4 Mistakes I've Made Illustrating Children's Books

In the last 4 years working full time as a children’s book illustrator for self-publishing authors I have illustrated about 25 books and in doing so I have made quite a few mistakes and learned a lot in the process. My aim is to help you avoid making the same mistakes and also to encourage you to make your own mistakes and learn from them. ​

Mistake nr 1: Not Charging Enough for my Illustrations

When I just started out, I had no idea what the standard rates for children’s book illustrations were and I under-valued myself badly. I did not know what my value as an illustrator was. Yes, I just started out with children’s books, but I have been illustrating for other industries for almost 10 years. Under charging yourself in the beginning of your illustration career is not a train smash though, you can always raise your prices as you gain confidence and skill. The more value you bring to the client, the more you can charge.  ​

Mistake nr 2: Illustrating the Words not the Story 

Illustrations are meant to enhance and support the author’s written words, drawing exactly what is written in the text is redundant. Authors sometimes request that you draw everything that is in their text, I have made the mistake of agreeing to this way too many times. You end up trying to squeeze what should be 5 scenes into one illustration. When reading the manuscript, imagine the story in your head like a movie. What is the most action-packed scene that you can freeze frame? Illustration fills in the gaps and draws in the reader. You could even include a secondary story line inside of your illustrations, or add hidden humor for children to discover.  ​

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When reading the manuscript, imagine the story in your head like a movie. What is the most action-packed scene that you can freeze frame?

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Mistake nr 3: Not having a contract in place ​

When I first started out, I had no contract of my own in place. But working with multiple authors made me realize that I need to protect myself too. Some common things to keep in mind is :

• How many revisions will you allow before charging 
• How much time do you need to complete the illustrations 
• Exactly what will you provide and what will cost extra (for example end sheets, PNG files, PSD files,etc) 
• How long are you willing to wait for feedback from the author 
• What is your payment schedule? Do you ask for a deposit? What will you do if there is a delay in payment 
• If a client books you in advance but then ghosts you without canceling in advance, is there a cancelation fee? 

Mistake nr 4: Over Booking and not Giving Myself Enough Time 

I absolutely HATE showing clients away, I want to help everybody and I feel so bad when I have to say no. That is the reason why I started the Caterpillar Collective freelance directory site for Children’s Books.

I am a bit of a workaholic, I love being productive and I absolutely LOVE my job. I spend my whole day drawing illustrations for amazing children’s book authors. So I try to squeeze in as much as I possibly can and sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, life happens, delays happen and I end up over booked and scrambling.

​When booking clients in advance, I advise giving yourself more than enough time, if you finish earlier, you can always ask your client If they are ready to start earlier. Always ask ahead of time how many illustrations will be needed, this will give you an idea of how long the book will take. Some are short and will be done quickly and some will be longer with more illustrations. Also schedule in enough buffer time for revisions. 

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Take-Away Tips for Children’s Book Illustrators :​

• Know the project specifications before you give a quote 
• Keep revisions in mind when scheduling clients 
• Charge for extra revisions and put it in your contract 
• Always strive to improve. Find ways to do better with each illustration and with each new client 
• When you are just starting out and you don’t know what to charge, start lower with an amount you are comfortable with and then raise your price with each new client. ​

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Making mistakes is inevitable, don't let it stop you from doing what you love. Learn from your mistakes, let it sculpt you into a better illustrator and a stronger person. I heard a saying once "If you are not making mistakes you aren't pushing yourself hard enough". Mistakes are part of life and if you shy away from making them, you aren't living to your fullest potential.

I want to take this opportunity to let you in on an exciting new venture I am taking on. I am creating a freelance directory for children's book service providers. I want to invite you to join the launch team and help me make this site the go-to place for self-publishing authors to find vetted freelancers to help them create professional and beautiful children's books that will brighten the lives of children all over the world. If you are interested in joining the launch team and listing your illustration services, please sign up here: