Hiring the right illustrator can make all the difference in the success of your children’s book. A talented illustrator brings your story to life, creates memorable characters, and helps connect readers to your message.
Unfortunately, not every illustrator is the right fit for every project.
Before signing an agreement (highly recommended), watch for these three common red flags.
1. They Don’t Have a Complete Portfolio
A few beautiful illustrations do not necessarily mean an illustrator can successfully complete an entire picture book.
When reviewing a portfolio, look for:
- Multiple finished pieces
- Consistent quality
- Character expressions
- Background scenes
- Storytelling ability
A children’s book requires dozens of illustrations working together to tell a story. If an illustrator only shows a handful of unrelated images, it may be difficult to evaluate whether they can handle a full project.
2. Communication Is Inconsistent
Strong communication is often just as important as artistic talent.
Pay attention to how an illustrator communicates during the inquiry process.
Do they:
- Respond within a reasonable timeframe?
- Answer questions clearly?
- Explain their process thoroughly?
- Set realistic expectations?
Missed messages, vague answers, and poor communication early on can sometimes signal challenges later in the project.
3. There Is No Contract
A professional illustrator should always provide a written agreement outlining:
- Scope of work
- Payment schedule
- Deliverables
- Timeline
- Revision policies
- Rights and ownership
A contract protects both the author and the illustrator by ensuring expectations are clear from the beginning.
If someone is unwilling to use a contract, consider it a significant warning sign. You can also provide your own contract, check out the Author's Guild for resources.
The Bottom Line
Choosing an illustrator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the publishing process. Taking the time to review portfolios, evaluate communication, and confirm professional business practices can save you time, money, and frustration later.
Of course, these are only three of the many warning signs authors should understand before hiring an illustrator.
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