Danika Runyan

Danika Runyan – Designer

Hi, I have a playful and whimsical art style and have helped illustrate and design 20+ children's books. Reach out and let's talk!

Overview

Let’s Bring Your Story to Life!


I’ve illustrated over 20 children’s books filled with colorful characters and magical worlds. My digital art has help both publishers and independent authors turn stories into beautiful books kids love.


I work in a range of styles and always aim to match your vision and timeline. Whether your story features people, animals, or fantasy settings, I create art that brings the words to life.


Got a manuscript ready? Let’s chat—by phone or Zoom—and create a book that makes kids (and grown-ups) smile.



Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2019 — Present
Creating children's books with both publishers and individuals self-publishing Illustrating characters and environments for books and board games Designing book covers and inside spread images with artwork and typography construct customized artworks for individuals and families

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Run, Richie, Run! The Legend of a Longshot

Bardere, Linda

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Annabelle's New Day

Vanasse, Sarah

Sarah Vanasse

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Wildflower Walk

Hansen, Amy

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Hu-Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are

Makokoro, Patrick

Tellwell Talent

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
The Special Snowflake

(Moser) Means, Erin Elizabeth

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration
Made with Reedsy
This Is Your Family, Cody

Miragliotta, Stephanie E

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Bella's Cheering Spirit (The Sea's Symphony)

Melton, Bridgette

Bridgette Melton

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
On The Road To Nana's House

Marano, Mr. Brandon C

Maraknow?s Best

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
The Paper Route

Jenson, Doug

Independently published

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Arnold's Silent Heart (The Sea's Symphony)

Melton, Bridgette

Bridgette Melton

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Ethan´s Rise

Dean, E.

McClain Publishing Group

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
Aliya Can

Cannady, Devin

Run Your Own Race LLC

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Made with Reedsy
Worry-Free Sparkles: A Magical Adventure of Overcoming Worries

Ambrocio, Lorain

Lorain Ambrocio

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
100 Little Lambs

Wilson, Sierra

Cedar Fort, Inc.

Illustration
Rosie's Special Gift: A Mother and Daughter Love Journey with Plants

Moore , Veronica

Leaf & Vine Books

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design
PENELOPE'S HEALING GARDEN

MESEBERG, HOLLY

Cover Design Illustration Book Interior Design
Revelation Is My Flashlight

Sierra Wilson

Cover Design Illustration
Faith Is

Gwilliam, Kathleen

Cover Design Illustration
The Rich Camel

Harris, Nina

Cover Design Illustration

Danika has 17 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Linda B.

Linda B.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
Working with Danika was an outstanding experience! I am thrilled with the illustrations she created for my book. I was impressed with her ability to capture my vision for my main character. She has the unique ability to make her characters lovable and joyful. Danika’s typography really blended ...
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Erin M.

Erin M.

Sep, 2024

Pinned
Danika was so amazing, She was receptive, offered thoughts, she always ensured from the start with each illustration it was as I imagined it. Danika also was so supportive in patience and the end result was truly magnificent . Danika's illustrations have brought the story to life and evoke emot...
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Danika R.
Thank you for such a kind compliment. It was wonderful working with you on this project.
Bridgette M.

Bridgette M.

May, 2024

Pinned
Danika was absolutely amazing to work with. She communicated effectively and truly helped me publish my first book, I couldn't have done it with out her expertise and experience. Danika made my book come alive and I can't wait to start working with her again!
Danika R.
Thank you! I'm excited for our next project!
Cindy M.

Cindy M.

May, 2025

Unfortunately, while extremely talented, Danika was not able to illustrate my main characters as I had envisioned and described. She wasn't willing to speak with me on the phone or a zoom call to discuss my story and walk through my storyboard. It was impossible to align my vision with her talent...
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Danika R.
I’m truly sorry that things didn’t work out the way we both had hoped. When we started this project, I made sure to outline my art process and revision policy clearly in my offer. To be honest, ...
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Margaret V.

Margaret V.

Apr, 2025

Danika is amazing! Her artistic talents are immeasurable. She was clear about the process and delivered every part of the job on time. I hope to work with her again.

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Most recent contributions

What, in your opinion, is most important to remember when illustrating for children's books?

Have fun. These books are for kids and if you think about it the world of children's books doesn't need to have rules. So push the boundaries of your drawings. Maybe the trees are pink, blue, and red instead of green. Or the house is full of wonky windows, you don't need to stick to reality. Col...
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As a standard, how many concepts and rounds of revisions do you offer in your quote?

The short answer is two per round.   I have several rounds during a project, and before I start each round, I ask for and read through all the authors' notes about what they are looking for. If I've forgotten something that they specifically asked for in the beginning, I won't count that as par...
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What steps do you take to ensure a character design is consistent across various scenes or projects?

My first step when I start a children's book is to create a character sheet of all the main characters. Having a character line up shows how each character will look and compare to each other. Who is the tallest/ shortest, what colors is everyone wearing, do they all look like they belong in the ...
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