How Long Does It Really Take to Illustrate a Children’s Book? (Timeline & Tips for Authors)
By Kezzia Crossley
If you’re planning to publish a children’s book, you might be wondering: How long does it really take to illustrate one?Many first-time authors hope the process can be done in just a few weeks—but the truth is, it often takes longer than expected. The exact timeline depends on the illustration style, the number of pages, and how much back-and-forth happens during revisions. In this guide, I’ll share the real steps and timeframes involved so you can plan your launch with confidence and avoid the delays that surprise so many new authors.
For a standard 32-page picture book, the illustration process typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 months—sometimes less, sometimes more—depending on the illustrator’s style, availability, and workflow.
✨ See my children’s book illustration services here.
Here’s why:
1. Character & Style Development (2–4 weeks)
Before the first page is ever sketched, your illustrator needs to develop a consistent visual language. This includes character design, color palette, and layout style. This stage ensures the book will feel cohesive from beginning to end.
2. Sketching & Layouts (4–6 weeks)
Each spread is carefully planned through rough sketches, which are often reviewed and revised with your input. This stage sets the foundation for pacing, composition, and how the story will visually flow.
3. Final Illustrations (6–12+ weeks)
This is the most time-consuming part—and the most magical. Each illustration is refined, colored, and polished to professional quality. Depending on the level of detail, this can take several days per page.
4. Revisions, Formatting & Final Prep (2–4 weeks)
After the artwork is complete, there may be revisions, layout adjustments, and file prep for printing or digital platforms. If your illustrator is also handling book design, this step may take longer but ensures everything is print-ready.
Why the Wait is Worth It
Children’s book illustration is both an art and a craft. Whether you're publishing in Canada or anywhere in North America, rushing the process can lead to inconsistencies, technical errors, or visuals that don’t do your story justice.
When you give your illustrator the time they need, your story gets the love and detail it deserves—and your readers will feel that on every page.
Based in Canada, The Painted Acorn offers illustration and book design services for children’s authors across North America—bringing stories to life with care and creativity.
✨ Ready to bring your story to life?
Whether you need full illustrations or start-to-finish publishing support, The Painted Acorn offers handcrafted visuals with heart. I’ll work with you to create a personalized timeline based on your story’s length, style, and complexity—so your book feels cohesive, beautiful, and ready to delight young readers.
✨ See my children’s book illustration services here and let’s create a beautiful, professional picture book that young readers will treasure.
Kezzia Crossley is a Canadian illustrator and independent publishing partner behind The Painted Acorn, helping self-publishing children’s book authors bring their stories to life with heartfelt illustrations, thoughtful layout, and handcrafted book design.