How to Choose the Right Illustration Style for Your Story
Most authors choose illustration styles based on what they personally like, professionals choose based on reader age, print format, and storytelling needs.
For example:
Younger readers benefit from higher contrast and simpler shapes
Longer texts need illustrations that leave breathing room
Hardcover books handle detail differently than paperback
The right style supports readability, not just aesthetics. This is why agencies focus on style matching, not artist shopping. When style serves the story, the book feels cohesive and intentional.
ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN
Why Cheap Illustration Can Cost More in the Long Run
Low-cost illustration often looks appealing upfront, until revisions begin.
Common issues we see:
inconsistent characters across pages
files not sized for print
colors that shift when printed
missing bleed and incorrect resolution
Fixing these problems later usually means re-illustrating or reformatting, which costs more than doing it properly from the start. Professional illustration isn’t just about skill, it’s about understanding production requirements.
Feeling unsure about your next step?
Art direction isn’t about controlling an illustrator, it’s about protecting the author’s vision.
Professional art direction includes:
defining visual tone before illustration starts
ensuring consistency across pages
guiding revisions efficiently
preventing miscommunication between text and image
Without art direction, authors often give scattered feedback, leading to frustration on both sides. With it, the process is clearer, faster, and far less stressful.
What Professional Art Direction Actually Means for Authors
We help authors turn ideas into finished, publish-ready books, with guidance at every stage.
