Children’s Book Illustrator Ananta – A High-Quality Artist With 15 Years of Experience
When I introduce myself as a children’s book illustrator, people often smile and say, “That must be fun.” And yes, it is, but it’s also something much more profound for me. I’ve been illustrating children’s books for fifteen years now, and the work has shaped my life in ways I didn’t expect when I started.
I didn’t choose this profession because it was trendy. I chose it because drawing characters and bringing stories to life felt like home. Even today, after hundreds of projects, I still feel that same excitement when an author sends me a new manuscript.
What I love most about this field is how every story arrives with its own mood. Some make me laugh while reading the first page, some feel gentle and soft like a warm afternoon, and some carry so much emotion that I pause for a moment before sketching. My job, as I see it, is to understand that tone and turn it into something a child can feel, even if they don’t fully read the words.
Being a professional children’s book illustrator doesn’t mean simply knowing how to draw. It means knowing how to observe. Children notice the tiny things adults ignore—the tilt of a character’s eyebrows, the shape of a tree, the colours used for a sad moment. Over the years, working on various books, I’ve learned to see through a child’s eyes. That’s probably the biggest reason I’ve continued in this field so long.
What Working as a Freelance Children’s Book Illustrator Taught Me
Working as a freelance children’s book illustrator has been a very personal journey. I’ve worked with authors from so many countries that I’ve lost count. Some were first-time writers, nervous about every step. Some had already written several books and wanted a fresh approach.
All of them came with different expectations, but one thing stayed the same: they wanted someone who would treat their story with respect.
The best part of freelancing is the one-to-one connection. There is no middle layer, no agency wall, no rushed schedule made by someone who never read the story. Authors can talk to me directly, share their doubts and dreams, and sometimes even their personal reasons for writing the book. I’ve had parents writing stories for their children, teachers writing stories for their classrooms, and even grandparents who wanted to leave a small memory for the little ones in their family.
Every project feels like a partnership. And I think that is why so many authors return for their next books.
Why Authors Choose to Work With Me
I never think of myself as “better” than other children’s book illustrators. There are so many talented artists out there. But authors who work with me often tell me the same things:
I listen.
I don’t rush anything.
I treat their characters as if they were my own.
I stay patient even when they change their mind halfway (it happens more often than you’d think).
One author once told me, “You didn’t just draw my character. You understood her.”
That stayed with me. Because that’s exactly what I try to do—understand.
When someone wants to hire a children’s book illustrator, they’re not looking for the fanciest style. They’re looking for someone dependable, someone who knows how to keep consistency from page 1 to page 32, someone who won’t disappear halfway through the project.
Fifteen years have taught me how important reliability is in this field.
What I Pay Attention to When Illustrating a Children’s Story
Whenever a new story arrives, I take a day or two to absorb it. I read it quietly. Sometimes twice. Sometimes five times. Only after that do I begin creating the main character.
The character design stage is my favourite part.
I don’t rush this step because once the main character is set, the whole book takes shape around them. Their style, their energy, the colours around them—all of that guides the rest of the illustrations.
After that comes the storyboard. I map the story visually, almost like a movie.
This is where the rhythm of the book forms—when to keep a scene open and quiet, when to add movement, when to make a page funny, when to calm it down.
Then come the final illustrations, the part most people see. But honestly, the magic happens long before that. The final drawing is only the visible layer.
Choosing the Right Illustrators for a Children’s Book
If you’re an author searching for illustrators for a children’s book, my best advice is: look for someone who understands emotions first and technique second.
Anyone can learn software.
Not everyone can feel a story.
Ask yourself:
Do their illustrations seem alive?
Can you imagine your character speaking through their drawings?
Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
Do they understand what you want?
Can they guide you gently if you’re unsure?
The right illustrator will make the entire journey feel natural instead of stressful.
Looking Back at 15 Years
People often ask me if I ever get tired of illustrating children’s books. The truth is, I don’t. Every story brings a fresh beginning. Every new character pulls me into a different world. I’ve grown with every project, learned from every author, and discovered new sides of myself as an artist.
Being a children’s book illustrator isn’t just my profession. It’s the way I communicate with the world. If you’re planning to bring your story to life and want to work with someone who treats it with care, I’m always happy to be part of that journey.
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