If you’re currently writing a children’s book or dreaming of publishing one, you probably already know that illustrations are just as important as the text itself. They don’t simply accompany the story—they bring it to life, make it easier for children to understand, and add emotion and depth. That’s why, even as adults, we still remember how the illustrations from our favorite childhood stories looked.
So, choosing the right illustrator can be a key factor in the success of your book.
As an illustrator who mainly works in children’s publishing, I interact with authors and publishers every day. And it’s not uncommon for clients to come to me after a disappointing experience with another illustrator. That’s why I decided to share a few important tips and insights that might help you on your journey.
At the top of the list is good communication. Creating a children’s book is a long process, and if you’re planning to turn your story into a series or publish more books in the future, it’s crucial to find an illustrator you can work with easily and trust.
Of course, it’s hard to judge someone right away during the initial emails or messages, but here are a few things you can keep an eye on:
– Does the illustrator show genuine interest in your story?
– Do they try to give you a clear idea of how your collaboration might go?
– How quickly do they respond to your messages?
(Of course, everyone has commitments, and it’s completely normal not to reply instantly—but if it takes them three days to get back to you each time, that’s not a great sign for a reliable long-term partnership.)
This is extremely important and shouldn’t be underestimated—otherwise, you could lose time, money, and nerves.
Take a close look at their portfolio. How is it presented? Do they just send a few attached images of their drawings? Or do they have a well-prepared PDF file, a profile on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, or even a personal website? These things speak volumes about their professionalism and attention to detail.
Another key point is whether you actually like their art style—and more importantly, can you imagine your story brought to life in that style? If the answer is yes, then you may be at the start of a wonderful partnership.
Don’t overlook these topics. It’s important to discuss them early on to avoid surprises later. Find out how the illustrator sets their prices—this will help you understand what kind of quality you can expect for your budget, and within what timeframe.
Files are another essential topic. Make sure to clarify upfront what types of files you’ll be receiving and in what format, so there are no misunderstandings down the line.
My strongest recommendation is to always sign a contract once you choose your illustrator. This document outlines all the details of your collaboration—deadlines, payment, penalties, copyrights, and more.
If an illustrator refuses to sign a contract for some reason, that should immediately raise a red flag.
In all the years I’ve worked in this profession, I’ve always signed contracts with every client. It ensures a clear and professional process for both parties.
My final piece of advice is to believe in your dreams—and be patient, determined, and detail-oriented. Like any new venture, this one may seem challenging at first, but trust that you will make it happen. Your goal of publishing a children’s book is within reach.
Just imagine how proud you’ll feel once your book is out in the world! So don’t give up—I truly believe you’ll find the right illustrator to bring your story to life.
These are the tips I’d like to share with any author who’s ready to turn their dream into reality and publish their children’s book. I hope this has brought you some clarity, and I sincerely wish you success on this beautiful journey.
It’s always a pleasure for me to work with authors, and I truly see it as my mission to support and celebrate original storytelling.
If you’d like to work together and turn your ideas into reality, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’d be happy to chat about your project.
Let’s discuss it and make it a reality!