How to define the illustration style of a children’s book?

The children’s book illustration style generally depends on the first impressions of your book. This involves ideas, notion, purpose and genre of the book title. For instance, if your book is entitled to a horror theme, the style would be dark and monstrous. However, if the story is regarding unicorns or fairytale, the colors would be bright and light.

Another vital determinant of an illustration book is the age group you or your client is targeting. It is because the method of reference through pictures would be different in case of a book intended for a 4-year-old kid compared to an 8-year-old child. If you are an illustrator who desires to explore a distinctive range of illustrations, here is a list of the most common illustration types that you could try:

1. Whimsical style:

The philosophy behind the curtains of whimsical style is enhancing comedy and comic stories. Such classification is funny and may give a hilarious spark but it does turn out to be positive for the readers and viewers. With this theme, there is sufficient area to be tested with exaggerated ideas and imagination.

2. Fantasy look of the book:

All of us bring on individual mindset to the table. But when it comes to fantasy there is no boundary nor any limit. From royalty to dummies and mummies, an illustrator has to critically think before the end-product is created.

3. Black and white affect:

Comprising of shades and sketches, the black and white affect indulges in highlighting a significant message or ensures to showcase stories of the historic time. This certain style can be challenging for an illustrator because it cannot be necessarily founded or applied on similar idea.

4. Realistic vibes:

It is best-suited for real and serious scenarios and this is why it is used under specific circumstance. If such type is implemented in case of a toddler’s bed time story book, it would not be a good pick.

5. Water color illustrations:

By far the most perfect choice for a child reader would be of pictures that are vivid and bright. It drives fascination in them and favors light tone of the book. But in case of illustration, this is not an easy option to go for because it I manual that demands hard work and time.

As an illustrator, you have autonomy over some areas of the client’s projects. One of that is the size of your produced illustration in their book. This is not only an important concern in terms of illustration placement but it shall be known prior to the planning of your illustration design and layout. Quite commonly, there are four options in terms of the look of your art.

1. Spread illustration:

It adds up to two full-page illustrations. This can be demanding and interesting at the same time. Although the illustrator would have enough to experiment, it becomes challenging to blend different styles for one idea.

2. Single page:

It usually includes a full-page illustration, requiring you to also add captions or texts to your drawing.

3. Half page:

You might feel restricted with the background of your drawing since there is a fifty percent space vacant for your art piece.

4. Spot illustration:

There is no specific page denoted for spot illustrations. It normally takes space of headers or side boxes, that are quarter or even less.

Now that you are mindful of various incompatible types, and styles of children’s illustration book, let us emphasize on how could you, as an illustrator practically create and publish a children’s book. A Step-by-Step Guide for your Picture book

1. Inspiration is the first impression:

It’s not only writers who seek and observe to pick something and begin writing but even the illustrator’s job seems similar. This initial step decides how far can you go with your drawings. Once you are done with your idea formulation, keep a track of current trends to result in something wholesome and in-demand. The add-on factor is choice of illustration type.

2. Creating characters:

In a picture book you are supposed to build characters that have tendency to react

differently amid a span of situations that will be encountered throughout the book. Before stepping into this phase, you are advised to practice development and gestures of actors meticulously.

3. Story alignment with images:

This stage would be a result on your interaction with writer, and editors of the book. When we refer to a children’s book, we undeniably know that the content is very less. And it comes on the illustrator to devise drawings that are pleasing, and persuasive based on limited details received.

4. Ask for feedback:

There is no guarantee that your drawings are exactly what the client is looking for. Upon discussion, when you show them your work take generous advice from them and work on the areas that need improvising.

5. Finalize the framework:

After reviewing your illustrations, assemble and arrange the available text and scrutinize if the overall look is satisfying and would make sense to the reader.

Earlier it was discussed how different illustrators incorporate distinctive styles in their art pieces. What remains distinguishable is the adaptation of mediums, and whether the illustrations are created manually or digitally.

Some of the most used tools are as follows:

• • Collage
• • Multimedia
• • Acrylics, paint, colored or charcoal pencils
• • Lithography
• • Freehand soft wares
• • Digitally stylized illustrations

With the current times, the illustrator’s business has become increasingly significant and popular. It has certainly contributed to the digital market specially with the emergence of children’s e-books. This means children’s book illustrator for hire has also dispersed as a hype in the business environment. So, what is it that clients seek for prior to the hiring process?

Characteristics to consider before hiring an illustrator

• Credibility and trust:

Before anything else, credibility of an illustrator speaks for his or herself. It also defines how the individual has carried himself in the industry and what client’s talk about him. You can check feedbacks and reviews to get an in-depth idea about the person. If done right, it is a brand itself that boosts connection and builds trust in the long-run.

• Judge first impression:

If you are a writer of a children’s book and want to approach an illustrator for that, observe the initial conversation. If the illustrator seems interested, and if you are satisfied with the portfolio, you may grant chance to the illustrator. What else you need to check is the availability and core values of the individual. Although it may be difficult to identify if the other person is also willing to participate but it Is equally important.

• Specialized work and expectations:

One of the ways of testing the other person’s skill is to overlook their experience based on their Resume or portfolio. However, when you are dealing with foreign illustrators, it becomes necessary to demand samples of their work. As much as you have invested in your project, you would not want it to go in vain because of one wrong decision. Hence choose competently and wisely.

• Cost and workflow:

When it’s about cost, you need to be aware of your company’s budgeting. Before hiring, you should make it clear that you cannot go beyond certain criteria in terms of negotiating with the illustrator. Cost can be a major factor deciding the workflow of your projects. If considerable incentives are paid to illustrators, they may end up delivering work beforehand.

Personality traits of a successful illustrator

Undoubtedly, being an illustrator, your skillset and portfolio determine your appointment by clients. But there are other reasons that might pull or push you away from your future earnings. To get you covered, here are some pointers to be the top illustrator, urging people to work with you.

Motivated to work:

The sole factor assessing your involvement in work is willingness that can be derived by motivation. Your motivation interprets how excited you are for your work, predicting how well can you perform.

Creative:

When you choose a profession that possesses creativity, you are constantly building ideas that result in favor of your clients. There are multiple exercises and courses that help in enhancing creativity.

Good communication:

It is an attribute that not only adds value to your personality but helps in two-way interaction. It becomes easier to analyze what is required by the client and what can you deliver. The entire process gets smooth when negotiating and sharing ideas with one another.

Meeting deadlines:

One thing that cannot be compromised is the time management. You need to provide rapid service, by prioritizing tasks. If you are sluggish, it is severely complicated to fix timings but it can either make or break your relation with a client.

Updated portfolio:

Developing portfolio constantly is extremely important. It is because it is the sole proof that witnesses all your samples. So even if you regularly work for clients and cater their requirement, if you fail to update your expertise on the up front, you may lose extraordinary opportunities.

Apart from these factors what makes you stand out amongst other illustrators is the devotion of brining colors to a printed text for children. In this context, even if you are working as a freelance illustrator or a teaming up with co-authors, what matters is something out-of-the-box. Indeed, your personal style will grant you a competitive edge in the market. To reach there, you need to allow your thoughts to flourish and explore the art beyond borders.

Similarly, what clients can do it allow creative freedom. It is because when an illustrator agrees and signs up for your project, he or she is also mutually excited for the process and the results. As a responsible client, you should keep on reminding yourself that you have hired a professional illustrator for your children’s illustration book.

How much do children’s book illustrator’s make?

The growing business has expanded income purposes for many. Upon experience and certifications, the income levels may differ. However, as per statistics the average figure of a middle level illustrator amounts to $60k/year. Besides, as a freelance illustrator for a children’s book you can ask for a higher pay if you think you should be paid more.

How do you find children’s book illustration services?

If you are willing to avail illustration services for a children’s book, you will come across wide competitors on the web. There are several digital platforms that have made it convenient for clients to contact the freelancer directly. Some of these are self-publishing artists while others can be referred through sources and can be distinguished on the basis of style, tone, and medium.

How long does it take to complete children’s book illustration?

There is no fixed answer to this because it depends on the length, concept, and other factors of the entire book. If the book is full of pictures, amounting to let’s say 30 pages, this is a wholesome project itself requiring at least 3 to 4 months to end.

Does a children’s book illustrator opt for design considerations?

Most of the illustrators offer revisions, and this is how it is generally accepted. Instead of fixing all the errors after the end product, it is always encouraged to make thorough amendments.