How to find a Artist? (I can write but can't draw!)

If you've just started your publishing process, you may have noticed that many traditional publishing opportunities want a picture book with already finished illustrations. This may seem obvious from an outsider's perspective. Still, suppose you're a writer who created a manuscript for a picture book. In that case, you might be thinking, "I can't draw to save my life!" therefore, seeing the publishers and agents only accepting illustrated picture books seems like a hurdle you cannot overcome.

But I'm here to tell you, you can!

There's hope yet! Some agents and publishers do accept un-illustrated manuscripts. While it may take longer to find them, and your chances of acceptance may be lower, it's not impossible. So, don't rule out this option entirely. There are opportunities out there, and you can find them with perseverance.

Or, you could self-publish. If done correctly, this is more than an option but a common and successful route for picture books in today's publishing landscape. It's a path many have taken and found success in, and you can, too.

But how do I find an artist if I'm self-publishing? How do you know what's good? What's expensive? What works?

First, get used to 'Spending money to make money.' In traditional publishing, you'd get money upfront, and then you'd only get royalties once you make the publishing company back that money. In self-publishing, you will spend money to pay the artist and then make the money back, and some, once you publish the book.

Remember, patience is critical. If necessary, take your time and pay for your illustrations over a year or two. Take your time to spend large sums of money before thoroughly preparing. By pacing yourself, you can maintain control over your budget and book quality.

After looking at the different options, I settled on using Fiver for my first few picture book illustrations. Fiver is a website that allows freelancers to market their work so you can scroll through and choose to use it. It's like window shopping, seeing something you like, and then reaching out to inquire about pricing. Now, freelance artists usually have their pricing listed, but it's always better to reach out and get a custom quote so you're not blindsided by the price tag after you get your hopes up.

With Fiver, most artists will make you do sample pages; if they don't, it's a red flag. A sample page is where you pay for one page/one illustration to see if you like their art style for your story, and it also allows you to gauge if the artist's work ethic and personality mess well with yours. Remember, you'll be working closely and want to like this person. After you do a sample page with an artist you like, they can give you a custom quote, and you can get started.

Now, don't stress yourself with perfection when it comes to the actual artwork. You don't have to have the picture book that wins awards with its artistry, or at least not for your first picture book or even your first few. Remember, a budget, budget, budget, this is your own money, so you need to build some inventory before you can start looking at high-budgeted illustrations. Plenty of good artists are in your budget; trust me, you must be willing to search for them and be patient with your time and money.

Saying that more money will give you more unique and beautiful illustrations. So, know your book. If you have a few picture book manuscripts ready to go, and for the record, I would always make sure to have two to three finished manuscripts before starting this process; you can decide which needs more artistic art than others. For example, a classic Story, A Snowy Day, captures the reader with stunning art. It's a unique style; if you wanted art like that, you would need to pay more for an artist who can illustrate accordingly.

Although the first instinct is to make the first book revolutionary, remember, budget! You'll work your way up to having more artistic artwork in your books, but there is nothing wrong with a more straightforward drawing; trust me, if the story is good, the book will sell as long as you market it.

Remember, making a children's book with an artist is a collaboration, but when self-publishing, you are in charge. What you say and want and what your book needs are up to you. If you want to provide an outline for your artist (i.e., I'd like a tree in the top corner, or please make the character have pigtails, etc.) and you know what you want, then feel free to do that. Or, you might not know what a page needs to show, and you can ask the artist to do what they think is best, which, in that case, you might get something you love or might not, and you'll need to try again, remember it's a process, and it's a long one, don't like the up's and down allow for fluctuating your self-esteem too much. You will get there and publish; take your time.

Remember, the artist wants to make you happy; they want a good review and will be willing to work with what you want and tweak things to your liking. Don't say you like it if you don't. If you don't like the drawing, explain your reasoning, show what you want instead, be friendly but firm, don't try to hurt their feelings, but don't stress about upsetting them. This is their job as well. For every picture book writer, there is an artist out there hoping you click to inquire about hiring them for your book. You're two sides of the same coin!

Overall, finding an artist is long, so take your time and do what is best for your budget and your book. Although you might feel under qualified, you are in charge. Don't rush; take your time, and trust me, once you get started, the time will fly by fast!

Good luck out there, writers!