7 Simple Ways to Tell If a Children’s Book Illustrator Is the Right Fit for Your Story
When you’re writing a children’s book, the words come from your heart, but the pictures? They help carry that heart to your readers. And finding the right person to create those pictures… well, it’s not always easy.
Over the years, I’ve spoken to so many authors who’ve asked me the same thing: How do I know if I’m choosing the right children’s book illustrator? Whether you’re just starting out or already have books on the shelf, working with a high quality children’s book artist can change everything, not only how your story looks, but how it’s remembered.
Below are seven things I believe every author should look for when searching through children’s book illustrators for hire. This is based on real projects, real mistakes, and real success stories — the kind that happen when writer and artist are truly in sync.
- Don’t just look at style — look at storytelling.
It’s tempting to get drawn in by a certain art style: maybe it’s cute, or bold, or colorful. That’s great — but the best children’s book illustrators know how to go beyond looks and make the story come alive.
Can the artist show emotion through a character’s face? Can they create a scene that feels full of movement and meaning? These are the things that matter most when choosing a children’s book illustrator — especially one who understands how to speak to children through images.
- Make sure they’ve worked on actual children’s books.
This sounds basic, but not every artist who claims to be an illustrator for children’s book projects has actually done full picture books. That matters.
Illustrating a whole book isn’t just about drawing. It’s about knowing how to carry a narrative visually from start to finish. Where the page turns happen. Where to leave space for text. How to create a flow.
When looking through portfolios, ask to see finished children’s book illustrations, not just character samples. You want someone who’s been through the process.
- Watch how they talk to you — it says a lot.
You can love someone’s art, but if it takes them days to reply, or their answers are vague, it’s going to be tough working together. Communication really matters. You want someone who’s open, clear, and honest. A good children’s book illustrator for hire won’t just show up to draw — they’ll ask about your story, give input without pushing, and really take the time to understand what you’re trying to say with your book. That kind of back-and-forth makes the whole process smoother — and way more enjoyable.
They care about your vision.
A good back-and-forth in the early stages often tells you a lot about what working together will be like.
- Ask them to walk you through their process.
You don’t need to be an expert in art to work with a children book illustrator, but it helps to understand how things move from sketch to finished page.
Ask:
- How many drafts will I see?
- Are changes included?
- What happens after the final art is delivered?
- Can you help with formatting for print?
Some illustrators children’s book projects include extras like help with layout or advice on publishing platforms. Others don’t — and that’s okay. But knowing up front saves you from surprises later on.
- Don’t rush the decision based on price alone.
Money matters — especially when you’re self-publishing. But going for the cheapest option often leads to more problems down the line. I’ve seen authors come to me with art they paid for but couldn’t use.
That doesn’t mean you have to hire famous children’s book illustrators either. There are many talented people out there doing great work at reasonable prices. The key is to look at the full picture: quality, attitude, flexibility, and experience.
In the long run, investing in a high quality children’s book artist often means a smoother project and a better final book.
- Look at how the art supports the story.
When you flip through an illustrator’s portfolio, ask yourself: Are the pictures just pretty? Or are they doing something more?
Are the characters showing emotion? Is there a clear sense of action? Does each image seem to build on the one before it?
It’s not just about individual scenes. When finding illustrators for a children’s book, what you really want is someone who understands story flow. The kind of artist who can take your words and turn them into moments that leap off the page — not just decorate it.
- Listen to your instincts
You can compare portfolios, read testimonials, check reviews — but at the end of the day, trust your gut.
You’re going to be working closely with this person. Do you feel heard? Do you feel like they care about your story as much as you do? That’s not something you can measure in stats — but it matters more than you think.
The best projects I’ve worked on always started with a simple feeling: This is going to be fun. We’re building something together.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right children’s book illustrator isn’t just a step in the publishing process — it’s part of the creative heart of your book. When you find the right person, it doesn’t just look better — it feels better.
Take your time. Ask questions. Look past the surface. A high quality children’s book artist won’t just give you beautiful pages — they’ll help tell your story in a way that sticks with readers for years.
If you ever want to talk, share your story, or see how I work — I’m happy to connect. I offer free demos, no upfront fees, and unlimited revisions after final delivery. Because I believe in stories. And I believe yours deserves the best.
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