Things you likely missed when looking for an illustrator for your children's book! (And why it shouldn't be done with AI!)

So, you've had a smashing idea for your children's book and,

• you've written it (if you haven't written it yet, we can help with that 😉),

• had it edited, (we can help with that too 😘),

• And you've got a plan for the illustrations needed on each page. (You've already guessed it but we do offer help with illustration descriptions too! 🌟)
  

Now you're ready to look into having an artist bring colour to your manuscript.

Choosing the Right Illustrator for Your Children's Book

But, where to start? How do you choose the perfect creative for you and your wonderful manuscript?

Here's a list of things to consider when picking a creative team or artist to work on the illustrations of your project.

The Easiest Part is Style

Does the illustrator's style align with the tone and target audience of your book?

Consider visiting Waterstones or Barnes and Noble to check out the latest children's books. Look into the illustrators whose work you like and figure out which style works with your vision for the book.

Here's a link to some incredible illustrating teams and artists

Evaluating the Artist's Portfolio

When checking out the artist's portfolio, look for these key points:

• Are the illustrations consistent in quality and style throughout their portfolio?

• Does the illustrator have a good understanding of composition and layout? Have they shown consideration for text placement, even if they don't handle typesetting as part of their work? (Something else to ask about - does your artist handle the text too, as not all illustrators do!)

  
  

Communication is Key

When discussing your project, consider the following:

• Is the illustrator responsive and easy to communicate with?

• Are they open to feedback and willing to make revisions based on your input?

• Do they have a clear contract outlining terms, deadlines, and payment?

  
  

Your Checklist of Important Things to Discuss with your Artist

• Revisions: How many rounds of revisions are included in their fee? What is their process for handling additional revisions?

• Formatting: What file formats will the illustrations be provided in? Are they compatible with your book designer's software?

• Vision for the Project: Are you on the same page (😂 Sorry!) regarding the direction of the project?

• Text: Does your artist handle text placement and typesetting?

• Number of Illustrations: Have you discussed the number of illustrations needed, including any spot illustrations, and does the artist include the cover design too?

• Rights: What rights to the illustrations will you own? Discuss copyright and usage rights upfront.

• Availability and Deadlines: Is this artist available to start right away, or do they have a waiting list? Can the illustrator meet your deadlines? Get a clear timeline in writing.

• Budget: How does the illustrator's fee fit within your budget? Get a clear quote and payment schedule.

Why You Should Avoid AI for Illustrations

We strongly recommend that you don't use AI for your illustrations!

We have discussed our thoughts on AI in children's media in this blog post here. But we're talking more specifically when it comes to illustrations here. AI's and LLM's, like ChatGPT, are trained by inputting large datasets (chunks of data, including images and videos) often containing millions of copyrighted images from artists - images they didn't get permission to use or pay the creatives for.

When AI generates an image, even with your input, it's not creating a brand new image. Rather, it's stealing small samples from a lot of works online and putting them together to build yours. This method exploits human art. This isn't like a human artist getting inspired, where they draw from life experiences and a wide range of influences. AI is a machine that absorbs raw, copyrighted material (as it has no way of knowing the difference) to create something to be sold.

This method threatens an artist's ability to make a living, raising huge legal questions about copyright and fair compensation.

And if our heartfelt plea isn't enough, yes, using AI art can absolutely affect the sales of a children's book. The general consensus is that consumers actively avoid works that are AI-based.

So again,

Here's a link to some incredible illustrating teams and artists

Remember, the illustrations aren't just window dressing; they're a huge part of how children will connect with your story.

So, take your time and find an illustrator who fits best with your story 🌟

Final Thoughts on Choosing an Illustrator

Finding the right illustrator can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but it’s worth the effort! The right artist will breathe life into your words and create a visual feast for young readers.

Once you've chosen your illustrator, building a good working relationship is essential. Regular communication can help ensure that both of you are on the same page. Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback openly. This collaboration can lead to a fantastic final product that both you and your illustrator can be proud of.

Illustrations play a crucial role in children's books. They not only enhance the storytelling but also engage young readers' imaginations. A well-illustrated book can make the difference between a child picking it up or leaving it on the shelf.

In conclusion, choosing the right illustrator is a vital step in bringing your children's book to life. Take your time, do your research, and make sure you find someone whose style resonates with your vision.

After all, your story deserves to shine! 🌟