Are you looking for a children’s book illustrator and designer to turn your idea into an actual book?
I can create that book from start to finish!
My services will provide you with…
My name is Sarah and I am a well-established children’s book illustrator, with over 15 years experience. I love nothing better than getting my crayons out, as I’m really a big kid at heart. This allows me to create the books that children love!
Whether you’re looking for a crazy crocodile, wimpy washing machine, or a flabby flamingo, my experience in creating unique children’s illustrations means that I am able to approach any project with unique and exciting ideas, and not just the typical run-of-the-mill art and layouts.
Bringing Your Story to Life
People often get stuck with how to bring their books to life, and this is where I can help.
Frequently asked questions include: “What’s the process?”, “How do I go about getting my story made into a book?”, and “Can I just get two copies made?”
I can guide you through the whole process, starting with your story and going right through to getting the book printed. I can answer your questions along the way, and make sure that you are getting the book you want out of this journey.
What Can I Offer You?
- Original and unique illustrations that children will love
- Layouts and printing taken care of. (printing dependent on package)
- Affordable, professional illustrations that won’t break the bank
- A series of sketch revisions to get your book looking perfect
- Final print files supplied in your desired format: High-resolution PDF, TIFF, EPS etc., for any purpose/any size (package dependent)
- An illustrator that will work with you every step of the way, ensuring you’re happy with the progress on your book
- FREE basic spelling and grammar check – included in all HD packages.
- A few giggles and smiles along the way!
How Will We Fit Together?
It is well known in the children’s book industry that the younger market is one of the hardest to impress due to children getting easily bored when reading. This is why it is so important to find the right illustrator.
Illustrations are key in bringing your book to life. To truly capture a child’s attention you need your illustrations to be funky, fun and eye-catching. This is where I can help! Your illustrations will have a unique and distinct style, presenting the characters and the story in a way that intrigues and entertains children of your target ages, and sometimes even adults! I think that every drawing must be unique and unforgettable. It has its own character, its own look, its own story.
You want to stand out, and to do this each and every character in your book needs to be distinct and memorable. Whether it’s a loveable bunny rabbit or a devious fox, I really get into the heads of your characters to make their mannerisms, actions and emotions truly believable and interesting, which children love!
Select the style you like…
When we write stories, we all have a style in mind. So to get the best out of a journey and to create the book(s) as you have imagined, I offer a varied amount of styles. We all have different tastes, after all!!
*PRICES ARE DEPENDENT ON STYLE CHOSEN. PLEASE ASK FOR MORE DETAILS.
My Illustration Process
If you want the very best characters for your children’s book, you need to know your characters and their stories inside out. I have a particular way in which I like to work to ensure that every point is covered.
Step one
As soon as I receive a book project the first thing I do is read the story. I read it multiple times and start doodling whilst I read, which helps me determine how the character should look. I also put voices to all of the characters and try to imagine what they would sound like. After a while, I have an entire backstory in my head and can see their ages, their friends, where they live and what emotions and characteristics make up their character. I keep sketching until I get the character in my head on paper, and when I have finished these initial sketches, I send them back to you for feedback. I feel it is this process that really sets me apart from other children’s book illustrators! I work closely with my clients from the very beginning.
Step two
It’s a lot of fun building a layout for a book. Working on the flow, and figuring out how and what pictures will work. I will make sure they are how you envisioned them. Working together, the sketch stage will give us a truly distinct set of characters that children, as well as adults, will love! Once you are happy with things, thats when I get colouring! I LOVE this stage ad the simple sketches from my head jump out the page and come to life. It’s an amazing part of the process as it completely transforms the drawings.
Step three
Once your characters/illustrations are complete to your satisfaction, it’s time to bring them all together. The use of the digital software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign then takes over and we can start to create your dream book. Generating the digital form is where the book truly comes to life. This is the stage where we set the text with the completed illustrations. Getting to see how it all works together is SO rewarding.
So here’s how will we work together?
Let’s Talk. Firstly, it all begins with a chat about your story. Creating your book, or books, is such a fun adventure, and to ensure that it reaches its maximum potential, it’s vital that I have a good understanding of the story, its characters, its focus; in fact, anything that you think is important. During this conversation, we will also discuss and decide on the style of illustration you would prefer for your project. To help choose this, please visit my “Children’s Book Illustration” page, and check out the five styles I offer. While all of this is achievable via emails, I would much prefer a chat over the phone to help me get a better feel for the project.- Deposit. Once we have agreed the details of the project, I will send you a formal contract for you to read and sign. This contract will contain our standard terms and conditions, as well as detail the processes that will take place. A week before the start date, the deposit will be due (usually 50% of the agreed fee), and I will issue an invoice for this amount at this time. To help the process begin smoothly, please would you ensure that this amount is paid, by return. Work will commence on the scheduled date providing payment has been received.
Let’s Get Started. Before I begin working on your project, please ensure that I am in receipt of ALL the details regarding your book. To include:- a. A copy of your typed & proof-read story (We will also double-check spelling and grammar at the final stage should you wish). b. A descriptive paragraph for the back cover. c. Any dedications for the book (if you wish to have any). This is also the stage to inform me if you have any specific requests regarding your characters. What would also be helpful is a short character bio to help me understand more about them. I also need to know if I have any illustrative restraints, or anything you definitely don’t want. All of this will save us a lot of time in the editing stage! 
Storyboard/Sketch Building. This is the stage where you can check the sketches/rough book template and make any suggestions. Firstly, I will build a text-based layout to ensure that you are happy with the flow of your story and once agreed, I will start to draw. When completed, I will send you a fully sketched draft. It is vital to ensure that the sketches are correct at this point, as illustration changes are unable to be made after this stage free of charge. Please make sure that, at this stage, you are honest with me, and let me know in clear terms what you want to change, if anything, about the sketches.
Illustration Development. The stage that can take the longest time to complete, and also when I get to colour everything! Please bear in mind that this stage usually requires approx. 3-4 weeks of work, dependent on the complexity of the illustrations. I will do my best to advise you at the earliest opportunity if your illustrations require longer than this to complete.- Book Generation. The book comes to life as this stage involves importing the images, and begin editing. This will take approx. 1-2 weeks.
- Payment/Final Files. Once I have completed the illustrations and compiled the book, before the release of many months of work, the second payment (usually 50% of the agreed fee) will be due. Upon receipt of that payment, I will send you the complete, finished proof. Please understand that this payment is to be received first, as the files I send you will be the completed book, ready for final editing.
Editing. Once you have received the book and have examined it thoroughly, I will then work with you to edit out any little errors; typos/imperfections etc. These edits are crucial to the finishing of the book, and I always advise you to take your time. Please remember that there are three rounds of edits included in the package pricing, and that any further edits or alterations will be chargeable. 
And to Finish. After completion of the final editing stage, please sign off the project, and upon receipt of which, I will provide you with all the final files. You will then have everything you need: illustrations as separate files, cover images, and the book PDF for print, or printed book if you purchased the Gift Book package. If you need any assistance dealing with your printer, I’m always happy to provide advice as best I can.
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How About Extras?
As a FREE ‘Thank you’ for letting me work with you on your book(s) I offer my “Premium” customers a free spot on my ‘children’s picture book’ page, on my website to advertise, sell and showcase their book(s): https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/picture-book-illustration/
I also can help you get a small webpage up to help you promote your book, provide a PayPal link for people to purchase the book etc. (please feel free to ask for further details)
Also if you need a logo, if the book is going to become a series. (available as part of the self-publishing package)
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I have worked on lots of books here is my publications list: https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/publications/ I also have a large gallery of my latest illustration work available to view on my website. So if there is a preferred style you like please just let me know: https://www.happydesigner.co.uk/gallery/
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What about an ISBN number?
Isbn information: Here’s the website you need –The URL for the ISBN Store is: https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/
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Barcodes
Once you have your ISBN number, I can generate Barcodes and apply them to the book for you.
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Proof Reading & Editing?
All done in house for you, So you don’t have to worry about finding someone to help, you’re already here! I offer free proofreading with ALL packages.
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So what about the book layouts and printing?
As well as the illustrations themselves I can also package them up into a professional standard printable book PDF, ready to send to the printers. I can manage this whole process for you, so you don’t have to worry! All you need to do is contact the printers, Put me in touch and I can hand over the files for you. (GIFT PACKAGES I get a book printed for you, so all you need to do, is look out for the delivery man 🙂
I use professional layout packages to layout your books and pages and this approach also means it’s a very cost-effective method of printing a children’s book.
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An idea for Self-Publishers…
I can put you in touch with a small publisher, that will consider your submission and will give you a discount! They can also offer marketing and sales advice. ————————————————————————————————
Websites…
If you are looking to have a small website built you can get in touch with: Tracey Rickard She is my website developer and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else 🙂
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Book launch and exhibitions
Launching your stories, characters and books is a huge step, and the most important factor about this is getting people to see who you are and what you are all about, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. I can help you with any aspect of this, if you require posters, adverts, exhibition stand design or even life-size cut-outs of the characters themselves.
A Little Bit Of Legal Stuff…
It is very important that your story does not infringe on anybody’s intellectual copyright. You should not use actual company trade names or existing character names from other stories, films, TV shows, books etc., without the copyright owners express, and written permission. With regard to your project, we will issue a limited licence for you to use the illustrations we create for you for the purposes of the purchased book only. We do this because every illustrator owns the copyright to all of their creations, by default, as soon as they draw, paint or design anything. The issuing of a licence is the correct and legal way for us to allow you to use the illustrations as agreed in the contract.
Ready for me to wave my wand of creativity?
If you like what you have read above and are looking for a reliable and affordable children’s book illustrator, Then get in touch and let’s make your story come to life!
