Commissions
Watercolor Book Illustrator
Watercolour art your readers aren’t likely to forget.
Whimsical watercolor book illustrations full of expression.
Are you seeking illustrations that capture your book’s heartfelt meaning, full of expression? Do you love the dreamy style of watercolor and prefer it over digital or AI art? If so, then my style may resonate with you!
I recall being a child, and while not every book stood out to me, the ones that were well illustrated had something magical to them. I could spend hours admiring the artwork mesmerized by the intricate details. This is my goal for your book too. To live on in your reader’s memories long after they’ve grown.
Customized to your book preferences.
Illustrations can be single page, double-sided or spot-illustrations.
Double sides take up the entire spread of the page which can be very immersive and impactful. Single page illustration are individual illustrations per each page which are great for a smooth story sequences. Spot illustrations are without a background; minimal yet still beautiful.
Not sure which format to go with? No worries, Nicole can analyze your manuscript to help decide which pages get which format.
- Full Page Spread
- Single Page
- Spot illustration
- Thumbnail Sketches
Character Development
This is where Nicole collaborates with you or the publisher to illustrate the character including their age, height, personality, clothing accessories as well as taking into account the cultural, historical, and environmental contexts of your book. Several character drafts, angles and sketches are done. Characters can be humans or animals.
My style focuses on bringing out the characters expressions, but I also like to emphasize capturing light and mood.
How children's book illustration works.
Book illustration involves a step-by-step process including type layout, character development, thumbnail sketches, full colour to the final book cover and print formatting. You, the author, have input at every stage!
Step 1: Text Layout
This is where your manuscript text is laid out on the pages. This helps to conceptualize your content and start planning out the illustrations. Most books are 28-54 pages.
Step 2: Characters
Character concepts are drawn, narrowing down features, personality, clothing and accessories. A character model sheet with different side-views to help with consistency.
Step 3: Thumbnails
Thumbnails are quick sketches of scenes for each page. This helps narrow down the concept before the final colour.
Step 4: Watercolour
Once the thumbnails are completed, it's time to begin painting the pages. After, they are digitally scanned and exported for high-resolution print.
Step 5: Cover & Back
The cover is created including the back and spine with book title, your author name and bio included.
Step 6: Print Preparation
Setting up the book for gutters, margins and bleeds, and exporting pages for high-resolution PDF print for Amazon KDP.
Step 7: Book Launch!
After, your book is ready for Amazon or another publishing platform. You have commercial use of the illustration for book marketing purposes.
pricing
Starting at $1799
Pricing is based on number of pages, timelines, page spreads and more. Please inquire to receive a custom quote.
Book A Call, Receive A Quote
How much does children's book illustration cost? Fill out this form to book a complimentary call and receive a custom quote.
Book Illustrator Portfolio
Whimsical watercolor illustrations. For more of Nicole’s work goto gallery.
FAQs
If you have any further questions, you can email Nicole by contact here.
Generally it depends on the complexity of scene, the number of characters, and more. Fill out the form above to receive your quote!
No, I do not. The nice thing with traditional painting is that it’s not easy for Ai generators to replicate compared to digital art illustrations. Traditional art can also make your book stand out as unique and one-of-a-kind in a sea of digital.
Yes, I can paint a variety of things ranging from horses, dogs, cats to cows, dragons and goats!
Yes, depending on the what publishing route you take. For example, Amazon has templates and I can format the pages including margins, bleeds, etc, for proper high-resolution print. I am also happy to work alongside a graphic designer, editor or publisher if you already have that organized.
I am happy to provide a sample illustration beforehand to ensure I am a good fit. I would charge separately for the sample. If there are specific things you’re looking for (.e.g a type of animal, scenery, etc), I can send you relevant examples. I have a lot of portfolio I can share to showcase my breadth of subject matter, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
You will receive high-resolution PDF and .jpg files ready for print.
You receive standard commercial license to the book illustrations to use for book promotion such as social media posts, flyers, posters, etc. If you need full commercial license to sell the art for other aspects such as on merchandise (mugs, t-shirts, calendars, prints), please let me know in the form above.
