5 Signs You Should NOT Become A Children's Book Illustrator | picture book illustrator

Being a children's book illustrator/ picture book illustrator is a wonderful career to be in, but it is definitely NOT for everyone. A freelance illustrator is just like being a business owner and if you like to take control of your time, ideas, life, and prospects, this is surely a career path worth considering.

However, if you don't want to have to think about the intricacies of business ownership and fine tuning what you career would like, this may not be the field or you.

I've narrowed down 5 keys signs highlighting that you should NOT become an illustrator.

As a black woman who is an artist/ illustrator, it means a lot to be able to give back to a growing community that has helped me, so I hope you all watching enjoy the video as much I enjoyed making it.

if you want to know how I became in an illustrator, see this video here:
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[shellenewright]

Tell me what you want to know about getting into illustration / picture books. I will be doing live videos soon to answer any questions you might have as well.💬
Let me know what you want to learn about below!💛💛💛

[BiancaHaeckDesigns]

This was SO helpful and clear! Thank you so much for making this! The industry is so tight-lipped about what goes into it.

[sukeyd.artist]

I think the “time management “ is my biggest struggle. I tried solving that problem many times for so many years even now and still can't get it right. Even journaling or writing down my daily tasks or weekly tasks and still can't do it right. I get so busy that I forget to look at the time or check what to do in a day.

[michelle]

Thank u for being honest and real. Currently I am premajoring in Graphic Design but i have been having some doubts. It all comes down to me wanting to LEARN how to draw. I don’t what I would necessarily do with those skills. And then I thought about Illustration but from your video I can see theres a lot more to think about. Like I have to see it in a more professional perspective and understand that if I am willing to commit I have to be fully on board

[sydneyharp]

I would love to hear you describe your routine subscribed you are steps ahead of me and I’d like to watch

[itsdaksha]

I love how real this is!! Years back i really wanted to be a cb illustrator but now that i saw these points, i clearly didnt tick off some of these back in the day. Hopefully in future! ❤

[manchitas]

Thank you for your video. I am planning my retirement from a position in a government agency in 5 years. Am graduating with my graphic design degree next month and plan to illustrate children books in my retirement, full time. I have subscribed to your blog and look forward to learning about techniques and advice to make it a successful career.

[pedrooswald]

Thank you so much for your honest words. Your words really gave me confort. I work with illustration and animation since 2016, I confess that I have been feeling that fear that you mentioned. Specially after the pandemics, waking up and working at the computer, having a smaller perspective about the world, staying inside by oneself. Nowadays that feeling is not as strong but it still lurks at times.
I used to have personal projects, but the urge to make money made me let them aside. I would like to thank you for remembering me of how important that is for a person's mind🙇‍♂️

[irenaa]

Thank you for this honest video ! I am really bad at time management but i am willing to work on it till i become a master time manager 😅 Thanks again ❤

[ericachardonnay]

First, I love your hair and blouse! Secondly, Thanks so much for sharing! I appreciate your honesty and tips. I'm hoping to illustrate more books in the future. Your knowledge is so invaluable!😃

[Meg_Davis]

Shellene! So lovely meeting you! Instant sub in the first 5 minutes. I'm currently working on my own projects for my art business, but everything you said rang true, and the point you made about knowing the next step to take as it relates to the big picture was so encouraging to me because I'm already doing it! Thank you for making the time to share you journey, I'm excited to watch more!

[virginiainnes]

I enjoyed your video…new subscriber! I’m in the process of writing, illustrating and self-publishing my first children’s book and am contemplating offering my illustrations freelance. I found this video helpful! I hope you have a blessed day!

[Sarah-htcs]

None of these things come easy to me because I have ADHD and Autism, but It's something I have a burning passion to do, so I have no doubt that I can and will. I know a ton of neurodiverse people in the kid lit industry, so there must be work-arounds for all these issues. I would think these things would be key: 1. Having a great attitude, 2. Having a great agent, and 3. Having a thoughrough knowledge of the industry and process.

[kristinlamonda]

Stellar Shellene. Just perfect. You just helped people so much. You helped me so much, and I can't be the only one! I don't think this is for me. And, I love how you wrapped it up at the end. Thank you!

[kiwifruitkl]

The Arthur books by Marc Brown were created because of the oral stories he told his children, now fully grown. And the original picture books referenced his children's names in some way.
So, to him, there's definitely a communal aspect of storytelling.
The nice thing about oral storytelling between the parent/guardian/elder and the child is that the audience is the tiny human(s) in front of you, and you can adjust the story to fit the listener.
Children's book authors who are NOT parents or do not work with children will have a tougher deal. They don't have a live audience in front of them. Sure, they may read other picture books to get a feel of the language and illustrations, but that isn't the same as having a live audience and catering the work(s) to the specific audience.

[RZanja]

thankyou! this is so helpful. wish me luck

[Degrrreee]

Yeah def not for me. I’m always lost, struggle with time management and planning, i hate talking to people, but still i don’t give up and continue doing this😅😂

[TRASHEDMOP]

I LOVE TO DISCOVER YOU AT THIS POINT IN LIFE AND CARREER

[tristengrant]

Can we get a video about contacts and one on advice for finding an agent? :D

[milaahri]

Such a good video, thank u so much!! Just started following and already waiting for more content 🥰