Working with an illustrator is such an exciting part of the publishing journey. With your draft complete, this is the time to see your story come to life through visuals.
If there’s one thing you probably know, it’s that you need illustrations, but where do you begin the process? Some of my most asked questions have been centered around finding and working with illustrators, so I’ve gathered the most common ones to address right here in this blog:
- Why Are Illustrations So Important?
- Where Can I Find an Illustrator?
- How Much Does an Illustrator Cost?
- What Is the Typical Process for Working with an Illustrator?
- What Should I Include in an Illustrator Contract?
- How Long Does It Take to Get Illustrations Done?
- What If I Don’t Like the Initial Illustrations?
- What’s My Role With Illustrations as a Writer?
- Can I Use AI Art in My Book?
Not quite ready for illustrations yet? Save this blog and come back to it later. The tips and insights will be waiting for you.
Why Are Illustrations So Important?
Just like you tell your story with words, an illustrator shows it with visuals. Both elements are essential. Illustrations not only help with the clarity of your message, but they also add to the visual appeal, allowing the child to connect to the book more easily. In this case, “don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t quite apply—children are drawn to visuals and will often choose to read and reread books because of them.
Where Can I Find an Illustrator?
There are quite a few ways to find an illustrator that fits your budget, but these three methods have never failed me:
- Contacting illustration agencies
- Looking through children’s books
- Connecting with illustrators from local colleges
Tip: Before you hire anyone—always ask to see previous work and references. Make sure they are professional!
How Much Does an Illustrator Cost?
The cost of an illustrator will vary depending on their experience, training, and the number of pages and illustrations you need. On average, for a 32-page children’s book, an illustrator will cost $3,000-$12,000 CAD. However, most of our writers typically find an illustrator for an average of $3,000-$4,000 CAD.
What Is the Typical Process for Working with an Illustrator?
An illustrator’s job is to bring your vision to life through visuals, but what does that entail? While you’ll outline everything in a contract, typically, all illustrators will:
- Provide the storyboard—which means they give you a map of your book, showing you each page for planning and layout purposes.
- Illustrate the front and back covers.
- Send their art to your book designer in the proper format.
Speaking of Contract–What Should I Include in an Illustrator Contract?
You should absolutely have a contract set in place with your illustrator. Your contract MUST include:
- Book specifics: What is the size of your book, how many pages do you have, and how many illustrations do you require?
- Timeline: How long will it take your illustrator to get this done? (This is SO important for accountability)
- Payment: Will you pay everything upfront, or in increments?
- Late Penalties: If they are late getting you your work, what clause will be set in place?
- Termination: How will it work if someone decides this working relationship needs to come to an end?
- Work-for-Hire: This means you are paying for their illustrations and at the end of their work, YOU will own the illustrations. If you don’t own your illustrations, you can’t use them for anything else.
Want all the contract must-haves at your fingertips (or desktop folder)? Download the Illustrator Guide for FREE!
How Long Does It Take to Get Illustrations Done?
This may vary depending on who you hire and what other projects they have, but most illustrators need three to six months for a 32-page children’s book.
What if I Don’t Like the Initial Illustrations?
It happens—sometimes the initial design isn’t quite what you imagine. Remember me saying you need a contract? This is where that will help!
Right off the bat, you need to discuss the process of revisions with your illustrator. Maybe they’re willing to give two or three, but talk this out! It’s okay to want changes, but if you don’t have a plan in place, you might end up with a surprising invoice.
What’s My Role With Illustrations as a Writer?
As you think about your story, take note of the parts where you visualise imagery. One thing I always emphasize: the relationship between a writer and an illustrator should be a collaboration. Just like you tell the story with words, the illustrator tells it with pictures.
They create beautiful pictures to complement your words. And who has the vision? YOU. Your illustrator should be there to help YOU bring your art to life. They are an important piece to your publishing journey. So, as you think about your story, take note of the parts where visuals stand out in your mind.
Give them room to be flexible! Of course, you have a basic idea of what you want, but give them the creative freedom to bring your book to life.
Can I Use AI Art in My Book?
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. I’m often asked if it’s okay to use AI art in children’s books. It is fast, it is cost-efficient, and it is (sometimes) copyright-free. But does this mean you should use it?
The thing is—it’s ALSO less customizable, subject to change, and takes away business from illustrators. At the end of the day, it’s up to you. If you are contemplating using AI in your book, read this blog for more insight.
Illustrations Matter in Children’s Books
Once you’ve drafted your story, you’ll need an illustrator to help bring your book to life before getting it published. After all, without illustrations, picture books wouldn’t be picture books.
When choosing an illustrator, you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing one that shares your vision and is a professional. The goal is that, together, you’re able to create a story that will be loved for years to come.
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