As an author, I receive a number of requests from aspiring illustrators from all parts of the world. Some of them want me to hire them while some want advice on getting started. But as a writer, I’m not always the right person for providing guidance on this. But I don’t like turning away people who come to ask me advice on the industry. So here are some pointers for illustrators.
If you’re an illustrator wanting to get into children’s book, here are some top level pointers and links to resources that will help you progress on your journey.
1) What are the various routes into becoming a professional illustrator of kids books?
As far as I know based on my experience in the India, UK and US publishing industry, here are some routes.
- Finding an illustrator agent – there are a number of agencies that specialise in finding work for illustrators – in illustrating covers, insides of books, a full picture books, non-fiction books etc.
- Here is a link to some of the big names. https://childrensillustrators.com/reps
- Bright Agency
- Google for others. Check every link for veracity, authenticity and if they are repping well-known illustrators.
- Check who’s repping your favourite illustrators. Don’t know who your favourite illustrators are? Then you must study the industry first – find out who the stalwarts are, find out who illustrates what kind of books.
- Finding a literary agent – Some literary agents also represent illustrators – they are different from illustrator-only agents where, literary agents might also find opportunities for the illustrator to write and illustrate their own books. Such agents while procuring other forms of work – like cover design or inside art, will focus more on books rather than advertising gigs or other forms of commercial illustration.
- Social media – connect with designers and other illustrators on social media. If you don’t have a Instagram account, create one and post your illustrations. Show your style. Designers also do call-outs. Keep an eye out for them. There are also picture postcards day when illustrators show off their styles on social media – participate in those. Also participate in other challenges like Inktober which are often visited by designers looking for different styles of illustration.
- Direct communication – if you have done the research and know which publishers or agents or agencies you want to get in touch with, then email designers / agents directly with a cover letter and portfolio link. Read the publishers website to find out who is the contact inside the publisher for illustrators – usually it’s the design team. Also adhere to guidelines. If they request you not to send attachments and only a link to your portfolio, then follow that instruction.
- Create art – like how writers must write and try out new genres, new stories, illustrators too can produce work and even offer for sale. Many illustrators produce zines and prints of their artwork. You can showcase your talent with web cartoons on your social media. Can you do a better take on the news than the professional political cartoonists, why don’t you have a go?
If you're based in India, there are not many illustrator agents in India. You must get in touch with publishers directly and send material based on their guidelines. However, many UK and US agents will take on foreign clients and you might still be able to get representation in these markets if they represent you.
2) How should I prepare for a career in illustration of children’s books?
I’m going to caveat this answer with – I’m not an illustrator and hence my advice is more generic and based on what I know of the industry.
- Know thy industry – know the roles in publishing. Know the publishers. Know other illustrators and their works.
- Engage with the industry – be part of the discussions in the industry from how children of colour are represented in illustrations to what’s happening in Bologna children’s book fair this year. Find out what competitions are run for unpublished / unrepresented illustrators. Chat with other illustrators and be genuinely interested in their work.
- Know they self – Understand what your style is, what is your comfort zone vs not. Are you good at drawing babies or animals? Are you comfortable with digital or drawing on physical medium? Are you comfortable with B&W drawings or full-colour illustrations? Do you want to write as well as draw?
- Have a portfolio – Showcase your strengths in an online and digital portfolio. If you want to illustrate a children’s book, there is every chance you will need to draw a child or a cuddly toy or a dinosaur. So showcase your drawings of such things. If you have different styles, showcase them. Make sure your online portfolio is either on a portfolio site or a website. Don’t send designers links to dropboxes (unless requested or agreed) or google drives – because designers will not click on unsafe links that could cause harm to their work or personal devices.
- Attend industry events – from local to international, there are a number of organisations and conferences you can attend to both learn about the industry and to showcase your illustrations. Unlike writers, illustrators have a chance to display their work in front of others easily. Bologna Book Fair, London Book Fair, and local and international SCBWI conferences offer opportunities for illustrators to showcase their work.
3) Can you hire me to illustrate your book?
The simple answer from me, personally is, No. I’m a traditionally published author. That means, my publishers will choose and pair my text with an illustrator – based on style, the target audience, age-group of the story and many other considerations. I sometimes get to recommend a few names. While publishers and their design teams might be willing to check it out, they might prefer to shortlist other illustrators. Often publishers will ask for the author’s opinion and often it might not be the final decision.
Self-published authors will be on the lookout for illustrators if they need a book cover or inside art and perhaps even full-colour illustrations. They might be open to someone approaching them. However, their choices will be dependent on delivery times and costs. And only the illustrator can decide if they want to take on the work for a certain amount of money to deliver within a certain amount of time. You must have clear contracts and protections to ensure you’re not drawn into a long gig for almost no money.
4) I don’t have an illustration degree. Can I still become an illustrator?
Honestly I don’t know the answer to that. I know of friends and peers who have gone through either routes. You must ask others, start doing the work you love and see how it goes. If you want to be an illustrator, regardless of the degree, all of the above will still apply.
5) What are the other opportunities in this industry?
Again, I’m going to caveat this with – I’m offering generic advice. You must talk to some experienced illustrators, read blogs, listen to youtube talks to figure out how much of this is practical.
- You can apply for a job in a publishers / advertising team’s design department
- You can set up a freelance job as an illustrator and start doing small jobs – ask local businesses or schools whether they need any illustration work done. Advertise on your socials.
- Run drawing and illustration courses for kids and adults
- Supplement your skillset – can you learn animation? Do you know how to use industry software like InDesign or Procreate? Do you want to write a story and illustrate it? Can you learn storytelling to go with your art workshops? Are you good at making models, puppets and such?
- Apply for courses, grants, fellowships and such – practice your art. Be part of smaller and bigger forums – Inktober is on social media, an arts colony fellowship might be an option too.
- Start an Etsy or online shop. Sell greeting cards with your art, maybe a painting etc. Get out there to showcase your talent.
I really hope all of the above is useful to you as an illustrator. As a writer, I’m not an expert on the topic – but I do get asked a lot of times on how to break in. I’ve provided information as best as I can. Good luck on your journey and hope one day we will work together.
If you're an illustrator already established and you have (definitely better) advice to share, please do forward them to me and I'll be able to post them alongside this page.