Finding a book cover

Finding an illustrator for a book cover

Instagram, freelance platforms, agencies… know your options!

Photo by Mike Cox on Unsplash

To find illustrators for books, there are different options:

1. Freelance Platforms:

• Upwork: A popular platform where you can post job listings and hire professionals like illustrators.
• Fiverr: Offers a range of illustrators with varying price points for book illustrations. If someone offers something for an unbelievable price, don’t believe it to be original work. The platform takes 20% from the seller as well as a fee from you.
• Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, this platform allows you to post jobs and connect with illustrators.

2. Portfolio Websites:

• Behance: A creative platform where illustrators showcase their work. You can browse portfolios and contact artists directly. This allows you to see styles easily.
• Dribbble: Another platform for creative professionals, including illustrators, where you can find portfolios and hire talent.
• DeviantArt: A community where artists share their work, including book illustrations. You can reach out to illustrators directly.

3. Social Media:

• Instagram: Many illustrators use Instagram to showcase their work. Use hashtags like #illustrator, #bookillustration, or #childrensbookillustrator to find them.

Going by genre may get you the best results!

• Twitter/X: You can search for illustrators or follow popular ones, and often they share their work or commissions.

4. Illustrator Agencies:

• Agencies like The Bright Agency and Advocate Art specialize in connecting authors with illustrators for children’s books, educational, and other types of publishing.

5. Online Communities:

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/forhire and r/illustration often feature freelance illustrators looking for projects.
• Facebook Groups: Groups like "Illustrators and Authors Seeking Collaborators" provide a space for writers and illustrators to connect. Sometimes you can get recommendations on writing groups.

6. Book Fairs & Events:

• Attending book fairs, conventions, or online webinars such as SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) events can help you meet illustrators specializing in book design.

Finding the right illustrator often depends on your specific project, whether you need illustrations for children’s books, graphic novels, or more general publications. There are people who are not experienced in producing professional work, whose style would not fit yours, who are simply scamming with no intentions of delivery… be careful, look at portfolios, find listed books, and do your research.