Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Illustrator

Let’s talk about one of the biggest mistakes new children’s book authors make:

3️⃣ Choosing the Wrong Illustrator

A children’s book lives or dies by its art.

The story and the illustrations must work together — and if the art doesn’t match the tone, age range, or message… the book falls flat.

Here’s where most beginners go wrong:

❌ They hire based on price, not style

Cheaper is almost never better.

You want the right style, not the cheapest.

❌ They choose someone who doesn’t specialize in children’s books

Children’s book illustration is a specialized skill — not every artist can do it.

❌ They don’t look for storytelling in the art

Great illustrators don’t “draw pictures”…

They tell the story visually.

❌ They don’t think about consistency

Every character must stay visually consistent across the entire book.

⭐

How to choose the RIGHT illustrator:

✔️ Match the art style to your book’s emotional tone

Is your book cute? funny? inspirational? adventurous?

✔️ Look for artists who already illustrate children’s books

Their portfolio should show:

– character consistency

– strong composition

– emotion

– storytelling

✔️ Hire based on fit, not price

The art is half the book.

Invest where it matters.

✔️ Ask yourself:

“Does this art make me FEEL something?”

If the answer is yes, you’re close.

YOUR TURN:

If you’ve seen an illustrator style you love (or one you’re unsure about), post it below.

I’ll give honest feedback on whether it fits your book.

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Dad, storyteller, and author of 70+ kids’ books including bestseller Made For Me. I help you go from idea to a finished, published children’s book.

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