How to Become a Children's Book Illustrator

A children’s book illustrator creates imagery for children’s books, working closely with the author to bring stories to life with original illustrations that appeal to the book’s age demographic. In children’s books, images can provide context clues and help children understand what they’re reading.

Generally, children’s book illustrators are freelance artists employed by publishing houses on a per-project basis. However, they can also develop relationships with book authors, and some author-illustrator pairs work exclusively with each other on book series.

Follow these steps to build a career as a children’s book illustrator:

• Research the industry. There are five categories of children’s books based on age: picture books (under five years old), early readers (over five years old), chapter books (six to nine-year-olds), middle grade (eight to 12-year-olds), and young adult (12 to 18-year-olds). A children's picture book will look different from a young adult novel. Research popular children’s books in different age groups to understand illustrators’ various styles and familiarize yourself with the best-known publishing houses.
• Create a style. Most children’s book illustrators have a recognizable visual style and point of view. Children’s book illustrations come in various artistic styles, including watercolor, acrylic, and pen and ink. Explore techniques to find what medium you are most skilled at and most passionate about. Illustrations are also often created digitally, so you should be comfortable with digital tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate.
• Build a portfolio. It is essential to create a professional portfolio for book publishers to see your illustration work. Buy a website domain and create an online portfolio to display your best work and showcase what you can do.
• Network with industry professionals. Build industry contacts with publishers and other children’s book illustrators who can help you find opportunities. Attend in-person networking events with organizations like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and children’s book fairs to connect with publishers, authors, and illustrators.

Here are some additional tips for becoming a successful children's book illustrator.

1. 1. Ask for feedback. Have professionals that you trust within your network assess your work. Feedback will help you to develop your story-building skills through images.
2. 2. Market your work. Get the attention of publishing houses, art directors, and agents by posting your work to social media and portfolio sites. You can also cold email art directors and publishers and pitch them your ideas.
3. 3. Find an agent: Some publishing houses only accept submissions from agents. An agent can help you find work and negotiate book deals with book publishers.
4. 4. Stay inspired. The most successful illustrators continually seek inspiration from young people and other children’s book illustrators and authors. Keep a sketchbook to doodle ideas and jot down ideas when you’re inspired.

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