What to Expect When Hiring a Children’s Book Illustrator
By Kezzia Crossley
Bringing a children’s book to life is about more than just words—it’s about creating a visual world that draws young readers in. Whether you’re self-publishing or preparing a pitch for a traditional publisher, the right illustrator can elevate your manuscript into a fully realized story. But if you’ve never hired an illustrator before, you might be wondering: what exactly does the process look like?
Here’s what you can expect when working with a professional children’s book illustrator like The Painted Acorn.
🖌️ Step 1: Discovery & Vision
The first step is a conversation. Every illustrator has a unique style, and every story has its own voice. A good illustrator will want to understand:
The tone and target age of your book
Your vision for the characters and setting
The number of illustrations you need (e.g., full-page spreads, vignettes, or spot art)
Your timeline and budget
At The Painted Acorn, we start with a collaborative call or email to discuss your project’s needs and see if we’re a good creative match.
🖼️ Step 2: Style Samples & Character Design
Once the vision is clear, your illustrator will create sample sketches or a character design sheet. This is your opportunity to give input before the book moves into full production. You’ll get a sense of:
How your main characters will look
The mood and palette of the artwork
How well the style fits your story
Many clients at The Painted Acorn fall in love with our warm, textured, nature-inspired illustration style—perfect for gentle, emotionally rich storytelling.
📖 Step 3: Book Layout & Storyboarding
Before full illustrations begin, your illustrator will lay out your manuscript across the spreads and create rough storyboards. This is where pacing, page turns, and visual storytelling come together. You'll review:
Thumbnail sketches for each page
Where the text will go
How the visual flow supports your narrative
This stage is crucial to make sure nothing feels rushed—or drags.
🎨 Step 4: Final Illustrations
Once the sketches are approved, your illustrator will move on to final art. Depending on the complexity of the illustrations and number of pages, this can take several weeks or months. You’ll typically receive:
High-resolution images ready for print
Separate files for cover and interior pages
Minor revisions included (scope agreed upon in advance)
At The Painted Acorn, we use a soft, painterly digital approach that mimics traditional media—ideal for picture books with emotional depth and visual charm.
✅ Step 5: Final Files & Print-Ready Support
Many illustrators provide final art only—but if you’re working with an illustrator who also does book design (like we do), you may receive:
Print-ready PDFs
Help choosing trim size and format
Support with uploading to KDP or IngramSpark
Hiring an illustrator who understands the full publishing process saves time—and reduces stress.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Hiring an illustrator is an investment—but when done right, it results in a timeless book that readers cherish. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep in your book journey, a professional illustrator will help you bring your vision to life with beauty and heart.
💡 Looking for a children’s book illustrator who offers both illustration and design?
Visit The Painted Acorn to explore our handcrafted portfolio and learn how we can help bring your story to life.