Where To Find Illustrators

Where Can I Find an Illustrator?

6/24/2020

There is a multitude of talented illustrators out there. You just need to know where to look. Besides knowing exactly where to find these amazing people, there are other considerations you need to take into account before diving right in. The first question you need to answer is...do you even need to find one?

Read on to discover the answer as well as many different places you can go to find an illustrator.

Do You Need to Find an Illustrator?

The very first consideration to make is if you are the one who needs to find the illustrator. If you plan on submitting your story to a publisher, large or small, they will be the ones choosing the illustrator. If you will be indie / self publishing, you will be able to select your artistic partner in your endeavor.

A frequent question that pops up when I mention this is: will I get to have a say in the art if I have a publisher? The truthful answer is most likely not. Presses have an art director whose job is to make sure the art and the words flow together. Some smaller presses may let you have some input, but it will vary from press to press. So if you want to choose your illustrator, you will need to indie publish.

Make Sure You Find Illustrators, Not Artists

There is a difference between someone who is an artist and someone who is an illustrator. An artist is anyone who makes art. An illustrator, however, has studied art for children as well as the process of creating a story utilizing page turns in a book. It is a specific skill set, much like a handyman can work on general things in your house, but an electrician has a specific knowledge and skill set. The handyman may be able to rewire your entire house, but they would likely not be able to do nearly as good of a job as an electrician. So be sure you are searching for illustrators and not artists.

Consider the Tone of Your Story

Before you begin your search, you need to examine your manuscript and consider what type of art will best match your story. Once you start looking at illustrators' portfolios, you may get swept away in the fun and choose art you like and forget about your story.

When I was looking for an illustrator for Grumbler, I knew I wanted art that was humorous but also conveyed a sense of love. When I found Marina Veselinovic's profile, I knew it was a match. So reflect on your story. What is the tone? If you have a serious topic, you'll want a more somber style of art. A fun, upbeat tone would likely match something more whimsical. Be sure your art matches your story so the book will be a cohesive whole.

Where to Find Illustrators on Websites

The internet is an awesome resource for finding illustrators. You could get lost for hours looking at art. (I certainly do!) Here are the top websites to find illustrators online as well as some notes about each:

Deviant Art - like Facebook for artists, search for illustrators
Behance - one of the top places to find artists online
SCBWI - some of these illustrators will not work with indie authors
Dribbble - requires a membership
Linked In - search for illustrators among all types of professionals
Fiverr - like a thrift shop, you can find gems but you have to search

Where to Find Illustrators on Social Media

Illustrators are on all varieties of social media, but the best place to find them is on Instagram since it is a picture-based platform. I like to follow accounts that share illustrations from lots of different artists so I can click on profiles and see more art. Here are the top accounts that feature lots of artists:

I also share illustrators I love in my Instagram stories for @orange_blossom_books.

Where to Find Illustrators In-Person

Let's not overlook good old fashioned networking. Meeting in person gives you the chance to feel out if the two of you will have a good working relationship. (Check out this post by Sharon Lane Holm called What Illustrators Want Picture Book Authors to Know for a glimpse from their side.)

Local writing groups are a great place to find illustrators, particularly if they are for children's writing. Search Meetup or Facebook for events near you. I've met illustrators in person that weren't right for my current project, but I saved their information for future ones.

Finding an illustrator is one of the most fun parts of making a picture book. Enjoy the search and visualizing your words turned into pictures. You will be one step closer to having your story come to life!

Arielle Haughee is the author of Grumbler, Joyride, and Pling's Party. She is also a picture book editor and publishing consultant. Email her at [email protected].

10 Comments

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Sharon Lane Holm

6/25/2020 03:43:48 am

Nice article. Great, you shared advice about illustration. And what to look for, especially looking for an illustrator to match your style

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8/14/2022 09:44:12 pm

thanks for info

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12/20/2023 09:58:51 pm

Great advice! Finding the right illustrator can make or break your project. To add to the list, you can also explore freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, which have a wide range of talented illustrators with diverse styles and expertise. It's all about doing your research, setting clear expectations, and collaborating effectively to ensure a successful partnership. Good luck in your search for the perfect illustrator!

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12/27/2023 11:36:43 pm

Orange Blossom Publishing is a hidden gem in the world of publishing. Their focus on nurturing talent and fostering creativity is evident in every book they put out. I've had the privilege of reading several of their titles, and I'm always left in awe of the storytelling prowess on display. Kudos to Orange Blossom Publishing for making a difference in the literary world!

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1/24/2024 05:40:09 am

It's great to see your article discussing the process of finding an illustrator for picture books. Finding the right illustrator is a crucial step in bringing a story to life, and your insights on this topic are valuable.

You've provided some excellent considerations, such as the distinction between artists and illustrators, the importance of matching the tone of the story with the art style, and where to find illustrators both online and in-person. Networking and attending local events can indeed be a productive way to establish connections with potential illustrators.
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3/12/2024 09:12:43 pm

This article is a treasure trove of valuable information for anyone looking to find an illustrator for their project. The author breaks down the process into manageable steps, addressing important considerations like the difference between artists and illustrators, the role of tone in storytelling, and where to find illustrators online, on social media, and even in-person. The personal anecdotes and practical tips shared throughout the article make the journey of finding the perfect illustrator feel exciting and accessible. As someone new to this process, I feel empowered and inspired to embark on this creative endeavor with confidence. Thank you for providing such valuable guidance and resources!

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3/13/2024 10:03:56 pm

This article provides a fantastic guide for anyone seeking an illustrator for their book, especially if it's a children's book. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between artists and illustrators, and it offers valuable insights into where to find the right illustrator for your project. The tips on considering the tone of your story and exploring various online platforms, social media accounts, and in-person networking opportunities are incredibly helpful. The author's personal experience and recommendations add a personal touch to the advice, making it feel relatable and encouraging. Overall, this article effectively guides aspiring authors through the process of finding the perfect illustrator, making the journey feel exciting and achievable. Great job!

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