Making a children’s book is a great experience, but it’s not as simple as writing an entertaining tale. The design, the graphics, and the layout are as important as the words. They bring your story to life, making it interesting and accessible to children to read. Whether you’d like to become an illustrator of children’s books yourself or learn how to get a children’s book illustrator to work with you, designing the look of your book is important.
In this book, you’ll discover simple steps and practical tips to design the look and feel of your book. And you’ll learn how to locate and collaborate with a children’s book illustrator so your book can shine.
Why is Visual Direction Special in Children’s Books?
Children’s books are unique because the illustrations convey as much of the story as the text. Particularly for infants and toddlers who cannot read, pictures provide them with the information they need. Effective visuals create mood, emphasize key events, and render characters unforgettable.
If you’re curious how to get these images created by a children’s book illustrator, having the visual direction first puts you and the illustrator on the same page. This smooths the entire process and ends up with a better final book.
Step 1: Define Your Audience and Book Type
Before you begin drawing or looking for a children’s book illustrator, consider the people who will be your readers. Various age groups prefer different types of pictures:
- Babies and toddlers: Simple shapes, bright colors, and minimal words are ideal.
- Preschoolers: More details, facial expressions, and a bit of text are preferred.
- Early readers: Keep the story primary, but keep the pictures lively and supportive.
Write down your target age range. Then, read some of the most popular children’s books in that range. Observe the style of the illustrations and how the text and pictures collaborate.
Step 2: Read and Visualize Your Story
Read your book several times and visualize it as pictures. What are the most fun or critical moments? What characters need to become prominent? Consider the mood you would like the pictures to convey: is it fun, relaxed, or adventurous?
If you commission a children’s book illustrator, conveying these ideas will assist them in better understanding your vision.
Step 3: Create Characters and Environments
Characters are the essence of any children’s book. Consider what your main characters look like, their face, and their personality. Also, consider where the story takes place; is it a mystical forest, a town, or a bedroom?
Make your characters diverse and consider diversity and inclusion. Gather pictures from books, films, or life that inspire you. Develop a “character sheet” with drawings or descriptions of each character and environment. This will be a useful guide for you or your illustrator.
Step 4: Plan the Storyboard and Layout
A storyboard is a map for your book. It indicates what occurs on every page and where the text and images go. You can make one using paper, pencil, or basic tools like Canva.
- Break your story into pages.
- Determine the pages that feature large, colored pictures and the ones that feature smaller pictures.
- Leave enough space for text so that it is readable.
Use large illustrations for action scenes and small “spot” pictures for quiet moments. This makes the book engaging and easy to follow. Experiment by folding blank paper into a booklet. Tape down your story words on each page and draw rough pictures to gauge how everything will work.
Step 5: Select Your Color Scheme and Style of Art
Colors create the mood of your story. For instance:
- Warm colors (reds, yellows) are happy and energetic.
- Cool colors (blues, greens) feel calm or mysterious.
Pick a consistent art style that fits your story, whether simple and bold or detailed and soft. Discuss your favorite colors and styles early on if you’re working with a children’s book illustrator.
Step 6: Collaborate and Communicate
Communication is the secret if you’re wondering how to have a children’s book illustrator work with you. Share your character sheets, storyboard, and color ideas. Listen to their suggestions; they have professional skills to improve your book.
Provide concise comments on drawings and drafts, and discuss any modifications before the illustrator wastes time revising them. Schedule frequent meetings with your illustrator to inspect progress and ensure the book develops as you envisioned.
Step 7: Finalize and Prepare for Printing
Once all the illustrations are complete, read through your entire book. Ensure the story flows well, the text is readable, and the pictures are appropriate.
Print with high-quality files. Ensure your layout is compatible with the printer’s specifications, and use professional printing services for optimal results.
How to Have a Children’s Book Illustrator: Finding the Right Artist
If you’re not illustrating the book yourself, here’s how to have a children’s book illustrator create your pictures:
- Search for illustrators on freelance websites, illustration agencies, or children’s book forums. For an easier and trusted way, contact Deveo Studio for efficient illustrators, who bring your imagination to the canvas.
- Look at portfolios to find a style that matches your story.
- Send a clear project brief that includes your storyboard, character sheets, and color preferences.
- Discuss timelines, pricing, and rights before starting work.
Start looking for an illustrator early. The best artists often book projects months in advance.
Conclusion
Planning your children’s book’s visual direction is an exciting and important step. Whether you want to become a book illustrator or learn how to have a children’s book illustrator help you, a clear plan will make your story unforgettable. Contact Deveo Studio, define your audience, imagine your scenes, develop strong characters, and communicate openly with your illustrator. Take action on each step today, and watch your children’s book come alive as a magical world full of color and imagination for young readers everywhere!