10 Mistakes to Avoid When Working With an Illustrator

Hiring a professional illustrator is one of the most exciting parts of creating a children’s book. Their artwork turns your story into a vivid, emotional journey that children can see, feel, and remember.
But collaboration between an author and illustrator requires clear communication, patience, and understanding. Without it, even the best story can lose its magic.

Whether you’re working on your first picture book or your fifth, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when working with an illustrator — and how to make the creative process smooth and successful.

🎨 1. Not Defining Your Vision Clearly

One of the biggest mistakes is starting the project without a clear vision.
If you only share your manuscript and say, “Do what you think looks best,” the results might not match what you imagined.

How to fix it:
Before hiring an illustrator, prepare a short creative brief including:

• Character descriptions (appearance, personality, clothing)

• Color palette ideas

• Preferred illustration style (watercolor, vector, cartoon, etc.)

• Age group and emotional tone of the story

The clearer your brief, the better your illustrator can bring your story to life.

✏️ 2. Choosing an Illustrator Solely Based on Price

While it’s important to stay within budget, choosing the cheapest option often leads to disappointment. Illustrations require hours of creative effort, attention to detail, and storytelling expertise.

How to fix it:
Review each illustrator’s portfolio, not just their price. Look for consistency, expressiveness, and storytelling ability. A slightly higher investment usually results in much higher quality and professionalism.

💬 3. Poor Communication

Silence can be your worst enemy during an illustration project. When authors don’t respond to questions or delay feedback, the project timeline gets disrupted — and misunderstandings grow.

How to fix it:
Set up regular check-ins or milestone reviews. Tools like Trello, Google Drive, or shared folders can keep both parties organized and updated.

🕰️ 4. Unrealistic Deadlines

Illustration is not a one-day process. Even a simple children’s book can take 6–10 weeks depending on the number of pages, revisions, and style.

How to fix it:
Ask your illustrator for a timeline estimate and agree on realistic milestones. Rushing through the artwork may compromise quality — and you’ll regret it later.

📚 5. Changing the Story After Illustrations Begin

Rewriting large sections of your story after illustration work has started is one of the costliest mistakes. It can lead to redrawing entire scenes and characters.

How to fix it:
Finalize your manuscript before the illustration process begins. Only make small text edits afterward, if absolutely necessary.

🧩 6. Ignoring the Importance of Character Consistency

Each character should look exactly the same throughout the book — from hair color to clothing details. Inconsistent character design can confuse readers and reduce the book’s quality.

How to fix it:
Request a character sheet early in the project. Once approved, the illustrator can maintain that same design across every page.

💡 7. Micromanaging Every Detail

Some authors try to control every brushstroke, color, or facial expression — which limits the illustrator’s creativity. Remember, illustrators are visual storytellers too.

How to fix it:
Trust your illustrator’s expertise. Give feedback about overall direction, not tiny details. Collaboration works best when both sides respect each other’s creative strengths.

⚠️ 8. Skipping the Contract

Never begin a project without a written agreement. Without one, issues around deadlines, revisions, or rights ownership can quickly turn into conflicts.

How to fix it:
Sign a simple contract that covers:

• Payment terms and schedule

• Delivery format and deadlines

• Usage rights (print, eBook, marketing, etc.)

• Revision policy

A professional illustrator will usually provide this upfront.

🧾 9. Forgetting About Copyright and Usage Rights

Some authors assume they automatically own all the artwork — which isn’t always true. The rights belong to the illustrator unless transferred by contract.

How to fix it:
Discuss rights ownership clearly. If you plan to use illustrations for merchandise, advertising, or sequels, make sure your contract includes commercial usage rights.

🌟 10. Not Crediting the Illustrator

Illustrators are creative partners in the storytelling process. Failing to credit them on the cover or title page can harm your reputation and limit future collaborations.

How to fix it:
Always include your illustrator’s name in the book and marketing materials. It’s a sign of respect — and it builds professional trust in the publishing community.

❤️ Conclusion

A successful children’s book is built on teamwork, trust, and shared vision. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only save time and money but also enjoy a smooth, creative collaboration that results in a beautiful, professional book children will love.

✏️ Work With a Professional Children’s Book Illustrator

At Whimsy Studio, we specialize in children’s book illustrations, cover design, and KDP formatting.
Our process is transparent, collaborative, and focused on bringing your vision to life — from the first sketch to the final print-ready file.

Let’s create something magical together!