finally, remember to always keep improving. Keep pushing the boundaries of your skills and challenging yourself to try new things. After all, the best illustrators are the ones who never stop learning. Your passion and dedication are the key ingredients in your recipe for success on how to become a children's book illustrator. So keep drawing, keep learning, and keep dreaming—you've got this!

If you're excited about pursuing a career as a children's book illustrator and want to learn more, don't miss out on Laura Suarez's workshop, 'How to Illustrate for Publishing'. This workshop offers valuable insights and tips on how to create captivating illustrations for the publishing industry and will help you confidently take the next steps in your journey as a children's book illustrator.