So, you have a great story idea for a children’s book — maybe it’s been kicking around in your head for years, or perhaps you just wrote “The End” on the first draft. Either way, now you’re up against the big question: Who will bring your story to life with illustrations that will capture the imagination of the young readers? Hiring a children’s book illustrator is not just a choice, but a crucial part of your book’s success. Children are visual creatures; their first encounter with your story is through the artwork. But with so many books illustrator for hire, how do you know who’s right for your project?
To ensure you get the right fit, it’s essential to ask 10 critical questions before you hire a children’s book illustrator. Your thorough research will determine the success of your book.
Ensuring Quality and Compatibility
You wouldn’t purchase a car without first test-driving it, would you? The same applies to hiring a children’s book illustrator. Not all gifted artists are right for your book. Although you can do this on your own, but you need someone who gets your vision, understands your audience, and can deliver top-quality work on time.
A great children’s book illustrator doesn’t just draw—they tell a story through pictures, making your words come alive on the page. To ensure their style, experience, and process align with your needs, here’s your ultimate checklist.
Checklist for Hiring an Illustrator
1. What is your illustration style?
Children’s books come in all shapes and styles, from soft watercolour storybooks to bold, comic book-inspired designs.
Be sure to ask potential illustrators about their style. Do their works stylistically match the tone of your book? A humorous, wacky story would require bold, exaggerated characters; a tender bedtime story might involve softer, dreamlike imagery.
2. Can you provide a portfolio of previous work?
A portfolio of previous work is a must. It’s the best way to assess an illustrator’s skill, versatility, and ability to tell a story with pictures.
Seek out consistent quality. Ask yourself:
- Do their characters seem expressive and alive?
- Do they express a range of emotions and moods?
- Do they have a particular flair for their work that fits your concept?
3. Do you have experience illustrating children’s books?
Experience with children’s book illustration is crucial. It’s not the same as drawing for comics, branding, or general artwork. Even an excellent illustrator may not know how to create page-turning thrills for children.
As an experienced children’s book illustrator knows:
- How to capture the attention of young readers?
- How do you direct your gaze around the page?
- How to convey emotion and action in a kid-friendly way?
4. What is your process for creating illustrations?
The illustration is not just “draw and done.” The whole process is a creative one in and of itself:
- Do they sketch out concepts before they go into the final artwork?
- Do they work with writers for guidance?
- How many revision rounds are included?
Understanding their workflow will help you prevent unpleasant surprises later.
5. What is your timeline for completing the illustrations?
Illustrating a children’s book takes time. Some illustrators knock it out quickly, and others take months to create their art.
Ask upfront:
- What is the turnaround time for an individual piece?
- What’s your estimate for timing your whole book?
- Can they meet your deadline?
If you’re prepping for a book launch, make sure their timeframe is within your own.
6. What are your rates, and what do they cover?
The typical price for illustration varies widely. Some charge by the illustration, others by project, and others charge additional fees for revisions, backgrounds, or licensing.
Clarify:
- What does their fee include?
- What are the additional charges for amendments or modifications?
- What happens to the rights to the artwork once it’s finished?
7. Do you offer revisions or adjustments to the illustrations?
You will likely want adjustments or transformations along the way. A few illustrators might allow a handful of free revisions; others charge.
Ask:
- How many drafts are included?
- How open are they to feedback?
- Are there additional fees for bigger revisions?
8. What is your experience with digital or traditional techniques?
Do you prefer digital illustrations, hand-drawn watercolours, or mixed media? Understanding the illustrator’s preferred medium might affect the look of the final book.
Digital illustrations are easier to edit and publish.
This gives the illustrations a special texture and charm but can make them harder to adapt.
9. Do you have a good understanding of the target age group?
Illustrating for toddlers (0–3 years) differs from that for middle-grade readers (8–12 years). Ensure that your illustrator is able to produce visuals suited to your audience’s age range.
- Little children are drawn to vivid colours, simple shapes and playful characters.
- Older kids may enjoy more complex, adventurous, or comic-style illustrations.
10. Can you provide references from previous clients?
Like reading product reviews before purchasing anything online, reference checking can prevent a bad experience.
Request testimonials from previous clients. If you can, contact past authors and ask:
- Was the illustrator on the scene and the professional?
- Did they communicate well?
- Did they approve of the end product?
Doing this can help ensure you don’t hire someone who talks big but delivers small.
Conclusion
Hiring a children’s book illustrator is a huge decision, and asking these 10 questions will help you find the ideal creative partner for your book.
A great illustrator doesn’t just draw—they elevate your story, help create emotional ties with young readers, and make your book fun to read over and over again. Imagine the joy your book could bring with the right illustrator!
We know where to start your journey if you’re searching for a professional, experienced and passionate team to help bring your story to life.”
Why Deveo Studio is the Right Choice
We are not only illustrating—we bring children’s books to life at Deveo Studio. Our team of experienced children’s book illustrators, editors, book designers, and publishing experts is dedicated to transforming your vision into a stunning, high-quality book.
Whether you need:
- Custom children’s book illustrations
- Full interior art and character design
- Editing, formatting, and cover design
- Support for Amazon, IngramSpark, and other publishers
We’ve got you covered! We’ve helped hundreds of authors like you create millions of books kids want to read with over 400 successful projects. Sign up now at (971) 281-0265 or visit our website. Let’s make your children’s book a reality.