How to start your journey as a children’s illustrator: 6 practical tips
- Maru KotKot
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Starting out as a children’s illustrator can feel exciting — and a little overwhelming. You might be asking yourself: How do I find my style? How do I get clients? Where should I share my work?
The good news is that every illustrator you admire started where you are now. With the right steps, you can grow your skills, build your portfolio, and start turning your art into a career.
Here are six tips to help you on your way.
1. Explore styles, but stay true to yourself
When you’re just beginning, it’s normal to experiment with different styles. Draw inspiration from children’s books, animation, toys, and nature. Try out various approaches, but pay attention to what feels natural and fun for you. That’s usually where your authentic style lives.
2. Build a starter portfolio
You don’t need dozens of projects to start ---- even 6 -10 strong pieces are enough to show your potential. Focus on variety:
Character design (different ages, emotions)
Simple background scenes
Storytelling illustrations (a moment of action, play, or magic)
✨ Pro tip: Create a “mini project” like a fake book cover or short story spread to showcase your imagination.
3. Share your work regularly
Your art needs to be seen. Post your illustrations on platforms like:
Instagram & Pinterest (visual, great for growing audience)
Behance & Dribbble (professional visibility)
LinkedIn (to connect with authors, publishers, and startups)
Consistency matters more than perfection. Posting regularly builds your visibility and confidence.
✨ Want to see how I share my own work? You can follow me here:
4. Learn the business side
Being a successful illustrator isn’t only about drawing. Learn about:
Contracts and pricing — so you protect your work and time.
Usage rights — clients may need print, digital, or merchandise rights.
Communication skills — clear updates make collaborations smoother.
The earlier you understand this, the more professional you’ll appear to clients.
5. Connect with community
Don’t try to grow alone. Join online groups, local art communities, or illustration challenges. Sharing experiences with other illustrators helps you:
Stay motivated.
Get honest feedback.
Learn from others’ successes (and mistakes).
Community is where inspiration and opportunities often begin.
6. Keep learning & growing
Illustration is always evolving. Whether it’s new tools like Procreate, trends in children’s publishing, or personal skill-building, keep yourself curious. Every project -- even the small ones -- adds to your growth.
Conclusion
Starting out as a children’s illustrator is a journey filled with creativity, challenges, and discovery. You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. Focus on building a small but strong portfolio, sharing consistently, and connecting with people who believe in your art.
And remember: every illustrator you look up to once started exactly where you are.
Keep going -- your stories are worth drawing.
