8 Best Children’s Book Illustrators for Hire in 2025

Great writing plus great art is what makes a children’s book stick in a child’s memory. Unfortunately, many authors wait until the last minute to consider illustrations and then discover that agency artists come with sky-high fees and long lead times. To find a faster, budget‑friendly path, I compared dozens of freelance illustrators across every major marketplace, focusing on style range, pricing, delivery speed, and client feedback.

Only two platforms consistently offered professional‑quality work without premium price tags: Fiverr and Upwork. On Fiverr, you’ll see whimsical line art, watercolor spreads, and full digital paintings starting around $5. At the same time, Upwork’s hourly specialists are better suited to multi‑book series or projects that need frequent revisions.

Below you’ll find eight illustrators whose portfolios, ratings, and client reviews show they can meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and create pages that leap off the screen.

8 Best Children’s Book Illustrators for Hire

If you’re an author or publisher looking to bring a children’s story to life with captivating visuals, Fiverr and Upwork are the best platforms to find high-quality illustrators at reasonable rates.

After testing and comparing dozens of top-rated professionals across both marketplaces, I’ve curated a list of the 9 best children’s book illustrators for hire in 2025. These artists stand out not only for their unique styles but also for their professionalism, client satisfaction, and value for money. They can help with tasks such as:

• Hand-Drawn Art
• Digital Art
• Character Design
• Book Cover Design
• Storyboard Sketches
• Full-page Illustrations

1. Indira_Zuleta – A Top-Rated, Whimsical Illustrator With Repeat Buyers

Indira_Zuleta employs a whimsical illustration style that brings stories to life with charm, color, and personality. Their artwork often features dreamlike characters and an imaginative aesthetic, which is perfect for capturing the attention and emotions of young readers.

Indira_Zuleta is a Top-Rated seller, which is Fiverr’s highest ranking, indicating that they’ve delivered 40+ successful orders to 20+ unique clients, with a minimum rating of 4.7. They also have many returning customers who appreciate their fantasy-inspired style. For just $5, Indira_Zuleta will transform your ideas into a clean-line art illustration featuring one character.

2. DossPriya – A Five-Star Abstract Illustration Expert

If you’re searching for a children’s book illustrator with a bold, expressive style, DossPriya is worth considering. Known for their abstract illustration style, DossPriya brings a unique visual voice to every project, perfect for authors looking to make their stories stand out in a crowded market.

All of DossPriya’s client reviews are five stars, which means clients are impressed with the quality, communication, and results the artist delivers. What’s more, DossPriya’s illustration services start at just $5, making them an ideal choice for tight budgets.

3. Marina S. – Experienced Digital Illustrator

For over five years, Marina has been creating both hand-drawn and digital illustrations for numerous clients. They’re versatile and easygoing, with clients noting their high-quality work and structured approach to demanding projects. Their illustrations often feature soft, muted color palettes that resonate well with young readers.

Marina charges $30/hour, which is reasonable considering the value they offer. They hold a Masters in Arts, have logged over 1,700 hours on Upwork, and earned the Top Rated Plus badge, placing them among the top 3% of children’s book illustrators on the platform.

4. Gabriele M. – Experienced Illustrator Specializing in 2D Cartoons

Gabriele M. is an accomplished illustrator with a distinctive style and a portfolio of 50+ children’s book illustration projects. Gabriele specializes in 2D cartoons and character designs that are perfect for picture books that need expressive characters, gentle humor, or a touch of magic.

Gabriele M. has a 100% job success score and has received 5-star feedback from every client they’ve worked with – a clear reflection of their reliability, talent, and competence. The illustrator charges $25/hour, but you can also negotiate a fixed price with them, depending on the type of your project.

5. MascaraNew – A Level 2 Watercolor Illustrator

If you’re looking for a warm and timeless aesthetic for your story, MascaraNew is an excellent choice. Specializing in watercolor illustrations, MascaraNew brings characters to life with soft, dreamy textures and a storybook charm.

For $5, MascaraNew will illustrate a one-page story for your book and is even willing to help you brainstorm ideas if you don’t have any yet. This package only covers one figure, but you can negotiate with MascaraNew if you need additional characters.

6. Karine M. – Upwork Skill Certified, Versatile Illustrator

Karine is a versatile illustrator skilled in a range of styles, including cartoonish, whimsical, line art, and stylized illustrations. They’re especially great for authors who may still be defining their visual tone, as their flexibility makes them an ideal creative partner in early-stage projects. The artist charges an hourly rate of $45 and includes unlimited revisions of drafts and sketches as part of their services.

Karine holds Upwork’s Top Rated Plus badge and has successfully passed the platform’s rigorous skill assessments, earning official certification. This means Karine is a professional recognized for consistently delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining excellent client relationships.

7. RajGraphicMagic – A Five-Star Cartoon Illustration Expert

RajGraphicMagic specializes in vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations that instantly capture a child’s imagination. Their work is playful, expressive, and full of personality.

RajGraphicMagic has a five-star rating and is a Level 2 seller on Fiverr, indicating that they have delivered at least 20 orders and earned a minimum of $2,000 through the marketplace. Their Basic $10 package includes a simple, waist-up illustration for one character, while their $25 Premium package comes with a full-body, detailed illustration featuring three characters.

8. Astarotte – Anime and Manga Expert Illustrator

Astarotte specializes in the anime chibi illustration style, bringing a delightful sense of whimsy and emotion to every character they draw. Their work is instantly recognizable for its oversized eyes, exaggerated features, and heartwarming cuteness – qualities that resonate deeply with children.

Beyond their unique aesthetic, Astarotte is known for their professionalism, clear communication, and ability to tailor their illustrations to match the tone and theme of a story. Astarotte has a 4.8 rating on Fiverr, is a Level 2 seller, and responds fast. Their packages start from $20, and they all include unlimited revisions.

How To Hire a Children’s Book Illustrator on Fiverr

Hiring a children’s book illustrator on Fiverr is pretty straightforward. Follow these five steps to get started.

1. Sign up to Fiverr. Head to Fiverr.com and click the “Join” button to sign up to Fiverr. You can do this via email or connect with Google, Apple, or Facebook.

2. Search for an illustrator. Once you’ve signed up successfully, type “children’s book illustration” in the big search box at the top of the screen. With Fiverr’s advanced filters, you can set budget limitations, choose to work only with verified professionals, and filter by style, such as realistic or cartoon.

3. Click on any gig to see more details. On the gig page, you can scroll through the seller’s portfolio (1), compare packages (2), contact the seller (3), and continue to checkout (4). Further down the page, you’ll find a brief introduction to gigs and freelancing, detailed package comparisons, and client reviews.

4. Contact your chosen illustrator. Once you’ve found a gig that suits your needs, click the “Contact me” button (3) to communicate directly with the freelancer. Most artists on Fiverr prefer you contact them before purchasing their gig to discuss your concept and avoid unnecessary delays.

5. Purchase the gig. If you’re satisfied with the illustrator, click the “Continue” button (4) to purchase the gig. Review the list of optional extras, such as faster turnaround time, additional revisions, or extra characters. Continue to checkout and complete your purchase by following Fiverr’s instructions.

What To Look For in a Children’s Book Illustrator

As you can see, finding a children’s book illustrator for hire is straightforward with Fiverr and Upwork. However, it’s not always easy to decide on the right artist, especially with the numerous options available. Here’s what to look for:

• A style that resonates. Illustration style plays a significant role in bringing your story to life. Some artists specialize in whimsical watercolors, others in bold digital designs. Browse each illustrator’s portfolio to see if their work matches your story’s tone and visual identity.
• The right format for your project. Some illustrators produce digital images formatted for e-books, while others create art for book printing. Double-check the gig details or contact the seller to confirm.
• Suitable packages and deliverables. Some gigs include just one black-and-white image, while others offer full-color artwork for an entire book. Ensure the package you select aligns with your needs. If not, most freelancers are happy to create a custom offer tailored to your project.
• Strong client reviews. Before hiring, read through reviews from previous clients. These testimonials can reveal how reliable, communicative, and collaborative the illustrator is.
• Verified experience and credentials. To boost your chances of a smooth collaboration, look for freelancers with recognized credentials. On Fiverr, check for Level 2 or Top Rated sellers. On Upwork, badges like “Top Rated” or “Top Rated Plus” can help you identify experienced professionals.

Are You a Children’s Book Illustrator Looking To Sell Your Services on Fiverr?

If you want to sell your illustrations online, Fiverr makes it easy to join the freelance marketplace. You can get started by going to Fiverr.com and clicking the “Become a Seller” button in the upper right corner. Then click it again at the center of the page.

You can create an account using Google, Apple, Facebook, or your email. Once you choose a method, simply enter a username and Fiverr will set up your account automatically.

Next, Fiverr will ask whether you want to join as a client or a freelancer. Choose freelancer, then specify your role – such as a solo freelancer or agency owner – and indicate your work preferences, whether online, offline, or both.

After this, you’ll be directed to complete your freelancer profile, create your first gig, and publish it. Upload a profile picture, write a short introduction, and detail your experience. You can add skills, education, and certifications to your profile, too.

Next, create the gig you want to sell. Craft a compelling title, select the right category (Graphics & Design > Children’s Book Illustration), and choose your gig details, such as illustration style, target age group, and genre.

Set your gig price and offer multiple packages with different deliverables. Write a clear gig description, add Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and include a question to gather key details from buyers. Finish by uploading images, videos, or documents to showcase your work.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to create a successful gig on Fiverr. When your gig is live, buyers can purchase it or message you about it. Since Fiverr processes payments and gathers the information you need to complete a project, you can concentrate on creating great children’s book art.

To design the best possible gig on Fiverr, I recommend purchasing one first. That way, you’ll see what it’s like to be a buyer and get practice dealing with issues that could come up, such as communication problems and project delays. Since you can purchase a gig for as little as $5, it’s a small investment for invaluable knowledge before building your Fiverr profile.

5 Tips for Designing a Children’s Book Illustration

Whether you’re planning to illustrate your children’s book yourself or simply want to understand the process better before hiring a professional, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and set your project up for success.

1. Understand Your Audience and Story Tone

Children’s book illustrations should match both the age group and emotional tone of your story. Bright, bold shapes work well for toddlers, while older kids might connect more with detailed or whimsical art styles. Ensure your visual choices reflect the heart of your book.

2. Prioritize Clarity Over Complexity

Keep illustrations simple and easy to interpret. Overly detailed backgrounds or cluttered scenes can distract young readers and disrupt the storytelling. Focus on strong character design, clear emotions, and a clean composition that supports the narrative.

3. Think in Terms of Page Flow and Visual Rhythm

The rhythm of a children’s book often depends on how you pace the visuals. Plan your illustrations with page turns in mind. Build anticipation, deliver surprises, and create a flow that enhances the storytelling experience.

4. Use AI Tools for Inspiration, But Don’t Rely on Them Alone

AI tools like MidJourney or ChatGPT can help you brainstorm characters, settings, and visual styles. However, these tools often generate images with strange flaws, such as distorted figures, inconsistent details, or an uncanny feel that doesn’t quite work for children’s books.

Feel free to experiment during the ideation phase, but I strongly recommend consulting with a professional illustrator before publishing or printing any AI-generated art.

5. Test Your Illustrations With Real Kids (or Parents)

Before finalizing your artwork, get feedback from your target audience. Show your illustrations to kids, parents, or educators and ask if the images are engaging, easy to understand, and emotionally resonant. This feedback can reveal valuable insights you might have missed.

Hire Children’s Book Illustrators That Fit Your Style and Budget

Since children’s book illustration gigs start at just $5 on Fiverr, it’s easy to get custom art for your book, even if you’re on a tight budget. The marketplace is home to 20,000+ children’s book illustration gigs, so there’s certainly no shortage of options.

Upwork is another excellent option if you’re looking to hire an artist long-term for a large project (e.g., a book series) or ongoing work. It’s easy to post jobs, conduct interviews, and hire candidates. You’ll also appreciate the work diary, the time-tracking tool, and other management tools designed to help you keep track of your freelancer’s work.

FAQ

How much does an illustrator charge for a kids book?

Illustrators charge anywhere from $5 to over $300, depending on their style, experience, and the scope of the project. Some children’s book illustrators charge as low as $5 for a simple character illustration. Others start at $50, while some charge rates ranging from $20 to $60 per hour.

Who are the best children’s book illustrators?

I recommend DossPriya for abstract, freehand digital illustrations, MascaraNew for soft watercolor art with a timeless feel, and Astarotte if you want cute anime-style characters with strong emotional appeal. Each illustrator has top ratings and a clear focus on storytelling.

How do I find illustrators for children’s books?

You can find illustrators for children’s books using Fiverr and Upwork. Both platforms make it easy to search by style, budget, and reviews. You can view portfolios, compare quotes, and message illustrators directly before making a hiring decision.

What’s the difference between Fiverr and Upwork for illustration projects?

Fiverr is easier to use, with clear pricing, fast hiring, and options for every budget, including some solid $5 sellers. Upwork is better if you want hourly rates, long-term hires, or features designed for managing teams. Fiverr is better suited for short projects, while Upwork is more suitable for larger, ongoing work.

For more information, check out our detailed comparison between Fiverr and Upwork.