Best art styles for picture books | Style tips for new children book illustrators

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

After watching this video, do you think your art could work for picture books? Why, why not? I'm curious to hear!

[@whenmaruvlogs]

I've bought most of Ness' courses and It really boosted up my art business. She is such a blessing for illustrators like me trying to break into picture book industry.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Oh Maru, that is so sweet! Thank you so much 😭💗

[@brenroseartsoul6713]

Such a useful video even for people who know to draw for picture books. Ness is a patient and generous art tutor. I’ve done this course last year and it changed my art style, made me more attentive to what I put on paper and encouraged me to think out of the box.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Awww Brenda, that is so sweet!! I'm glad you enjoyed this video (and the course!) It's been a privilege to watch you improve and grow on your art journey :)

[@neyptune]

This video is so helpful and encouraging. Especially the part where you say that it’s not a problem to be a traditional artist. Thank you ☺️❤️

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Bets of luck with your art journey! ❤️

[@GenXTexMom]

I’d like to know your thoughts on collage? My kids and I are creating some picture books and one we’d like to use collage.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I think collage would be such a great medium for picture books! It's playful and naive, it has JUST the right vibe for picture books!

[@aceborosellemae9082]

Thank you for sharing this! 🤗🎨🖌️ I learned a lot

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@jas_094]

Great video!

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Thank you Jose, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@docgallery]

My illustrations are also a bit advanced, so i guess I’ll have to stick to middle graders level 😅. I tried so hard to tone it down to baby styles but i just cant 😂. Good to watch u always Ness. ❤

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

If you have to try so hard, chances are it's just not a good fit! Middle grade is a great market and it sounds like it would make you happier!

[@lemony7946]

Could you make a Video about how to land jobs? I have a portfolio and everything, but I don't know what comes next.

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I have several videos about getting jobs, but this one may help you the most to get your bearings :) It explains the general map and All the steps to become a freelance illustrator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epfVfIyOq7h6rbc

[@msafful]

Hi! I want to cold call, but am wondering is it likely a company will accept you if you live in another country? If you offer your digital art services, but choose to work from your country, because you can't travel, will they be willing to consider if they can't meet you in person first?

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

I would recommend sending emails rather than phone calls - but yes, you can work from anywhere in the world! I'm in Canada, but most of my clients are in the US or UK. All the communication with clients is done by email and I've never even been asked to do a Zoom call. It's perfectly doable!

[@msafful]

@@ArtBusinesswithNess Oh okay, thanks for replying!

[@lindajohnson4204]

Does it work for the story you're trying to tell, and for the kids who will read your book through the pictures? Sure, someone will have to buy the book for the kids, and read the text for the ones who can't read yet. But it is still essentially a book written and illustrated for children, not a market. If the book is written and illustrated with thoughtfulness and integrity, it should appeal to the kids who are it's intended readers .

[@ArtBusinesswithNess]

Of course, but it does go hand in hand. Publishers know what they're doing and they pick illustrators based on what children enjoy and gravitate towards. For example, what's popular now is sketchy, loose styles because it looks fun and naive, like kids drawings, and children have shown they like this a lot. Also trends do have their effect on children, as they get used to the books they see in stores and in libraries and if you give them something really different (like an art style that's really different and out there, or a very old vintage book for instance), they sometimes don't gravitate towards those or enjoy them much because they're not used to it and it's out of their comfort zone. Even if they are written with thoughtfulness and integrity. Having worked in picture books for years, I know that integrity isn't always ALL that's needed because I've seen things that I've poured my heart into not appeal to kids in the end. This is a business channel so I do discuss how to sell art and get work first and foremost, but "market" isn't a nasty word! People buy things they enjoy, so what sells well in the market is often a great indication of what your audience likes and needs. It's all connected!