When it comes to children’s books, pictures are just as important as words. The artwork doesn’t just illustrate the story; it often helps to tell it. For authors, this means that collaborating with an illustrator is a crucial step in bringing a book to life. Children’s book writer Marie Lee Book has worked with various illustrators throughout her career, and she’s learned a lot about how to make the process as smooth, creative, and rewarding as possible. Here, we’ll look at Marie’s best tips on collaborating with artists to create engaging, visually beautiful books for kids.
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1. Know Your Vision, but Be Open to New Ideas
Marie Lee’s first piece of advice is simple: go into the collaboration with a clear idea of your story’s message, tone, and style, but don’t become too attached to one specific vision. A talented illustrator will bring their unique perspective, and that’s something to welcome. When writers get too fixed on a single vision, it can limit the illustrator’s creativity. Instead, Marie suggests having an open dialogue about the story’s themes and letting the illustrator’s own ideas shine through.
Tip: Create a list of your book’s main ideas, mood, and the feelings you want to evoke, and share it with the illustrator. Then, be open to their interpretations and let them surprise you!
2. Choose the Right Illustrator for Your Story
The process of finding the right illustrator can feel a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first book. According to Marie, the best way to find the right match is to think about the “vibe” you want for your story. Do you want illustrations that are playful and bright? Or is your story a bit more serious and emotional? Take some time to look through illustrators’ portfolios to see what styles they specialize in. Some illustrators are perfect for lighthearted, whimsical stories, while others are skilled at creating images with more emotional depth.
Tip: Browse through online portfolios on platforms like Behance, Instagram, or illustrator directories for children’s book writing illustrators. Look for styles that naturally align with your story’s themes, and don’t be afraid to reach out for a conversation or a sample.
3. Establish Clear Communication Early On
Marie emphasizes that open communication is the foundation of any successful collaboration. This means setting up a system for sharing ideas, providing feedback, and checking in with each other. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps the project running smoothly. Early in the process, Marie likes to discuss her expectations for updates, timelines, and the best way to communicate feedback. It’s also helpful to set regular check-ins to discuss progress, brainstorm, and address any concerns.
Tip: Decide on a primary communication method (email, chat, or video calls) and a schedule for updates. For instance, you could agree to a weekly check-in via email with more detailed meetings once a month.
4. Create a Mood Board Together
A mood board is a powerful tool for aligning both the writer and illustrator’s vision. It can include colors, textures, character styles, and other visual elements that you want the book to embody. According to Marie, creating a mood board together is a fun, creative way to set the tone for the collaboration. By adding images that represent the mood and feel of your book, you’ll give the illustrator a concrete sense of what you’re aiming for.
Tip: Use a free tool like Pinterest or Canva to create a shared mood board. Add images, color schemes, and even examples from other books to give the illustrator a clear idea of the style you’re envisioning.
5. Be Specific, but Avoid Micromanaging
Marie advises authors to provide clear and specific feedback but to be careful not to micromanage. Remember that illustrators are experts in their craft, and part of their job is to interpret your story visually. While it’s helpful to give input on colors, character expressions, and background details, avoid dictating every tiny element. By allowing the illustrator some creative freedom, you’re more likely to end up with illustrations that feel lively and fresh.
Tip: Instead of saying, “Make the background blue,” try explaining the mood you want the background to convey, such as “calm” or “dreamy.” Let the illustrator choose the color and details that match that feeling.
6. Trust the Illustrator’s Process
Marie explains that every illustrator has their own creative process, and it’s important to respect that. Some illustrators like to sketch out rough drafts first, while others may dive right into digital work. Trusting their process means giving them the space to work in a way that feels natural for them. It can be tempting to ask for updates constantly, but Marie says it’s best to stick to the agreed check-in points unless you have an urgent question.
Tip: If you’re feeling nervous about the process, try asking the illustrator to share their usual workflow and timeline. Understanding their approach can help you feel more comfortable waiting for the final artwork.
7. Be Thoughtful with Feedback
Providing feedback is an essential part of collaboration, but it can be tricky to get right. Marie advises authors to approach feedback thoughtfully, focusing on what’s working well in addition to any changes you’d like to see. Positive feedback is just as important as constructive criticism because it reinforces what you love about the illustrations and helps the illustrator understand your preferences. When offering critique, Marie suggests being specific and focusing on the story’s needs rather than personal taste.
Tip: Try using a “compliment sandwich” format—start with something you love, suggest improvements, and finish with another positive note. For example, “I love the expressions on the characters’ faces! Could we make the background a little brighter to match the story’s tone? Overall, it’s looking fantastic!”
8. Settle on a Clear Timeline and Milestones
Every book project needs a timeline with clear milestones to keep both parties on track. Marie believes that setting up a timeline early is crucial for avoiding delays and managing expectations. Work together to create a realistic schedule that allows time for rough sketches, feedback, revisions, and final illustrations. This timeline doesn’t have to be set in stone, but it can help keep the project organized and reduce stress for both the author and illustrator.
Tip: Break down the timeline into phases, such as initial sketches, color tests, and final illustrations. Set milestone dates for each phase and build in some buffer time for revisions.
9. Discuss Ownership, Rights, and Credits Early
One area that can lead to misunderstandings is the ownership and usage rights of the artwork. Marie recommends discussing these details upfront to ensure that both parties are on the same page. Determine who will own the final illustrations, how they can be used (for example, in marketing or on social media), and how the illustrator will be credited. This is often handled through a contract, so if you’re not sure about the legal side, consider consulting a professional.
Tip: Use a simple contract template to outline the agreement on rights, ownership, and credit. If working with a publishing company, make sure they provide clear guidelines on this as well.
10. Appreciate and Celebrate the Collaboration
Marie believes that the best part of creating a children’s book is the collaboration itself. Illustrators bring their own creativity, expertise, and vision to the project, which can transform the book in ways an author may never have imagined. She emphasizes the importance of appreciating the illustrator’s contributions and celebrating the collaboration. Acknowledging the illustrator’s hard work not only fosters a positive relationship but can also lead to future partnerships.
Tip: Consider sharing a thank-you message, celebrating the book’s release together, or promoting the illustrator’s work to your audience. Small gestures of appreciation go a long way in building a lasting professional relationship.
11. Be Patient and Flexible with Revisions
Revisions are a normal part of the illustration process, but it’s essential to approach them with patience. Sometimes it may take a few rounds to get the illustrations just right, and that’s okay. Marie reminds authors that revisions are part of refining the book, not a sign of failure. Work with the illustrator to make adjustments, and try to be flexible if the illustrator suggests alternatives to your original ideas.
Tip: When you request revisions, focus on the specific elements that need to change rather than reworking the entire illustration. Keep in mind that revisions can take time, so try to be patient throughout this part of the process.
12. Celebrate the Finished Product Together
Finally, once the illustrations are complete, take a moment to celebrate the achievement with your illustrator. Creating a children’s book is a big accomplishment, and it’s even better when you can share it with the person who helped bring it to life. Marie encourages authors to find ways to celebrate the partnership, whether it’s through a launch event, a social media shoutout, or a simple thank-you note. After all, the journey of creating a children’s book is as important as the end result.
Tip: Share the finished product with the illustrator and thank them publicly if possible. Celebrating your collaboration acknowledges the hard work you both put into creating a story that will delight young readers.
Final Thoughts
Collaborating with an illustrator can be one of the most rewarding parts of creating a children’s book. With clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, you can create a visually engaging and memorable story for young readers. By following Marie Lee’s tips, you’ll be well-prepared to work closely with an illustrator to bring your story to life in ways that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on children and their families
