How to Find & Vet a Children’s Book Illustrator (Reviews, Portfolios, & Red Flags)
Hiring a children’s book illustrator is one of the most exciting steps in bringing your story to life—but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many options online, how do you know who’s the right fit for your project?
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to find illustrators, how to evaluate their portfolios and reviews, and which red flags to avoid, so you can hire with confidence.
Where to Find Children’s Book Illustrators
Authors today have more options than ever when searching for illustrators. Some of the most common places include:
Freelance Marketplaces (Fiverr, Upwork, Reedsy) – quick access to many illustrators, though quality can vary widely.
Social Media (Instagram, Behance, Pinterest) – great for browsing portfolios and seeing current work.
Illustration Directories (SCBWI, CANSCAIP, IBPA, Children’s Book Council) – vetted lists of professional illustrators.
Independent Illustrators’ Websites – often the most direct and reliable way to work with an illustrator, as you’re speaking to them personally.
What to Look for in an Illustrator’s Portfolio
An illustrator’s portfolio should do more than look pretty—it should help you decide if they can bring your story to life. Look for:
Consistency of Style – are characters recognizable across pages?
Emotion & Storytelling – do the illustrations capture feeling, not just scenery?
Experience with Children’s Books – look for spreads, covers, and layouts that follow publishing standards.
Age-Appropriate Work – does their style suit your target audience (board book, picture book, middle grade)?
👉 Pro tip: Portfolios with finished spreads (cover + interior) show an illustrator understands the flow of a book, not just standalone images.
How to Read Reviews & Testimonials
Reviews can be helpful—but only if you know what to look for:
Detail over Stars – five stars don’t mean much without context. Look for specifics (timeliness, communication, professionalism).
Long-Term Relationships – repeat clients often signal reliability.
Industry Knowledge – authors mentioning “print-ready files,” “formatting help,” or “guidance through publishing” show an illustrator has professional experience.
👉 If you can, ask illustrators for references from past clients or browse testimonials on their own site.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not every illustrator will be the right fit. Some warning signs include:
🚩 Unclear Pricing – vague or changing rates can signal problems later.
🚩 Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing – extremely low rates often mean rushed or AI-generated art.
🚩 Lack of Children’s Book Experience – beautiful art doesn’t always translate to storytelling.
🚩 No Contract or Timeline – always make sure expectations are in writing.
Why Vetting Matters
Your illustrator isn’t just creating pictures—they’re shaping the entire experience of your book. Careful vetting ensures:
Your story’s tone and vision are captured authentically.
Your files will be print-ready for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or your chosen printer.
The process is collaborative and enjoyable, not stressful.
Conclusion
Finding the right children’s book illustrator takes time, but it’s worth the effort. By checking portfolios, reading reviews carefully, and watching for red flags, you’ll feel confident in your choice.
✨ At The Painted Acorn, I specialize in illustrations for independent children’s authors. With a warm, handcrafted style and experience preparing books for print, I help bring stories to life in a way that feels professional and personal.
Get in touch here to talk about your book—I’d love to hear about your project.