Projects I Say No to as a Professional Children’s Book Illustrator
After spending over 15 years in the industry, I’ve learned that being a children’s book illustrator isn’t just about having a steady hand or a vibrant palette. It’s about curation. As a freelance children’s book illustrator who has partnered with authors from every corner of the globe, I’ve realized that the projects I turn down are often just as important as the ones I accept.
High-quality children’s book illustrations require more than just technical skill; they require a shared vision, mutual respect, and a realistic framework. While I love helping stories come to life, I’ve developed a strict “no” list to ensure that the authors I do work with get my absolute best.
Here is a look behind the curtain at the projects I politely decline.
1. The “Rush Jobs” Without a Buffer
We’ve all been there—an idea strikes, and you want the book finished yesterday. However, as a professional children’s book illustrator, I know that quality is a byproduct of time.
If an author asks for a 32-page fully rendered book in two weeks, I have to pass. Punctuality is one of my hallmarks, but I refuse to sacrifice the soul of the artwork for a frantic deadline. Great characters need time to breathe, and great layouts need time to be tested. If we rush the process, we aren’t just hurting the art; we’re hurting the child’s reading experience.
2. Work for “Exposure” or Royalties Only
I often hear from passionate debut authors looking to hire children’s book illustrators on a “profit-sharing” basis. While I admire the hustle, I treat my work as a professional service.
A children’s book illustrator for hire invests hundreds of hours into a single project. Asking an artist to work for free upfront in exchange for potential future royalties is like asking a builder to build a house for free in hopes that the owner might sell it one day. I prefer to work with authors who value the craft enough to invest in it properly from day one.
3. Projects Lacking a Clear Vision or Script
I thrive on collaboration, but I cannot build a house without a blueprint. Sometimes I’m approached by people who want to hire children’s book illustrators before they’ve even finished their manuscript.
“I have a general idea about a cat in space, can you just start drawing?”
Without a locked-in script, the project becomes a moving target. This leads to endless revisions, wasted time, and a frustrated author. I say no to projects that haven’t reached the “ready for art” stage to protect both my time and the author’s budget.
4. Direct Imitation of Other Artists
Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s a legal and creative minefield. If a client asks me to “exactly replicate the style of Dr. Seuss or Mo Willems,” I have to decline.
As a professional children’s book illustrator, I’ve spent over a decade developing a unique voice that blends quality with character. While I can certainly adapt my “vibe” to suit a story—be it whimsical, educational, or classic—I won’t copy another living artist’s signature style. Your book deserves its own visual identity, not a carbon copy of someone else’s success.
Why “No” is Actually a “Yes” to Quality
When you look for children’s book illustrators, you aren’t just looking for someone to fill white space with color. You are looking for a partner. By saying no to these specific types of projects, I am able to say a resounding YES to:
- Punctuality: Because I don’t overbook or take on “rush” chaos, your deadline is sacred.
- Quality: I can dedicate the mental energy required to make every page a masterpiece.
- Professionalism: You get a streamlined, stress-free experience from the first sketch to the final file.
Moving Forward Together
If you are an author who values a dedicated, experienced, and professional children’s book illustrator, and you have a story that is ready for the world to see, I would love to hear from you. My goal is always to create books that children will cherish for a lifetime—and that starts with a solid foundation.
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