5 Signs You Should NOT Become A Children's Book Illustrator | picture book illustrator

Being a children's book illustrator/ picture book illustrator is a wonderful career to be in, but it is definitely NOT for everyone. A freelance illustrator is just like being a business owner and if you like to take control of your time, ideas, life, and prospects, this is surely a career path worth considering.
However, if you don't want to have to think about the intricacies of business ownership and fine tuning what you career would like, this may not be the field or you.
I've narrowed down 5 keys signs highlighting that you should NOT become an illustrator.
As a black woman who is an artist/ illustrator, it means a lot to be able to give back to a growing community that has helped me, so I hope you all watching enjoy the video as much I enjoyed making it.
if you want to know how I became in an illustrator, see this video here:
• How I Became a Full-Ti...
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[@shellenewright]

Tell me what you want to know about getting into illustration / picture books. I will be doing live videos soon to answer any questions you might have as well.💬 Let me know what you want to learn about below!💛💛💛

[@MizukiArts]

You might have a video about this already, but I'd love to find out how one gets an agent! great video btw!! ^^

[@2solid4tv48]

Hi .great video .i just subscribed and messaged you on Ig

[@BiancaHaeckDesigns]

This was SO helpful and clear! Thank you so much for making this! The industry is so tight-lipped about what goes into it.

[@2solid4tv48]

Whats ur i.G ? I need an illustrator

[@sukeyd.artist]

I think the “time management “ is my biggest struggle. I tried solving that problem many times for so many years even now and still can't get it right. Even journaling or writing down my daily tasks or weekly tasks and still can't do it right. I get so busy that I forget to look at the time or check what to do in a day.

[@shellenewright]

I'll try to make a video on what realistic time management looks like for me, so it can give you a sense of reassurance that as long as it works for you.. that's most important.

[@sukeyd.artist]

@@shellenewright thank you very much, I appreciate it!🥺🙊

[@Meg_Davis]

Shellene! So lovely meeting you! Instant sub in the first 5 minutes. I'm currently working on my own projects for my art business, but everything you said rang true, and the point you made about knowing the next step to take as it relates to the big picture was so encouraging to me because I'm already doing it! Thank you for making the time to share you journey, I'm excited to watch more!

[@sydneyharp1989]

I would love to hear you describe your routine subscribed you are steps ahead of me and I’d like to watch

[@shellenewright]

Hi Sydney, I'll make a video on it for you. I've noted it down. Hopefully its out by next month! Check back soon. I hope I can help along your journey and help prepare you if I can :)

[@kristinlamonda5862]

Stellar Shellene. Just perfect. You just helped people so much. You helped me so much, and I can't be the only one! I don't think this is for me. And, I love how you wrapped it up at the end. Thank you!

[@itsdaksha]

I love how real this is!! Years back i really wanted to be a cb illustrator but now that i saw these points, i clearly didnt tick off some of these back in the day. Hopefully in future! ❤

[@pedrooswald]

Thank you so much for your honest words. Your words really gave me confort. I work with illustration and animation since 2016, I confess that I have been feeling that fear that you mentioned. Specially after the pandemics, waking up and working at the computer, having a smaller perspective about the world, staying inside by oneself. Nowadays that feeling is not as strong but it still lurks at times. I used to have personal projects, but the urge to make money made me let them aside. I would like to thank you for remembering me of how important that is for a person's mind🙇‍♂️

[@Sarah-ht7cs]

None of these things come easy to me because I have ADHD and Autism, but It's something I have a burning passion to do, so I have no doubt that I can and will. I know a ton of neurodiverse people in the kid lit industry, so there must be work-arounds for all these issues. I would think these things would be key: 1. Having a great attitude, 2. Having a great agent, and 3. Having a thoughrough knowledge of the industry and process.

[@michelle9182]

Thank u for being honest and real. Currently I am premajoring in Graphic Design but i have been having some doubts. It all comes down to me wanting to LEARN how to draw. I don’t what I would necessarily do with those skills. And then I thought about Illustration but from your video I can see theres a lot more to think about. Like I have to see it in a more professional perspective and understand that if I am willing to commit I have to be fully on board

[@irenaa9986]

Thank you for this honest video ! I am really bad at time management but i am willing to work on it till i become a master time manager 😅 Thanks again ❤

[@manchitas3531]

Thank you for your video. I am planning my retirement from a position in a government agency in 5 years. Am graduating with my graphic design degree next month and plan to illustrate children books in my retirement, full time. I have subscribed to your blog and look forward to learning about techniques and advice to make it a successful career.

[@virginiainnes9042]

I enjoyed your video…new subscriber! I’m in the process of writing, illustrating and self-publishing my first children’s book and am contemplating offering my illustrations freelance. I found this video helpful! I hope you have a blessed day!

[@ericachardonnay]

First, I love your hair and blouse! Secondly, Thanks so much for sharing! I appreciate your honesty and tips. I'm hoping to illustrate more books in the future. Your knowledge is so invaluable!😃

[@2solid4tv48]

Whats ur Fb or Ig ?....i need some books illustrated

[@auriadunford4270]

Honestly, this is solid life advice.

[@rebeccaoreilly2697]

Great advice - thanks so much! 😊

[@shellenewright]

You are so welcome!

[@milaahri]

Such a good video, thank u so much!! Just started following and already waiting for more content 🥰

[@shellenewright]

Thank you!! I have new stuff coming very soon. See you in the next video!

[@Degrrreee]

Yeah def not for me. I’m always lost,struggle with time management and planning,i hate talking to people,but still i don’t give up and continue doing this😅😂

[@PatriciaSchmitt-Art]

Great video!

[@astridarroyave]

Amazing. Thank you so much 🙏❤️

[@shellenewright]

You're so welcome!

[@freakishchick182]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@shellenewright]

My pleasure! Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to see/ know about!

[@WiWillemijn]

I like your way of presenting, it's very easy to listen to (even for my adhd brian) :)

[@shellenewright]

I’m glad it wasn’t too heavy. 😆

[@marcuslyons6622]

I really enjoyed your video. Thank you. Was wondering if you had advice for anyone looking to make picture book illustration their career in regards to what kinds of classes and experiences are a must for someone on a limited budget.

[@shellenewright]

Hi Marcus, I’ll be going LiVE every Friday to answer questions I’ve been getting. Today at 12PM EST as well. But I’ll definitely address your question, especially if I’m reminded or asked when I’m live. I’ll tackle just a few in my comment sections every week.

[@kiwifruitkl]

The Arthur books by Marc Brown were created because of the oral stories he told his children, now fully grown. And the original picture books referenced his children's names in some way. So, to him, there's definitely a communal aspect of storytelling. The nice thing about oral storytelling between the parent/guardian/elder and the child is that the audience is the tiny human(s) in front of you, and you can adjust the story to fit the listener. Children's book authors who are NOT parents or do not work with children will have a tougher deal. They don't have a live audience in front of them. Sure, they may read other picture books to get a feel of the language and illustrations, but that isn't the same as having a live audience and catering the work(s) to the specific audience.

[@gsdls]

Love this video. Thank you for the chat.

[@shellenewright]

You are so welcome!

[@amkmammu9705]

Thank you for your videos. I just stumbled across your video today and Im really enjoying listening to you share your tips and journey. Im just curious, are you able to talk about contracts? How you created your own and how you negotiated with new authors/ agents? Thank you for your time :)

[@shellenewright]

I'll make a video on how I make contracts, working with an agent and working with self-published authors. I have experience with these areas so I'll share what I know. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@amkmammu9705]

@@shellenewright Yuusss cant wait for this! Thank you hope youre having a great weekend :)

[@jasminealwedyan874]

This is a very helpful video!

[@shellenewright]

I'm so happy to have shared what I learned with you!😊 If there's a topic you like to see covered. Please feel free to leave suggestions.

[@TRASHEDMOP]

I LOVE TO DISCOVER YOU AT THIS POINT IN LIFE AND CARREER

[@shellenewright]

Thank you!!

[@LoveTJSykes]

Great video; thank you! I love your work. 💖 Do you happen to also illustrate animals for children’s books? Also, do you work with authors who self-publish?

[@shellenewright]

Youre very welcome! I don't illustrate animal character picture books so I don't include them in my portfolio. I do illustrate pets here and there in stories, but not a world full of animals. I do work with authors who self publish! When availability opens and I find a great match to work with, I am more than happy to work with self-published authors.

[@genevievealexandria]

Thank you so much! This is a brilliant and informative video. I was really intrigued by your point about knowing your "why". Thats one thing I am def struggling with but I know I can get there with some more thought. How did you get to find your "why"?

[@shellenewright]

Glad it was helpful! I'll try to make a make a video on it where I go in more depth. If anything, Ill mention it in my next live video on 4/7! Keep an eye out for it :)

[@tristengrant]

Can we get a video about contacts and one on advice for finding an agent? :D

[@shellenewright]

Definitely! I have a video on contracts coming underway. I'll make a video on finding an agent as well. Thank you for letting me know what you want to see!

[@tristengrant]

@@shellenewright

[@jennywhisconier7777]

Luv!

[@eroane]

❤❤❤❤ Thank you as I’ve been drawing for a long time…^__< I have been trying to get into the world of a children’s book illustrator for some time now…I feel like making comics takes so much effort and very time consuming to me and throughout my artistic life majority of comments has always been geared toward children’s book illustrator…^____

[@leom.5330]

It’s hilarious to take artistic direction from people who know nothing about art or illustration. The paycheck would have to be HUGE for me to even consider. I admire your patience, I could not.

[@shellenewright]

Surprisingly, a lot of the art directors and buyers I work with have a really good understanding on how to help my work /compositions / vision read better if I'm ever stuck with something. Or they have enough experience to offer feedback for an area I've overlooked. But it does vary. That's why the pay needs to be worth the commitment because its a two way value exchange. I don't believe this work is for everyone. It can seem like easy entry but its equally easy to enter into a contract with people who are inexperienced. Then again, a lot of artists wanting to break into professional illustration are often risks too. The art world isn't very regulated and I think it create a lot of space for clients and artists to be harmed.

[@charlottesantos4199]

From someone that loves to write, I see the whole story come to life in almost a video format in my mind. I can visualize the characters and the place settings but I can not draw. Having an illustrator that has this amazing talent is a blessing. I don’t see writers giving ‘artistic direction’ but rather giving a voice to what they imagine their story should look like. For example, an interior designer comes in to your house and has a rough idea of what style and colors you like and shows you the layout and color palette that they chose. It’s your house, you can either be passive and agree with everything or take part and discuss what you like and don’t like.

[@aznstylepn0y]

Except , when I’m on my free time I have nothing else to do except personal art work… which is a break. And the only reason why I’m doing this is to build my resume and portfolio and my knowledge. And with talking. You would still have to talk with art no matter what art you doing .