Tips for Aspiring Children’s Book Illustrators: A Guide from 15 Years of Drawing Stories
Hello there!
I’m Ananta Mohanta, and for more than 15 years, I’ve had the joy of working among children’s book illustrators. Every day, I get to help turn words into worlds, characters into friends, and simple ideas into magical pages. If you dream of seeing your art in children’s book illustrations someday, I hope my experience will help guide you a little closer to your dream.
In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about how to grow as an illustrator for children’s books, find your style, build a portfolio, connect with writers and publishers, and get hired as a children’s book illustrator.
- Fall in Love with Stories and Pictures
The first and most important thing for any aspiring children’s book illustrator is a true love for stories. Children’s book illustrations aren’t just pretty pictures — they’re part of the storytelling.
When I started, I spent hours at the library, studying the work of famous children’s book illustrators. I still do! Look at how different illustrators use colors, shapes, and expressions. Pay attention to the details: the way a character’s eyes show mischief, or how a page turn can surprise the reader.
Some illustrators for children’s books paint in watercolors; others love digital art or mixed media. There’s no right way — only your way.
- Draw Every Day (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
The truth is that children’s book illustrators don’t always feel inspired. But we draw anyway. Sketch your cat, your breakfast, the people you see on the street. Doodle ideas for characters or scenes.
When I started, I kept sketchbooks full of tiny characters. Some never became anything more than a scribble. But sometimes, one drawing turned into a character who found a home in a children’s book illustration years later.
The more you draw, the more confident you’ll become. Your unique style will show itself in time.
- Build a Portfolio That Tells a Story
If you want to become one of the go-to children’s book illustrators for hire, you’ll need a portfolio that stands out.
A good portfolio doesn’t just show you can draw. It shows you can tell a story with your art. Include different characters, emotions, and scenes. Show how you illustrate action, quiet moments, funny moments, and sad ones.
Put your best work first and last — that’s what people remember most. And keep it updated. Your style will change as you grow.
- Understand What Publishers and Authors Look For
When someone is finding illustrators for a children’s book, they want more than nice art. They want an illustrator who understands the story and the audience.
Young readers notice everything. If your character has a red hat on one page, it should stay red on the next. Tiny mistakes stand out. So, practice consistency — the same outfits, the same pets, the same world rules.
Also, learn about page layouts, bleed lines, and text placement. A beautiful illustration can lose its magic if the words don’t fit well.
- Share Your Work (Don’t Be Shy!)
No one can hire you if they can’t find you! One of the biggest mistakes new illustrators for children’s books make is hiding their work.
Build a simple website or online portfolio. Post your art on Instagram or Behance. Join groups for children’s book illustrators. Attend book fairs and workshops.
I’ve met many wonderful clients at tiny local events. You never know who might be looking for children’s book illustrators for hire.
- Learn to Work with Writers and Editors
Children’s books are a team effort. As a children’s book illustrator, you’ll often work with an author, an editor, and a designer.
Be ready to take feedback. Sometimes your favorite illustration won’t make the final cut. That’s okay — the goal is the best book possible.
Always communicate clearly and professionally. Be on time. If you promise sketches by Monday, deliver them by Monday. This is one reason why publishers love working with famous children’s book illustrators — they know they can trust them.
- Keep Growing Your Skills
Even after 15 years, I’m still learning. Try new tools, new styles, new subjects. Take classes in storytelling, character design, or digital illustration.
Follow other illustrators children’s book artists admire. Reach out and say hello — most artists are friendly! When I was young, I wrote letters to illustrators I admired. Some wrote back with advice I still treasure.
- Understand the Business Side
Many new artists forget this part: being a children’s book illustrator is also a business.
Learn how to price your work fairly. Understand contracts — what rights are you giving away? How will you be credited? Will you get royalties or a flat fee?
When someone is finding illustrators for a children’s book, they want to know you’re professional and reliable. A clear contract protects both you and your client.
- Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
It takes time to become one of those famous children’s book illustrators you admire. I faced plenty of rejections when I started. I still do it sometimes! But each book taught me something new.
Celebrate small wins: your first sketch that feels “right,” your first commission, your first printed page.
- Remember Who You’re Drawing For
Finally, never forget who all these children’s book illustrations are for — the children!
Kids don’t care about fancy techniques. They care about characters they love, worlds they want to visit again and again. Children may not always remember every word on the page, but they’ll carry your pictures with them for years. That’s the true magic of this work — and why it still makes me smile every time I see a child turning the pages I helped bring to life
Closing Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of becoming a children’s book illustrator, I hope these tips light your way. Keep reading, keep drawing, keep sharing your magic.
There’s always room for one more storyteller in the world of children’s book illustrations. And maybe, someday, when someone is finding illustrators for a children’s book, they’ll find you, ready with your pencil, your ideas, and your heart wide open.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Warmly,
Ananta Mohanta
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