OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
One of the most common questions I get is how to find freelancers for all kinds of publishing tasks. Illustrators are one such sought after group of people and today Lisa M. Griffin, illustrator & designer gives us some tips.
You have decided to self-publish your completed manuscript and have decided on a company to print your book. Great! But you still have to make a critical decision, the artwork. Namely, who can do it, where do I find them and how much should I pay them?
A few self-publishers have a variety of illustrators to choose from, and this is a good option to begin with. I would suggest doing additional research, as there are many talented illustrators working today and you might find one more situated to the style you envisioned for your book.
A wonderful place to start (and consider joining) is the Society of Children's Book Authors and Illustrators. This is a member based creative organization and it holds a wealth of information on publishing such as industry tips, directories, artist portfolio's and contact information. Another source is Childrensillustrators.com, which is primarily a portfolio directory site. It is a visual playground of creative talented sorted by medium, style and subject. I recommend this site if you are unfamiliar with the artistic style you want – reviewing portfolios will give you a better understanding to your preference. Also, don't forget the power of a good Google search. Most professional illustrators have both a blog and website, which gives you a more intimate look at the creative person behind the art.
Ok, you have done your research and found a few illustrators that you are excited about and would like to contact… now what? I would suggest a few things to consider before sending a query letter or email.
1. How many illustrations do you need? For a picture book, will it be full page spreads or single page art? If it is a young adult book, maybe one illustration per chapter? What is the layout size of your book? Will you be needing spot illustrations too? You get the general idea, right?
2. Set a realistic budget for art. Do not expect a professional illustrator to do your book for free, for their portfolio or for a split of future royalties. If you are approaching an experienced, professional, illustrator with a query you should do so respectfully and be prepared to pay them for their time, effort, talent and experience. To give you an idea of current industry rates for children's picture books (based on a 32pg book) estimates range from $3,000 – $12,000, plus royalties. To break it down another way, if you estimate that an illustrator is creating 20 original illustrations for your book and you are paying them $3,000 for art that is $150 per illustration. Now consider how much time goes into each illustration, starting with thumbnail sketches, revisions, pencil outlines and final color. Oh and don't forget the cost of supplies, along with the artist's time.
3. When you find the perfect illustrator and you are both happy with the creative arrangement, it is important to remember one more thing. Let he/she do their work. Yes, talk about your manuscript and give them an idea of the scenes you want illustrated, but allow room for creative expression. You approached this person because you loved his/her art, right? So trust in the illustrator you hired to breathe life into your story and give him/her some creative freedom. If you are unhappy with a certain composition tell them early on and explain why. I much prefer getting revisions in the early stages to eliminate surprises during final color. Trust me, most artists have developed a thick skin over the years and can take constructive feedback – especially during preliminary work.
Self-publishing is not an inexpensive endeavor. But if you believe in your story and want the satisfaction of having a beautiful book, then you need to recognize that quality illustrations are an important ingredient in the editorial and marketing value of the book.
Good luck to you!
Lisa M. Griffin, illustration & design
www.lisamgriffin.com
http://lisamgriffin.blogspot.
Top image is one of Lisa's illustrations.
Riva says
September 17, 2016 at 10:17 amI am looking for an Illustrator for a children’s book that I wrote for the birth of my Grandson. It was never intended for sale or publishing however, he is now 3 and still I have no illustrator. I understand there are costs involved in hiring out for art, I just need someone who has the time and inclination to create 7 to 10 somewhat simple illustrations for my book. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Elsa_Kisiel says
September 18, 2016 at 7:15 amHello; I will be happy to drawn illustrations for your book, with a friendly price. If my art style please you, could you contact me at elsaki@hotmail.be?
(You can see some of my drawings on my Deviantart Galery: http://elsakisiel.deviantart.com/gallery/)
Herry says
September 18, 2016 at 8:13 amHi Riva, you can check this illustrator’s portfolio 🙂
https://www.flickr.com/gp/yuliaqomariah/0p276L
She’s creative, has a great style plus the costs are affordable.
Maysa says
November 6, 2016 at 4:37 pmHello Rive,
I am an illustrator, and I would be glad to collaborate with you on your project.
Here is a link to my website:
http://www.maysabogheiri.com/
Thank you,
Maysa
Nicky says
June 28, 2017 at 11:32 amHello,
I’m new to this and I’m needing to find an affordable children’s illustrator. What are your prices?
Paula, reel illustration says
April 3, 2017 at 7:31 amHi there, great info.
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer, and would be love to find out more about your story, if you haven’t found the right illustrator yet? I have a 3 year old son and its amazed me how much he has influenced my work too.
Contact me for more info if you wish.
Paula
Maria Elena says
August 6, 2017 at 9:22 amHi , Paola , my name is Maria, I show your name here in the page, do you have any website to see your work? thank you .
Art Valeria says
September 21, 2018 at 3:21 amHi! I’m a children’s book illustrator and designer. I will be happy to help you! Here is my fb page
Write to me on Fb or email
MartĂn Mak says
October 11, 2016 at 10:54 amI am ilustrator and scientific illustrator…
https://martinmakilustracion.wordpress.com
Altair Araujo says
November 4, 2016 at 8:36 pmThanks for the article.
As a freelance illustrator Its great when our clients are well informed 🙂
my portfolio:
http://altairaraujo.com
Bemmygail Abanilla says
January 15, 2017 at 8:31 pmHi, great post! I am also a book illustrator, it would be great if you check out my gigs here:
https://www.fiverr.com/digitalartistbe/make-book-illustrations-for-kids
Josef says
May 3, 2017 at 8:10 amHi I would be interested in some illustrations for my children’s book sairamxmas@outlook.com . Would you be so kind to get in touch as i cannot find your contact details.
Valery says
March 2, 2017 at 9:48 amRead it one more time and love it again!
And if you need children’s book illustrator I will be happy to help.
My page https://www.facebook.com/artvaleriaillustrator/
Jon Stubbington says
March 23, 2017 at 11:46 amThank you for this article. Although it is now several years old, I don’t think there’s anything here that doesn’t hold true.
To other readers thinking about self-publishing, I would highlight Lisa’s point that “self-publishing is not an inexpensive endeavor. ” A fact worth repeating and, just as importantly, it is also worth highlighting the value you get back when you invest in your book. If you opt for the cheapest artwork, what will that say for your book?
There are lots of us illustrators out there, and offering work at different price points. Spend some time to find the best option you can for your budget. With a bit of time and a bit of investment, I am sure you will be satisfied with the results. And good luck.
I’m off to read more thecreativepenn articles – there’s lots here to learn about!
Sumit Roy says
March 29, 2017 at 2:45 pmThank you s much for this wonderful article. Tho I didn’t got much opportunity to illustrate children’s’ book, I really enjoy illustrate genre fictions and comics.
Here are some of my illustration works for various book projects, interested readers may check : http://www.scorpydesign.com/search/label/Illustration
Crystal Calhoun says
April 12, 2017 at 1:48 pmI have a friend who illustrates children’s books – his name is Thomas Barnett – Or Tom. He’s doing some wonderful graphic design for my daughter’s book on pirates. It’s exciting to see his work and my daughter’s story come to life!
lishko vitaliy says
July 15, 2017 at 3:06 amHi, great post! Here are some of my illustration works for various book projects, interested readers may check : https://www.fiverr.com/lishko
salma says
September 18, 2017 at 10:02 amI am looking for an illustrator to work pro-bono on a children’s book for a non-profit. We are working on a bilingual children’s book for Afghan children. For every copy we sell in the US we will donate one to a child in Afghanistan. There are 12 illustrations and we are looking for someone with some experience with ethnic clothing and landscape. Please contact me if you are interested to help out. Thanks!!!
Paulo Sergio Jindelt says
November 18, 2017 at 4:19 pmGreat post Salma. I’m experient illustrator. My website is https://www.behance.net/paulserg_496c6
Mario C. Salazar says
October 18, 2017 at 11:04 amI am a kid who is 13 years old and has written a book on a computer and I need a illustrator plz.
I am 13, 5’3 and weigh 114 pounds
Rich Olson says
January 1, 2018 at 3:50 pmI have illustrated for published and unpublished authors. There are great artists and there are others that need a little more polishing. The story is probably more important to focus on. If the story is flawed than it doesn’t matter how great the artwork is, the book will not resonate with the reader. However, if a story is great then great artwork will indeed elevate the story to new heights. Story is king. My braintofu website has more information on making a children’s book.
Sincerely,
Rich Olson
Joseph Putkowski says
April 28, 2018 at 3:16 pmLooking for a former Marine to illustrate my Kid’s book . The recruit and the Squirrel ,
a Marine will understand what i’m feeling .. The recruit is finding boot camp hard and wants to trade places with a squirrel , as time goes on the recruit starts learning the Marine Corps ways and feeling like a group now. Looking for a New York City Marine to illustrate this Kid’s book . About myself Former Marine 1975 to 1978 , New York City Bomb Squad for 18 years retired . Had the Honor to be placed in the Time Life Book 9/11 , and ten years after 9/11 .
Dawn says
June 19, 2018 at 10:23 amHello,
I’m looking for an illustrator to bring some really great stories to reality. My characters are unique and very memorable to kids. Each of my books have great messages and all of them rhyme. I’m a self publisher that is willing to give one third of the royalties to the illustrator. If you any interest please let me know!
Tim Soekkha says
June 24, 2018 at 4:16 amI’m interested and want to give it a try. (This would be my first take on illustrating for children stories
)
Examples of my work and style are here:
https://www.instagram.com/timsoekkha
https://nl-nl.facebook.com/tim.soekkha.illustrations
Alina says
July 13, 2018 at 12:25 amHi everyone!
My name is Alina, and I am a professional illustrator. I am proficient with painting, sketching, line art, computer (digital) art.
Please find my portfolio here https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~0136461ecbcb2368cc
You can also write me an e-mail letter Scher_design@bigmir.net
Jennifer Keyes says
October 22, 2018 at 1:13 pmHello. I am looking for an illustrator for my children’s book.
I’m not sure how many pages it will be – thinking maybe 15 – 25. Need help in determining how to best show the artwork envisioned for my book.
I don’t have a lot of money, but understand that an illustrator is beneficial to my book working out. How do I go about meeting and finding an illustrator?
Anna says
November 12, 2018 at 10:04 amHello all,
Are you in search for illustrator? I may be of assistance.
I’m full-time freelance illustrator, specializing in children and whimsical/poem illustrations- yet always open to new subjects.
I’m published, with experience in working with publishing houses as well as first time writers, so whether you need just an illustrator, or also someone who would assist you in setting up your book together with text to be upload as e-book- check out my online portfolio and do not hesitate to drop me a line if you think my style could enrich your project.
Jessica Mederos says
December 19, 2018 at 5:20 pmHi Anna,
I am looking for an illustrator for my aunt’s first children’s book. She has already published one of her books but that of adult nature. Her author name is M.S. Schuler and the book she has already published is called The Serpent. She is writing her first children’s book and is in need of an illustrator. Please contact if you are interested and if you could send me a link to look at your portfolio that would be great! Thank you for your time.