materials and processes

Communication is a crucial skill for a children’s illustrator. Why communication? Communication is essential because you are not working on your own! You’re cooperating with the editor, the publishing company, and the client. There is much back and forth, negotiation, learning what needs to be tweaked and changed, requiring the approval of drawings. This is a necessary skill to have. Relating to communication, another skill you need is working in a group. You have to look at this job as a group project. Feedback is so important. Children illustrator Artist Roy P. Awbrey said, ‘Seek advice and opinions. Awbrey mentioned that this is what helped him transform his work the most! And resulted in the happiest clients.

I talked to a teacher at my university who is an illustrator. He mentioned how important it is to have both digital and traditional skills. Why? Though as a children’s book illustrator, creating and sticking to your own style is heavily recommended. This a skill to be able to create art digitally or traditionally when required because a brief may suit one more than the other. He also mentioned that combining both can result in very interesting work!

The next skill you need is marketing and business. This is so important because this is what will help you really get your name out there. This is what will attract clients. You think to think a little like an entrepreneur. You are setting up your own little business!

Following on, the next skill you will need is being able to work to deadlines. You’re working as a group, so you must stay caught up; otherwise, it will have a domino effect. If you don’t finish it on time, you will lose clients and create a bad look. So, you need to stay on track.