Children's Book Illustrator
What is a children’s book illustrator?
A children’s book illustrator is responsible for creating illustrations that perfectly accompany the story that is being told. They are able to create captivating images that keep their reader’s engaged.
How do you hire a children’s book illustrator?
You can source children’s book illustrators on Upwork by following these three steps:
- Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in a children’s book illustrator.
- Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
- Shortlist and interview children’s book illustrators. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview.
Of these three steps, your project description is where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of a children’s book illustrator you need to complete your project.
How much does it cost to hire a children’s book illustrator?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced children’s book illustrator may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their children’s book illustrating services more competitively.
Rates typically charged by children’s book illustrator on Upwork are:
- Beginner: $15 per hour
- Intermediate: $27 per hour
- Advanced: $110 per hour
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.
How do you write a children’s book illustrator job post?
Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
Job post title
Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample children’s book illustrator job post titles:
- Illustrator needed to create images for a children’s book on nature
- Freelance illustrator needed to draw images for an upcoming children’s book
- Digital illustrator needed for online educational course for children
Project description
An effective children’s book illustrator job post should include:
- Scope of work: From developing pencil sketches to replicating popular cartoon characters, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain genres, software, or drawing tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Children’s book illustrator job responsibilities
Here are some examples of a children’s book illustrator job responsibilities:
- Create vibrant images for educational course for children under 10
- Develop illustrations that coincide with the storyline
- Deliver illustrations for various children’s books targeting different ages
Children’s book illustrator job requirements and qualifications
Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in a children’s book illustrator. Here are some examples:
- Ability to create fun images that would resonate with children under 10
- Must have experience using a variety of mediums and drawing styles to fit the narrator’s story
- Understanding of 4-color print production required