1. Choose the Right Illustrator
You’ve probably heard that illustrations can either make or break what could otherwise be an amazing children’s book. And it’s true! How disappointing would it be to have written a beautiful story only to be accompanied by less-than-stellar artwork? That’s why choosing the right illustrator is paramount. But what determines who is and who isn’t the right fit for your book? As you search, keep in mind three things: style and quality, connection, and credibility/trustworthiness.
1. You may not be able to pick apart the reasons why an illustration looks good, but you can still recognize something that looks great from something that simply doesn’t. This is where sifting through portfolios comes into play. Think of this like window shopping for the perfect fit on sites like Artstation, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Assess how their work might translate in your story. If you’re having trouble envisioning this, it’s probably due to a lack of consistency in their portfolio, so try to find someone that has a consistent, quality style that you can feel confident in. “I work in a range of styles” is a red flag. We want consistent, not random.
2. Connection is the second factor. This might feel a little cosmic, but try to look for someone whose artwork you feel a connection with or pull towards when you see it. It’s one of those meant-to-be indicators! It should be someone that you communicate well with to form a positive working relationship and both the story and art feel valued.
3. The third factor is credibility and trustworthiness. Have they illustrated for previous clients? Were they happy with the work? You should be able to ask your illustrator anything and get a clear and transparent answer. You should also be able to openly communicate contract and payment terms and receive a knowledgeable response. Listen to your gut feeling.
Cost is another factor used when selecting an illustrator. We have to be cognizant of our budgets, but hopefully not allow that to be the ultimate determining factor in what will create a beautiful, memorable and profitable book you can be proud of. If you don’t have enough money, save up. I don’t think you’ll regret it. More on that in #5.