How to Become a Children's Book Illustrator

A children’s book illustrator creates pictures for print publications and media productions. Now, children's books are published in both print and digital format. Children’s books depend on talented illustrators who can visually demonstrate a story, appropriate for the child's age group. You can choose to illustrate for picture books for young children or illustrate textbooks for schoolchildren. There are many career opportunities for a children’s book illustrator.Follow these steps to get your career started.

Things You'll Need

• Formal training
• Art supplies
• Children's market

Instructions

1. Get formal training. A degree or diploma in visual or abstract arts is a plus, especially if you are looking to work for a company instead of freelancing. Learn to use illustrating software for graphical design and animation.

2. Build a portfolio. Present your illustrations in a portfolio, combining both your published and unpublished work. Present your illustrator portfolio to potential employers or buyers.

3. Use reliable sources to find work and understand the current children’s illustrators market. Use reliable resource books like the "Illustrator's Bible" and "Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market." Study and learn through children’s periodicals and book market to understand the current needs and trends.

4. Enter a children’s illustrator competition. Various competitions are available through schools and organizations that offer children’s illustrators the chance to demonstrate their talent, and gain recognition for future work. Enter a contest for a chance to win, and keep all of your work in your portfolio, even if you are not chosen as a finalist.

5. Buy supplies. Find a local or online artist shop to use regularly. As a loyal customer, you may get personalized help and deep discounts for supplies.

6. Plan your children’s illustrator career. Decide if you want to freelance or work for a publisher. Freelance illustrators need to plan a small business, and query children’s publishers independently for work. If you plan to work for a company, have your portfolio organized and prepared for interviews.

Tips & Warnings

• Illustrators often network and perform in teams. You may need to work with other artists, like graphic designers or writers. A children’s illustrator can work alone or can work with others.

• In a digital age, graphic design and computer art training is a plus. Formal education in visual and abstract art offers advantage to a children’s illustrator who wants to work for a company. Applied arts and design are creations that are to be put to use, rather than viewed.

• Greeting cards and wrapping paper is a niche for children’s illustrators, but this niche is often overlooked when looking for work. Refer to a children’s illustrator market to find jobs for this niche.

• Understand copyright laws. Do not use published or unpublished work, in part or in whole, without permission from the creator or producer of such work.

• If you are freelancing, be sure to follow all federal and state laws regarding small business matters. Ask an accountant for information regarding taxes and other duties for independent contractors and small business owners.