Children’s book illustration: 8 steps to perfect illustrations

Illustrating a children’s book is a fascinating process that brings stories to life. If you would like to have your children’s book illustrated, I have created a step-by-step guide on how we can successfully work together. It is my heartfelt desire that you are completely satisfied with the illustrations for your children’s book. Enjoy reading!

Contents

Step 1: Define the goal and style of the children’s book illustrations.
Step 2: Clarify the scope and price expectations.
Step 3: Briefings on the story and the children’s book illustrations.
Step 4: Conclude the rights of use and contract.
Step 5: Start the collaboration – now it’s time to get colourful!
Step 6: Finalise and prepare for printing
Step 7: Publication
Step 8: Feedback and have another children’s book illustrated

Step 1: Define the aim and style of the children’s book illustrations

Before I start working on an order, I will discuss with you what style you would like for the illustrations and whether you already have some ideas. I will also be happy to share my ideas with you.

• Determine your target audience: Simple, colourful illustrations are often suitable for younger children, while detailed and complex images can be exciting for older children.
• Content and theme of the book: Insights into the story, characters and settings are very helpful in getting a feel for the atmosphere and theme of the book.
• Gather inspiration: Perhaps you already have an idea of a style or images that you like? Maybe certain colours, shapes or character designs from existing children’s book illustrations particularly appeal to you?

Step 2: Clarify scope and price expectations

In the second step, we will discuss your budget for the children’s book illustrations and I will present my prices to you. We are sure to come to an agreement that leaves us both feeling good. I offer the following pricing models:

• Price per illustration: Prices may vary depending on the style and scope of the children’s book illustrations. If we agree on this pricing model, each illustration will be given a fixed price. Any feedback rounds and changes will be added to this fixed price. This pricing model is well suited for medium and large illustrations that are very extensive and detailed.
• Hourly wage: In this variant, we agree on an hourly wage at which I create all illustrations for the children’s book. Possible feedback rounds and change requests are included in this hourly rate. This pricing model is well suited for small to medium-sized illustrations that are not very detailed or extensive.

Step 3: Briefings on the story and the children’s book illustrations

A good briefing is the key to successful collaboration. The briefing has the advantage that I know exactly which illustrations are to be created for the children’s book and what we agreed upon in our conversation. I always like to use a good briefing as a to-do list and guideline for my work on the respective illustration. It also gives me an insight into the plot and characters of your children’s book.

• Your briefing to me – describe the content and mood: I would be delighted to receive a brief written summary of your story. This should describe the main characters, settings and plot. If you have created an exposé for your children’s book, you are welcome to send it to me as well.
• My briefing to you – details for each illustration: I create a briefing in the form of a sketched storyboard with descriptions for each page or scene to provide clear direction.

Step 4: Conclude rights of use and contract

Before we begin working together, we set out all the important points in a contract. In addition to the scope and price, this contract also covers the rights of use. We discuss whether the illustrations may be used exclusively for your book and what rights you acquire with them.

Step 5: Start working together – now it’s time to get colourful!

As soon as our briefing is complete, I will begin working on the illustrations and you can relax and let me illustrate your children’s book.

• Discussing initial sketches: In most cases, I create rough sketches that I show you. This allows us to clarify all the important details and gives you an idea of the direction the illustration is taking.
• Colour designs and fine adjustments: After the sketches come the colours and details. We clarify in advance how many revisions are included so that we both have clarity.

Step 6: Finalisation and preparation for printing

Once all illustrations have been completed and approved by you, it is time to prepare the book for printing.

• File formats and resolution: I provide you with high-quality illustrations, usually as 300 DPI PDF, JPEG, PNG or TIFF files.
• Final corrections: If the printing company has specific requirements, please let me know what needs to be adjusted.

Step 7: Publication

Once the project is complete, the best part comes: your children’s book is ready to be published!

• Mention the illustrator by name: If you would like me to illustrate your children’s book, I will be happy to provide you with the illustrations if you mention me by name as the illustrator in your book. I would be delighted if you did, as many readers are interested in finding out who is behind the illustrations. This way, they can see directly
• Joint promotion: I am always open to taking our collaboration beyond illustration. We can work together to promote your children’s book on social media and plan joint posts.

Step 8: Get feedback and have another children’s book illustrated

Once the children’s book project is complete, I always appreciate receiving friendly feedback!

• Give positive feedback: Whether on my website or on social media, positive feedback shows appreciation and makes my heart beat faster.
• Discuss future collaboration: If you are planning to publish more children’s books, we can discuss further collaboration now, and you are very welcome to have me illustrate another great children’s book for you!

These instructions will guide you step by step to create the ideal illustration for your children’s book. Children’s book illustrations are like magic. They are more than just pictures – they bring stories to life and invite young readers to discover the pages again and again. I wish you every success with your book project!