Hand versus Screen: Finding What Fits Your Children’s Book illustration Best
Hello everyone, so sometimes I just grab my paintbrush and go for it. It’s slow, a bit messy, but there’s something real about it. No buttons, no undo. Just me and the paper. Other times? I’m all about my tablet, quick fixes, try stuff, erase, redo. Neither’s better nor worse. It’s just how I feel that day or what the book needs. Neither way’s better or worse — it’s just whatever fits the story and the moment. Neither way’s better or worse; it’s just whatever fits the story and the moment. Neither one is better. It just depends on the day—and the story I’m trying to tell.
As a children’s book illustrator, I’ve spent years exploring both worlds—traditional and digital—and I’ve come to believe neither is better. Instead, one may simply suit your story, your rhythm, and your budget better.
Let me walk you through how to choose the right path for your children’s book illustrations.
The Soul of Traditional Illustration
When I pick up my old brush or watercolor set, it’s not just paint anymore-it’s history. That slight grain of paper, the way pigment bleeds and blends, there’s an unpredictability that brings an exceptional warmth to art.
Many authors (and fellow high quality children’s book artists) treasure this handmade feel. It carries a unique character—little imperfections and textures that won’t ever repeat precisely the same way twice. It’s soulful, nostalgic, and tactile.
But it has its challenges. Corrections are more complex; there’s no “undo” button in real life. If the shading goes off or lines get messy, we start again. Supplies add up, storage can become a small headache, and scanning or photographing the finished work adds another step before it’s ready for print.
The Power of Digital Illustration
Then there’s the digital world. A clean slate. Layers, infinite palettes, copy-paste magic. As a children’s book illustrator, I treasure how easy it is to tweak colors, shift characters around, and try a new palette—all without starting from scratch.
I’ve seen how helpful this technology can be for busy authors, especially those working with modern publishers. It speeds everything up, and it makes revisions painless.
Yet, some worry it feels too polished. Sometimes digital art can lose the “hand-made” soul, overly clean, perhaps, or less expressive if the artist relies too heavily on shortcuts. But good tools in good hands—that balance can still feel alive, even when it’s digital.
A Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Lately, I’ve found myself combining both: sketching on paper, then scanning and coloring digitally. It gives me the best of both worlds: warmth and texture, plus flexibility and editability.
You get the charm of pencil lines and real paint, layered with digital tweaks that make life easier, especially if you’re working toward print deadlines or need marketing-ready versions of your children’s book illustrations quickly.
Even journals like Words & Pictures and MadeLive note how increasingly common this hybrid path has become. It’s not compromise—it’s choosing what serves the story best.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Here’s how I help authors figure it out:
Know your story’s mood. A sleepy nighttime tale often pairs beautifully with soft, hand-painted textures. Hand or Screen? What’s Best for Your Children’s Book?
Hey there! I’m Ananta Mohanta — a children’s book illustrator who’s been at this for over 15 years. I get asked a lot: “Traditional or digital? Which one should I choose for my book?” Honestly, that’s a tricky question. Both have their ups and downs. And really, it depends.
So let me tell you how I look at it. Maybe it’ll help you decide what’s right for your story.
Why Traditional Art Still Matters
Some days, I just want to sit with my paints, my brushes, and paper. Something is calming about it. The way the paint moves on the paper. Sometimes it doesn’t do what you expect — and that’s okay. That little imperfection makes art feel alive. Feels real.
If you want a warm, personal touch, like the feeling you get flipping through an old book your grandma gave you, traditional illustration is great. It’s slow, it’s hands-on, it’s magical.
But here’s the thing: mistakes are harder to fix. If you mess up, you gotta start again. Or figure out a way to cover it up. Also, all the supplies, the mess, scanning or photographing your work to get it into the computer — that takes time and care.
Still, many authors love this feel. It’s not just art. It’s a craft.
Why Digital Makes Life Easier Sometimes
On the flip side, digital art is quick. Super quick. And flexible. You can try out colors, fix things, move characters around without starting over. That’s a lifesaver when you have a deadline or want to try multiple versions.
As a children’s book illustrator, I love how easy it is to share drafts with authors, get feedback, and make changes. No mess, no drying time. Plus, the colors are bright and clear.
Some people think digital art looks too clean or cold. But that really depends on the artist. You can still get personality and warmth with digital tools — if you know how to use them.
Why Not Both?
Honestly, these days I mix it up. I might sketch or paint something by hand first, then scan it and finish it digitally. It saves time, keeps the personality, and lets me fix things faster.
Lots of high quality children’s book artists do this now. It’s the best of both worlds.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Book
If you’re searching for children’s book illustrators for hire, here’s some quick advice to pick the style:
Think about your story’s mood. Is it soft and quiet? Maybe go traditional. Is it bright and playful? Digital might be easier.
How many changes do you expect? Digital is better for lots of edits.
What’s your budget? Traditional can add costs (materials, scanning, shipping originals). Digital tools can have upfront costs but save money later.
What feeling do you want your readers to get? Sometimes, a hand-painted page feels more personal. Other times, a clean digital style stands out on bookstore shelves.
What I Tell Authors Who Work with Me
When authors come to me, I always ask about the story, the feeling, and what they want kids to experience. Sometimes, they have a clear idea — other times, they just know the story they want to tell.
I always offer a free sketch demo, no charge, no pressure. That way, we see if my style (traditional, digital, or both) fits their story.
Because at the end of the day, the best art style is the one that brings the story alive. Whether it’s painted on paper or drawn on a tablet, it’s all about the story.
Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong here. Traditional vs digital is like coffee or tea — both good, just depends on what you like.
If you’re trying to find the perfect children’s book illustrator for your project, don’t stress over the medium. Focus on finding someone who understands your story and wants to bring it to life.
If you want, I’m happy to talk about your book, show you some ideas, and figure out together what fits best.
-Ananta Mohanta
children’s book illustrator
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