10 Secrets Children’s Book Illustrators Don’t Often Tell Authors
When I first started working as a children’s book illustrator more than 15 years ago, I thought the job was only about drawing pretty pictures for a story. I quickly learned it was far more complicated—and a lot more magical—than that. Over the years, I’ve worked with authors from different parts of the world, and I noticed something interesting: illustrators usually keep a few things to themselves. Not out of dishonesty, but because we assume authors might not need to know every detail.
But if you’re an author, especially if you’re finding illustrators for a children’s book, knowing these little secrets can actually save you time, money, and even frustration. So, let me share ten truths that most children’s book illustrators for hire won’t say out loud.
1. We See More Than What You Wrote
Many authors think they have to describe every single visual in detail. The truth? An experienced children’s book illustrator can see beyond the words. When I read a manuscript, I start imagining the world, the colors, the mood—even if none of that is directly written. Sometimes, I’ve added a detail the author never mentioned, and they ended up loving it more than their own vision.
2. Too Many Pictures Can Weaken a Story
This surprises authors. Some believe every page should be filled with a big illustration. But in reality, sometimes it’s better to let the words do their magic. A pause in visuals gives breathing room. I’ve told authors before, “This part works stronger without an illustration,” and they usually realize I’m right when they see the final flow.
3. We Can’t Escape Our Style
Even a high quality children’s book artist has a personal style, whether it’s playful, dreamy, or bold. You’ll see flexibility, of course, but expecting an illustrator to completely switch styles is like asking an author to rewrite their book in someone else’s voice. My advice? Choose an illustrator whose style already matches the mood of your story. That way, both of you stay authentic.
4. Designing Characters Takes a Lot of Work
It may look simple, but keeping a character consistent through 20–30 illustrations is one of the toughest parts of children’s book illustration. I often spend days just sketching one character in different poses and angles. That’s exactly why I offer a free demo—so authors can see how their character might look before we move ahead.
5. Colors Speak Louder Than You Think
Children respond emotionally to color, sometimes more than to words. Warm shades bring comfort, cool shades create calmness, and bright tones excite them. I’ve had authors ask me, “Why did you make this page blue?” and my answer is always: “Because it makes the child feel something.” Good illustrators for a children’s book think about this deeply, even if we don’t always explain it.
6. Deadlines Are a Balancing Game
Many people underestimate how much time goes into each spread. Sketching, refining, coloring, and finalizing are all separate steps. I’ve worked nights when deadlines were tight, but one thing I don’t compromise on is quality. That’s something most professional children’s book illustrators agree on: better a slight delay than a rushed, careless page.
7. Small Changes Can Be Big Work
One of the “unspoken” parts of illustration is how much effort revisions can take. Changing a hat or hairstyle might mean adjusting it across ten pages. Authors don’t always realize this. That’s why I personally give unlimited free edits after final payment—it keeps trust strong, and authors don’t feel guilty about asking for improvements.
8. Printing Is a Different World
Digital illustrations on your laptop might look stunning, but when printed, colors and layouts can shift. Margins, bleed, resolution—these are technical parts of children’s book illustration that illustrators quietly take care of so authors don’t have to panic later. If you’re working with someone experienced, you’ll hardly notice these struggles—but trust me, they exist.
9. We Add Little Secrets for Children
Here’s a fun one: many illustrators hide small details children can spot, like a repeating butterfly or a little toy tucked in the corner of different pages. Authors don’t always ask for this, but kids love it. I once had a child tell me they “found the cat” on every page, and it made them read the book over and over. That’s the kind of magic we quietly slip in.
10. We Put Our Hearts Into It Too
The biggest secret is this—we’re not just drawing because it’s a job. Every children’s book illustrator invests emotion into the work. When I design a character, I start feeling like I know them personally. When I finish a book, it’s hard to let go. That’s why collaboration between author and illustrator feels less like business and more like co-parenting a story.
Final Words
If you’re looking at children’s book illustrators for hire, remember that you’re not just hiring someone with drawing skills—you’re inviting them to shape your story. A good partnership is built on trust, communication, and creativity.
As a children’s book illustrator myself, I try to make that partnership as smooth as possible: free demos so authors can see what they’re getting into, no advance payments, and unlimited edits after final payment. My goal has always been pretty simple. I just want to create beautiful children’s book illustrations that stay with kids and parents, something they remember even after the book is closed and put back on the shelf.
So if you’re finding illustrators for a children’s book, think about these little truths I’ve shared. They’ll guide you, help you pick the right partner, and hopefully make your journey of publishing a lot smoother—and a lot more enjoyable.
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