Top 10 Qualities to Look for in a Children’s Book Illustrator
When I first started out as a children’s book illustrator more than fifteen years ago, I had no idea how many authors felt completely lost when it came to choosing the right illustrator. Many had great stories in their hands but didn’t know what qualities to look for in the artist who would bring their words to life.
I’ve seen authors rush into collaborations just because they liked one sample drawing, only to realize later that the illustrator couldn’t keep characters consistent or missed the tone of the story. To save you from that headache, I want to share what I’ve learned over the years—qualities that really matter when you’re finding illustrators for a children’s book.
1. Storytelling Comes First
An illustrator is not just drawing pretty pictures. They are telling your story visually. If they can’t capture emotions or the flow of the story, the art won’t connect with children. I always read a manuscript several times before sketching anything. That way, I don’t just see the words—I feel them.
2. A Style That Fits (Not Just “Good Art”)
A high quality children’s book artist might be brilliant, but if their style doesn’t match the tone of your book, it won’t work. For example, a soft pastel style may suit a bedtime story, but it won’t fit a fast-paced adventure. When you look at portfolios of children’s book illustrators, imagine your story in their style—does it feel right?
3. Characters With Soul
Children fall in love with characters first. A strong illustrator will create characters with personality—expressive eyes, playful gestures, unique traits. I once worked on a story where the little rabbit had just one crooked ear. That small detail made kids instantly remember him.
4. Consistency
This sounds boring, but it’s one of the hardest skills. Your main character should look like the same person on every page. I’ve seen books where the character’s height or face shape changes halfway through—that can distract young readers. A professional children’s book illustrator pays close attention to consistency.
5. Attention to Small Details
Kids notice things adults skip over. A bird in the corner, a silly shoe, a cloud shaped like a dragon—these small touches often make a book their favorite. In my own work, I always add little background surprises that children can discover on the second or third reading.
6. Experience With Children’s Books
Not every good artist can handle children’s book illustration. Page flow, text placement, pacing—these are things you only learn by doing. That’s why, when finding illustrators for a children’s book, make sure they have actual experience with book layouts and not just random artwork.
7. Imagination and Playfulness
Children’s stories are rarely realistic from start to finish. A house might float, animals might talk, or a chair could turn into a rocket. A skilled illustrator embraces this magic. Personally, I enjoy exaggerating little things—like giving a cat oversized glasses—because it makes kids laugh.
8. Clear Communication
Working on a book is teamwork. You don’t want an illustrator who disappears for weeks and then delivers something completely different from what you imagined. Good illustrators for a children’s book listen, share sketches, and keep the process transparent. I always provide a free demo illustration before starting, so the author knows what to expect.
9. Ability to Create Emotion
Colors, expressions, and atmosphere can make a child feel joy, sadness, or suspense. If an illustrator can make you smile or tear up with just a sketch, that’s a sign they understand how to move readers. This emotional layer is what turns illustrations into lasting memories.
10. Genuine Passion
Finally, passion matters more than anything. A true children’s book illustrator loves the process. It’s not just about finishing pages—it’s about caring for the story and the young readers who will hold the book in their little hands. I’ve always believed that if you love illustrating for children, that love shows in the artwork.
A Note From My Side
Over the years, I’ve worked with authors from different parts of the world. Some were publishing for the first time, some already had experience. One thing I always offer is a free demo drawing—because I believe authors should see their character before committing. I don’t take advance payments, and I give unlimited free edits after final payment. It’s my way of building trust and long-term collaboration.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right illustrator is not about rushing. Look at portfolios, talk to them, and see if they understand your story’s heart. The right illustrator won’t just give you drawings—they’ll give you a world your readers can step into.
If you’re in the process of finding illustrators for a children’s book, keep these qualities in mind. And if you’d like to see how your story might look in illustrations, I’d be happy to create a free demo for you.
Because at the end of the day, children’s book illustration is about creating magic—one page, one picture, one smile at a time.
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