When commissioning illustration for a children's book, one of the first practical questions is how many illustrators to consider. Too few and you risk missing the perfect match; too many and the process becomes unwieldy. Finding the right balance saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and leads to better outcomes.

The Case for a Focused Search

Experienced commissioners typically review between eight and fifteen portfolios before creating a shortlist. This range provides enough variety to compare styles and approaches without overwhelming the decision-making process. Browse our curated collective of illustrators to see the range of styles available.

Starting with a clear brief helps narrow the field immediately. If you know you need watercolour illustrations for a gentle bedtime story, there is no point reviewing digital artists who specialise in bold, graphic styles. The brief acts as a filter, ensuring every portfolio you review is genuinely relevant.

Creating a Shortlist

From the initial review, most publishers create a shortlist of three to five illustrators. This number allows for meaningful comparison without paralysis. Each shortlisted candidate should bring something distinct to the table - perhaps one excels at character expression, another at atmospheric backgrounds, and a third at dynamic compositions.

At this stage, practical factors come into play. Check availability, discuss rates, and assess communication style. An illustrator whose work you love but who cannot start for eighteen months may not be the right choice for a time-sensitive project. Our commissioning service can help navigate these considerations.

When to Request Sample Work

Some commissioners request sample sketches from their top two or three candidates. This approach has advantages - you see how each illustrator interprets your specific manuscript rather than relying solely on existing portfolio work. However, it also requires compensating illustrators for their time, which adds to the project budget.

An alternative is to request a single sample from your preferred candidate only, moving to the second choice if the first does not work out. This approach is more economical but carries slightly more risk. Understanding the full pre-production process helps you decide which approach suits your project.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is reviewing too many portfolios without clear criteria. Scrolling through dozens of illustrators hoping the right one will jump out rarely works. Instead, define what you need before you start looking, and evaluate each portfolio against those specific requirements.

Another mistake is falling in love with a style that does not suit the manuscript. An illustrator might produce beautiful work, but if their aesthetic clashes with your story's tone, the final book will feel disjointed. Always consider the match between illustration style and narrative content. Our featured illustrators demonstrate the importance of style-to-story alignment.

Building Relationships for Future Projects

Even illustrators who do not win a particular commission may be right for future projects. Keep notes on everyone you review, including what you liked about their work and what projects they might suit. This database becomes increasingly valuable over time.

Publishers who maintain good relationships with a stable of trusted illustrators can move more quickly on new projects. Rather than starting from scratch each time, they can approach illustrators they have worked with before or whose work they have been following. Learn more about our illustration services to understand how we support ongoing commissioner relationships.

The Right Number for Your Project

There is no single correct answer to how many illustrators you should consider. A straightforward picture book with a clear brief might require reviewing only six or eight portfolios. A complex series with specific requirements might warrant a more extensive search.

The key is to be systematic rather than random. Define your criteria, review a manageable number of relevant portfolios, create a focused shortlist, and make your decision based on both artistic merit and practical considerations. This approach leads to successful commissions and lasting professional relationships.