When Two Visual People Find Each Other Across an Ocean

Finding an illustrator is one of the hardest parts of the journey to publishing a children's book. In the beginning, I tried to fit artists into my own ideas and expectations. That approach wasn't successful. Then I spoke with another author who shared her experience using Astound.us. The company works with a variety of illustrators, and each artist has examples of their work displayed on the website. I decided to check it out and spent hours looking through portfolios, saving the artists whose styles I loved most. Once I narrowed down my favorites, I could choose one to approach with an offer.

It can be hard to trust anything online to be a legitimate company. I quickly learned the importance of doing your research. If possible, use a company or person that someone you trust has already worked with. Hiring an illustrator is often the biggest expense of publishing a children's book, but it's also one of the most important investments you'll make. Quality illustrations take talent, time, and hard work, and they are worth paying for. My advice is simple: if you don't have enough money for the illustrations you truly want, save until you do. Readers don't pick up a children's book because of the words they haven't read yet. They're first drawn in by the illustrations. The artwork captures their attention and invites them to discover the story.

I was drawn to Maria's work immediately. I sent her a message asking if she would be interested in illustrating my book, but I never received a reply. After waiting for a while, I decided to contact my second choice, assuming Maria was busy with other projects. Soon afterward, I received an email from Astound.us introducing me to a representative who would help coordinate communication between the illustrator and me. I explained that I was excited to move forward, even though I was disappointed that I hadn't heard back from Maria.

The representative kindly reached out to Maria on my behalf, and we discovered that she had never received my original email. I was beyond excited when we finally connected. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

After that came the paperwork. Thankfully, with the help of my publisher, Laurie Chandlar of Chandlar Creative, the entire process went smoothly.

There was one important question I had forgotten to ask, though. I knew Maria lived in Spain, but I didn't realize she wasn't fluent in English. Her primary language is Castilian Spanish, and I wondered how we would communicate throughout the illustration process.

It turns out I had nothing to worry about.

Maria communicates wonderfully using Google Translate, and I discovered that I communicate best through visual examples. I created a Google Slides presentation filled with reference photos, ideas, and even a few of my own sketches. I made Maria promise never to show those sketches to anyone because they were absolutely terrible! Along with my notes, those visuals helped her understand exactly what I was imagining.

From those simple beginnings, Maria created the first sketches of my characters, and I knew I had found the perfect illustrator.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I am. Not only did I find an incredibly talented artist, but I also gained the opportunity to work with an amazing person. I cannot wait for you to see all of the illustrations! I hold my mock book in my arms and hug it because they are beautifully done.