Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Children’s Book Illustrator Online
When an author finishes writing a children’s book, the next big question usually is: “Who will illustrate it?” Over the past 15+ years of working as a children’s book illustrator, I’ve met many writers who felt nervous about this step. Some had no idea where to start, while others had already searched online and felt overwhelmed by too many options.
I understand that feeling. Illustrations are the soul of a children’s book. They decide whether a child will pick it up, flip through the pages, and fall in love with the story. So, let me walk you through the same steps I often share with first-time authors. Hopefully, this will make your search for the right illustrator a lot less stressful.
1. Get Clear About What You Want
Before you even start scrolling through portfolios, pause for a moment. Think about your story and how you want it to look. Is it a funny tale meant for toddlers? Or a gentle bedtime story for 5–7-year-olds? The style of illustration will change depending on that.
For example, some books shine with bold, cartoon-like drawings, while others need softer watercolors or a painterly style. A high quality children’s book artist isn’t just good with lines and colors—they know how to match the art style with the story’s tone.
2. Look Through Portfolios Online
The internet is full of children’s book illustrators for hire, but not every artist will be the right fit. Browse through Behance, Instagram, or illustrator websites. Don’t just glance at one or two images—look for consistency. Does the illustrator bring characters to life? Do their pictures tell a story even without words?
When I work on a project, I always make sure each illustration flows naturally into the next. That way, a child doesn’t just look at the drawings—they follow the journey.
3. Check Their Experience
Not every artist who draws cute characters is ready for book work. Children’s book illustration involves layouts, margins, bleeds, and technical details needed for printing. An illustrator with prior experience will already know these things. It saves you from a lot of headaches later.
If you’re hiring online, see if the illustrator has worked with authors before. Reviews, testimonials, or even direct references can tell you a lot about their reliability.
4. Ask for a Sample or Demo
One of the best ways to know if an illustrator is right for you is to ask for a sample. Personally, I always offer a free demo sketch before starting a project. This helps the author see how their character might look in my style, and it also lets me understand if we’re a good creative match.
A demo is like a test drive—you wouldn’t buy a car without trying it first, right? The same goes for illustrations.
5. Discuss Budget and Rights Clearly
This part may not feel creative, but it’s very important. Authors sometimes go for the cheapest option, only to regret it later. A children’s book illustrator puts in hours—sometimes days—on a single page. So while pricing matters, focus more on value and quality.
Also, talk about rights early. Usually, authors own the rights to publish the book, while illustrators keep rights to the original artwork. Sorting this out in advance avoids confusion later.
6. Share Your Story with Details
Once you’ve chosen your illustrator, don’t just hand them the manuscript and disappear. Explain your vision. Share character notes, moods, or even reference images. The more you share, the easier it becomes for the illustrator to create beautiful children’s book illustrations that reflect your story.
For example, I once worked with an author who described her main character as “curious but shy.” That one small detail completely shaped how I designed the character’s posture, expressions, and clothing.
7. Stay Involved During the Process
Illustrating a book happens in stages: rough sketches, line art, colors, and then final pages. Ask your illustrator to show updates at each stage. This way, if something feels off, it can be corrected early.
In my own projects, I send regular updates and allow unlimited free edits after the final payment. It’s my way of ensuring the author is 100% happy before the book goes to print.
8. Think Long-Term
If you plan to write more books in the future, building a long-term relationship with your illustrator can be a huge advantage. It saves you from starting over each time, and your books will carry a consistent artistic style. Readers notice that, especially children.
Many of the authors I worked with years ago continue to collaborate on new projects. Over time, we’ve built a rhythm, and their books have grown into a beautiful series.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the right children’s book illustrator online isn’t as scary as it seems. Start by knowing what you want, browse portfolios carefully, check experience, ask for a demo, and communicate clearly. Remember—this isn’t just about finding someone who can draw. It’s about finding someone who understands children, storytelling, and your unique vision as an author.
After more than 15 years in this field, I can confidently say that the best books are created when authors and illustrators work as a true team. So take your time, choose wisely, and once you find the right illustrator, your story will come alive in ways you never imagined.
And if you’d like to see how your character might look, I’d be happy to create a free demo for you. That way, you’ll know exactly what your book could look like before you even commit.
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