Illustrating My First Children’s Book: A Journey of Creativity, Collaboration and Patience
It has been a childhood dream of mine to illustrate a children’s book. I remember sitting in my grandparents’ living room crafting stories about the wildlife that resided in the woods behind the house. Now, as an adult, sitting at my desk and doing this professionally feels absolutely surreal.
It all started on a sunny market day in Arvada, where I had set up my booth showcasing my art. Among the visitors was Nancy, an author with a warm smile and an exciting idea. She expressed interest in hiring me for a children’s book project. At the time, it was just a passing conversation—one of those moments you think might turn into something someday. That someday came quicker than I expected when we ran into each other again. This time, the project truly took flight.
The very first illustration to start the book
Crafting the Script
Before diving into the illustrations, Nancy and I spent significant time refining the script together. We wanted to ensure the story was tight and ready for visuals. Collaborating on the script allowed us to align our visions, which became crucial as I began developing the storyboards.
Building the Blueprint: Storyboards
Storyboarding was a process I felt comfortable with, my previous studies had given me a strong foundation in storytelling through visuals. For this project, it took a few tries and many iterations to create a storyboard where the illustrations flowed seamlessly with the narrative. Each attempt brought us closer to a version that felt just right.
I chose a timeless Beatrix Potter-inspired style for the illustrations—a nod to my favorite kind of art. Her delicate, enchanting work has always captivated me, and I wanted to bring a similar sense of wonder to Nancy’s story. Once we finalized the storyboard, we moved forward with confidence.
One of my favorite illustrations in the book - Meema looks so sweet!
First Wave of Illustrations
The initial round of illustrations was created as drafts. These weren’t meant to be polished but served as a map to visualize the entire book. This phase helped us identify areas that needed additional illustrations or adjustments to enhance the flow of the story.
The Final Artwork
After multiple meetings, revisions, and brainstorming sessions, it was time to work on the final illustrations. I used my go-to mediums: colored pencils and graphite. These materials allowed me to create the soft, intricate details that brought the story to life. The process was tedious but rewarding, with each page adding another layer of charm to the book.
“Tam is upset that it’s raining outside.” – I had so much fun infusing these characters with touches of human personality!
The first layers of pigment are down for the book cover illustration! This story is set in the foothills of Colorado, where the plains meet the western face of the Rockies. You’ll notice impressions of plants native to this unique and beautiful region woven into the book illustrations.
A Publishing Partner
During this time, Nancy made the pivotal decision to switch to KWE Publishing, a move that transformed the project. Before this change, progress felt stagnant due to time constraints and a lack of direction in marketing and logistics. KWE Publishing’s expertise and guidance reignited our momentum, offering invaluable support as we worked toward completing the book. KWE Publishing is dedicated to supporting authors and illustrators, with a special focus on children’s literature. If you'd like to learn more about them, click here.
Meema and Tam thinking about the Good Things!
Illustrating this children’s book has been a journey of creativity, learning, and collaboration. It’s amazing to see how a chance meeting at a market turned into such a meaningful project, and created a cherished friendship between Nancy and I. From brainstorming the script to finalizing the artwork, every step has been a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of illustration. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life and can’t wait to share it with readers soon!
