What Illustrators Want Picture Book Authors to Know

Being a creative is a challenge. Trying to use your creative talents with others can be even more of a challenge. A good working relationship is key for a project's success, and this is especially true for authors and illustrators who team up. This week, career illustrator Sharon Lane Holm gives us a window into the illustrator's perspective.

What Illustrators Want Authors to Know

By Sharon Lane Holm

Trust me. We both want the same thing—to share a wonderful story with great
illustrations. We both want to sparkle and stand out above all the rest.

Trust me. Please try to not micro manage. Creative freedom is the best thing you can give to your illustrator. Allow yourself to be open to their ideas.

Trust me. You created a great story! As an illustrator it is my job to interpret your
words visually. I tell your story with my illustrations. Both art and
words must be able to stand alone and tell the same story, without each other.

Trust me. My artistic interpretation may differ from yours. An illustrator has so many different ideas and will come up with something you may never have imagined. Let me show you another way to make us to shine.

Trust me. I am a professional, just like you. We will both agree on a fair and reasonable contract beforehand so there will be no surprises. I will always do my best work. I would never expect anything less of myself.

Trust me. We may never actually meet. But professionally we are a team. We are in this together. I so appreciate being a part of our team. I hope you will feel the same way.

Trust me. I love what I do. I create and draw and color outside the lines. I can draw a
story. I can draw your story.

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Sharon Lane Holm is a professional illustrator of over thirty children's books including Zoe's Hats. She has her black belt in martial arts and is also an avid animal rescuer. Visit her website here.