Handcrafted illustration & intentional design
for independent children’s book authors


Thoughtfully tailored service tiers to support your book from first sketch to final files. Rooted in care, collaboration, and clarity.

Close-up of a single straight pin against a yellow background.
Hand-drawn acorn illustration with a sprouting leaf — logo element from The Painted Acorn children's book brand
Thin metallic object on a yellow background

The
Sprouting
Acorn


Children’s Book Publishing Support

Ideal for: Authors who are ready to format and launch their book.

For authors who already have illustrations but need a clean, professional layout and help preparing their book for print.

Includes:

   •   Custom book layout and typography

   •   Front/back/cover-spine design

   •   Formatting for print & digital

   •   Optional ISBN guidance

Timeline: 3–5 weeks

Add-ons: Alternate cover mockups, promo graphics

Add-On Options

(Available with any tier)

   •   ISBN Registration

   •   Promo templates for social & launch graphics

   •   Book mockups for web & store display

Close-up of a tiny insect on a blade of grass against a yellow background.
A thin, black needle-like object lies horizontally against a beige background.
Botanical illustration of an acorn sprig with roots — nature element from The Painted Acorn website

The Growing
Oak

Close-up of a thin, sharp knife blade against a yellow background.

Custom Illustration Services

Ideal for: Authors who have a manuscript and need illustration only.

For authors who need custom illustrations tailored to their story, characters, and tone — whether whimsical or quiet, wild or gentle.

Includes:

   •   Character & environment development

   •   sketches, revisions, and full-color illustrations (cover + interior spreads)   

•   Full-spread illustrations (colour or B&W)

   •   Print-ready illustration files

Timeline: 6–12 weeks

Add-ons: Cover design, page layout, alternate formats

Add-On Options

(Available with any tier)

   •   ISBN Registration

   •   Promo templates for social & launch graphics

   •   Book mockups for web & store display

A single pencil lying horizontally on a plain yellow background.
A close-up of a thin knife blade with a black handle, resting on a plain yellow background.
Illustration of a leafy tree with roots — handcrafted artwork used in children's book design by The Painted Acorn
A thin, elongated object resembling a matchstick against a plain yellow background.

The
Mighty
Oak

Full-Service Self-Publishing Package

Ideal for: Authors who want their full book brought to life with one creative partner.


A start-to-finish creative collaboration — everything from illustration to layout and publishing preparation, handled with care.

Includes:

   •   All services from The Growing Oak + The Sprouting Acorn

   •   Final print-ready files for IngramSpark, KDP, or your preferred printer

   •   Optional launch graphics & creative guidance

   •   Custom back matter (Dedication, Author Note, etc.)

Timeline: 10–16 weeks

Add-ons: Cover design, page layout, alternate formats

Add-On Options

(Available with any tier)

   •   ISBN Registration

   •   Promo templates for social & launch graphics

   •   Book mockups for web & store display

A close-up of a black metal nail against a yellow background.

Professional Memberships

I'm a proud member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC).

These affiliations reflect my commitment to professionalism, community, and ethical practices in both illustration and independent publishing. Being part of these organizations helps me stay connected to industry standards, creative peers, and the ever-evolving world of children’s literature — so I can better support the authors and stories I work with.

These affiliations reflect our commitment to professional, heart-led publishing.

CANSCAIP member – Canadian children's book illustrators and authors
IBPA member badge – Independent Book Publishers Association
CCBC member badge – Canadian Children’s Book Centre