3 ways to become a picture book illustrator | Tips for New Childrens Book Illustrators

[@brenroseartsoul6713]

I did the Picture Book Prompt course last year with Ness - she is incredible! The value gained is a dozen times more than what the course costs 👏 I highly recommend this course ❤

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you so much Brenda, your endorsement mean a lot to me! ☺💗

[@1ArtistChic]

I love the abundance of online resources at our fingertips that enrich my understanding of topics that I am passionate about, like becoming an author, or illustrator, or understanding the publishing industry. Investing time in researching and learning has significantly deepened my insights. There are a plethora of mini-courses and videos, like those shared by Ness, that offer valuable guidance. Seizing these opportunities fosters personal growth but also clearer communication among authors, illustrators, and publishing companies. Effort, dedication, and time investment prove invaluable for achieving success!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I couldn't agree more! There are lots of resources now, both paid and free, and lots of different teaching approaches. It's a wonderful time to get started as an artist!

[@stasartstudio]

Appreciate you Ness!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Awww thank you, I appreciate you too!

[@MariJadeWrites]

Hi! Yes, technically I tried the third method, but with Coloring books 😊 i want to create a picture book eventually as well. Took a break from Amazon Kdp recently/this year so far, but want to get back into it soon. 😊thank you for an inspiring video!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Ohhh I think that was really smart to start with a coloring book to get the hang of KDP and the formatting! When you start on your picture book, you'll be ready for the challenge. You can do it!!

[@MariJadeWrites]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thank you, hopefully I can get an idea going for a picture book as well :)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@MariJadeWrites I have no doubt you will!

[@marrylo842]

I am an illustrator and I am on the first type with the case of not having perfect website in storybook and whatever she is saying is very very true and it might be lower than 500 😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You can do this hun! Keep improving your website and you will reach your goals 🙂

[@marrylo842]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess thankyou... really committed to it!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Have you tried any of these methods before? If so, which one(s) and how did it go? :)

[@RaphaelAvant]

Nice and formal video. I'm actually collaborating with a friend on a picture book. They are writing the book, while I'm illustrating the book. It's been a lot of work, but fun so far.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@RaphaelAvant That sums up picture books really well! It's hard work, but fun and rewarding :) Best of luck with your project!

[@anweshamukherjee5729]

I actually used to take projects from fiverr before I knew about copyrights, legal stuffs, pricing standards and all. I had worked on a 100 page Halloween themed coloring book and two picture books. The rest were other illustration works. Only one of the picture books have credited me as the illustrator. Now I don't have the copyrights and know how much I have been exploited 😅😂 .I also used to be an inhouse illustrator for an illustration company where I had illustrated many more children's books. I guess I can show my experience from there. Though all of these projects were with self-published authors and were made under totally non-standard timelines. Couldn't have illustrated this many books in just 2 years otherwise 🤣. I hope the inhouse experience would count when I try to get published. This video was very helpful btw, Vanessa. I am interested in all the 3 ways of getting started, especially the second and third one. The last two are on my bucket lists of things I would love to do in life 😍

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@anweshamukherjee5729 Of course, in-house experience and Fiverr projects absolutely count as experience!! Even personal projects count! I'm so glad to hear you found the video helpful, hun :)

[@anweshamukherjee5729]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess yay nice

[@davidradecky5399]

I am defiantly full game on the third method. I am a talented illustrator but I am a nobody and I have been making incredible art. I do plan on writing and illustrating a book that is not a childrens book but more of an epic sci-fi fantasy story and children could read it too and perhaps a trilogy or 3 book series. My thing is that I need to just start this book and then see what I can do about it after I finish. I love doing things the old fashioned way where I will literally hand write my tale followed by illustrations produced via intaglio printmaking my pages. Seems ambitious but I think I can do this right. I mean that is one way of producing a book however doing it hand made like that brings its problems also. For one I would have to use thick heavy weight paper and 2 a slow drawn out production time. The other method I have is do the traditional art scan that into my computer lay it out on a page and just type the text which indeed would save me a ton of time. I think with that being said my second idea is the way I am going to go. I can figure out printing and publishing and most importantly copyright at a later time. I just need to get this made and organized. If all goes right in a way I could become my own book publishing company on a small scale of course.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

It sounds like the plan is forming in your head nicely! I wish you the best with your project, it sounds cool!

[@Rebecca-qg8pb]

Can you please make a video about the technical stuff like softwares, dpi, file formats all that confusing things. Thanks 😊

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I use Photoshop for formatting, but many people use other apps like Procreate or Affinity and that's perfectly fine! Both can export PSD files, which are often the required file format. I have a video that explains the dpi, bleeds and formatting :) You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqGlnXuCr7eSfck

[@fuwafuwa2887]

I don't usually comment...👉👈 but hello~ I've been wanting to follow my passion in art,for awhile now Although i felt so lost and overwhelmed,not knowing where to look,as im only just starting out... your videos have been so helpful!🥺 (I've been taking notes lol)

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Awww that's so nice! I'm glad you're finding my videos helpful :) Take those notes and go for it!! I'm rooting for you!

[@jadeharley1148]

The third way is very inspiring to hear because I just write and ilustrated my fist book ever to a contest. I plan to used to build my portafolio since I want to start my career as a freelance illustrator. My book is 42 pages long but still I don't know if I should create new ilustrations to add to my portafolio

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

That's amazing, congratulations!! I recommend to pick 3-4 of your favorite illustrations from this book to add to your portfolio, and draw other illustrations for the rest so you have a bigger variety of topics and characters to showcase the range of your skills. 12 pieces in total is a good number!

[@jadeharley1148]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thanks a lot for you reply! I will follow your advice and create more pieces ^^

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@jadeharley1148 Best of luck hun! I'm rooting for you!!

[@jadeharley1148]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thanks a lot! 💕 You channel really has help me to have a better idea in how to start as a freelancer cause I couldn't afford go to an art school (my career is a weird mix between programming and animation), so thank you a lot for this videos!

[@jas_094]

Still trying to get to work with a publisher! I have had luck with self published authors, and (also luckily) got an agent! I even made a dummy with another writer's text !! Not giving up just yet over here

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Your work is fabulous and if you scored an agent, they know it too :) You can do it!!

[@jas_094]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thank you Vanessa! Loved the video too. I think a good complimentary series on making your own books is Will Terry's entire series on the matter

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

@@jas_094 Yes it has excellent information! And Will Terry would know ;)

[@msafful]

Hi! But how do you find publishers? Are there certain publishers you recommend who are good for digital freelance artists like me who is looking for my first project? Are there a lot that are willing to hire people outside the USA? In all how do you find small publishers in general? Every attempt i have made in Google search, keeps mentioning the bigger brands like scholastic, how do i find small publishers? Thanks!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

The best way to find publishers is to go to the book store or library and look at the books! Take note of who makes them. Small or local publishers are indeed a good place to start when you have no prior experience. I'm not in the USA myself and it hasn't been a problem :)

[@msafful]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Thanks!