10 Secrets Children’s Book Illustrators Rarely Share with Authors
I’ve been working as a children’s book illustrator for more than 15 years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: authors usually see only half of what really goes into an illustrated book. They hand me a manuscript, and when the artwork comes back, it feels like magic. But behind that “magic” there are so many little things happening that we illustrators don’t always explain.
Not because we want to keep secrets, but because we’re busy juggling creativity, deadlines, and a lot of invisible details. If you’re finding illustrators for a children’s book, these are the kinds of truths that will help you understand what really happens behind the scenes.
1. We Imagine More Than You Write
When I read your manuscript, I don’t just follow the words—I start seeing worlds. Expressions, colors, small gestures… things you never mentioned. Once, I added a tiny bird that followed the main character through every page. The author never asked for it, but later she told me it became her favorite part of the book. That’s what a children’s book illustrator does—we look beyond the script.
2. Not Every Page Needs a Picture
I know it’s tempting to imagine every single line having an illustration, but sometimes a pause makes the story stronger. A well-placed blank space can give words their own spotlight. Some authors resist at first, but later admit it actually makes the book flow better.
3. We Can’t Escape Our Style
Every high quality children’s book artist has a signature. I can adapt, yes, but my hand still carries my own rhythm. Expecting a complete style change is like asking an author to write in someone else’s voice. When choosing illustrators for a children’s book, look for one whose style already matches the heart of your story—it will save both of you stress.
4. Characters Are Hard Work
Drawing a character once is easy. Drawing them thirty times, in different moods and poses, while keeping them consistent—that’s the real challenge. I spend hours just sketching test poses. That’s why I offer free demo sketches, so you can see early on how your hero or heroine might look.
5. Colors Are Not Random
Children feel color more than adults realize. A warm red can make them feel safe, while a cool blue calms them down. I’ve had authors ask, “Why is this page mostly yellow?” and the answer is simple: because yellow gives energy. Most children’s book illustrators think about color psychology, even if we don’t always explain it.
6. Deadlines Look Simple, But Aren’t
From the outside, it may look like “just drawing.” But every page goes through sketching, revisions, shading, coloring, and polishing. Sometimes one spread can take three or four days. A professional children’s book illustrator knows how to deliver on time, but also knows rushing kills quality.
7. Small Edits = Big Work
Here’s something most authors don’t realize: even a tiny change can take hours. A different hairstyle? That means fixing it across all the illustrations. A new background detail? Same story. That’s why I personally offer unlimited edits after final payment—so authors don’t feel restricted when asking for changes.
8. Printing Changes Everything
What you see on your computer is not exactly what will come out on paper. Colors shift, margins cut, details disappear. Experienced children’s book illustrators for hire know how to prepare files properly so you don’t face last-minute printing disasters.
9. We Hide Little Treasures for Kids
This one’s fun. Sometimes, I add playful details children can spot—like a butterfly, a hat, or a little toy that shows up again and again. One child once told me, “I kept looking for the cat on every page.” That made her read the book ten times. That’s the hidden value illustrators bring.
10. We Fall in Love With the Story Too
I’ll tell you something most people don’t realize. When I’m working on a children’s book, I’m not just sitting here drawing page after page. I actually start living with the characters. They’re in my head while I’m eating, sometimes even when I’m trying to sleep. After a few weeks, they feel like family.
And when the book is finally done and I hold a printed copy in my hand, it honestly feels like saying goodbye to someone close. That’s why I always tell authors—choosing the right children’s book illustrator isn’t like hiring someone to just finish a task. It’s more personal than that. It’s a partnership, and both of us carry the story together.
A Final Note
If you’re looking at children’s book illustrators for hire, remember you’re not just paying for drawings. You’re inviting someone into your story to help raise it, shape it, and bring it alive.
As someone who’s been doing children’s book illustration for years, I try to keep the journey easy—free demo sketches, no advance payment, and unlimited edits. At the end of the day, my goal is always the same: to create beautiful children’s book illustrations that children will love and remember.
So next time you think about finding illustrators for a children’s book, keep these little truths in mind. They may not be obvious at first, but they make all the difference in creating a story that shines.
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