Hire a Children’s Book Illustrator: Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
When I started illustrating children’s books more than 15 years ago, I didn’t realize how many authors felt nervous about choosing the right illustrator. Many had stories in their notebooks for years, sometimes even decades, but they kept delaying because they didn’t know who to trust with their characters. I’ve met writers who jumped too quickly into contracts, only to regret it when deadlines slipped or the illustrations didn’t match their vision. Others took their time, asked careful questions, and those books became smooth, happy projects we both enjoyed.
If you’re about to hire a children’s book illustrator, I’d like to share some of the questions I’ve seen make all the difference. These are not “rules from a textbook.” They are lessons I’ve learned while working with authors from the US, UK, Australia, and many other countries—people who came with dreams and left with a printed book they could hold in their hands.
Ask About Style Before Anything Else
Illustration is like handwriting—no two artists draw the same way. Some authors send me references of soft, watercolor-like drawings, while others want bright, digital cartoon styles. Imagine giving a funny, adventurous story to someone who specializes in dreamy pastel art; it won’t feel right.
That’s why the very first thing you should check is whether the illustrator’s style speaks to your story. Personally, I always provide a free demo sketch for new clients. It’s a small gesture, but it immediately clears up confusion. You see the character in front of you, and you know whether it works or not. If you’re still finding illustrators for a children’s book, don’t skip this step.
Make Sure the Agreement Is Clear
I’ve seen authors walk into trouble simply because the contract wasn’t clear. They assumed the illustrator would include the cover design, only to find out later it wasn’t part of the package. Or they thought they owned the artwork, but the contract said otherwise.
A good agreement should spell out how many illustrations you’ll get, what’s included, how revisions work, and who owns the rights. In my own process, I try to make things easy: no advance fees, and once the final payment is made, authors get unlimited free edits. That way, they can relax and focus on the story instead of worrying about small technicalities.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Revisions
Revisions are not a bad thing—they are part of collaboration. An author once told me, “I’m scared you’ll get annoyed if I ask for changes.” I laughed, because to me, changes mean you care deeply about your book. A high quality children’s book artist will expect feedback and adjust accordingly.
Before you sign, ask how revisions are handled. Some illustrators limit it strictly, others are more flexible. What matters most is knowing the process upfront so you don’t feel stuck later.
Understand the Timeline
One of the most common questions I hear is: “How long will this take?” And honestly, the answer depends on the size of the project. A 24-page picture book may take a few weeks, while a detailed 40-page book can take months.
When I work with authors, I prefer to divide the project into stages: character design first, then sketches, then colored pages, and finally the polished artwork. This way, the author is never left in the dark, and they know when to expect updates. It also helps build trust, because the journey of illustrating a book is as important as the final product.
Characters First, Always
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in children’s book illustration, it’s this: kids fall in love with characters before anything else. I’ve illustrated animals, superheroes, princesses, and even little everyday children with big imaginations. What stays with the readers are the characters’ faces, their expressions, their quirks.
Whenever I start a new project, I spend time sketching the main character until both the author and I feel they’re alive on paper. Once the character is right, the rest of the illustrations flow naturally. If you’re working with illustrators for a children’s book, ask them if they begin with character design. It makes the whole journey easier.
Look at More Than Just Portfolios
Portfolios are important, but they only show you the art style. Testimonials and past projects tell you about reliability. I’ve worked with many authors who came to me after a bad experience—they had great artwork but poor communication. Deadlines were missed, and revisions were ignored.
That’s why, when searching for children’s book illustrators, don’t just look at the pretty pictures. Ask about their past clients. Did they deliver on time? Were they easy to work with? These things matter just as much as the art itself.
The Technical Side Matters Too
It may not sound exciting, but file formats and resolution are crucial. A publisher may ask for the files at some format, and if your illustrator doesn’t know what that means, you could face unnecessary delays. Always check how the final files will be delivered.
In my case, I usually provide print-ready files as well as digital versions, because many authors now publish in both formats. It’s a small detail, but it saves time later.
Do They Guide You Beyond Drawing?
Some illustrators stop at handing over the artwork. Others, like me, go a little further—helping with layout, advising on page flow, or even guiding authors through platforms like Amazon. For first-time authors, this support makes a big difference.
When you’re finding illustrators for a children’s book, ask if they offer this kind of help. It’s not mandatory, but it’s comforting to have someone who understands both the art and the publishing side.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an illustrator is not just a business transaction; it’s a creative partnership. Your words and their drawings will live together on every page, so take your time choosing the right person. Ask about style, contracts, revisions, timelines, and technical details before signing anything.
From my 15+ years of illustrating children’s books, I can tell you the best projects happen when both sides trust each other. That’s why I offer a free demo, don’t take advance fees, and give unlimited edits after payment—because I know how important it is for authors to feel secure.
If you’re ready to hire a children’s book illustrator, remember this: it’s not just about creating beautiful children’s book illustrations, it’s about creating something lasting—something a child will carry in their heart long after the story is over.
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