Looking for a professional book illustrator?

600+ of the most sought-after book illustrators in publishing are on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Meet the illustrators behind your favorite books

Whether you’re working on a children’s book or looking for a cover image for your novel, a professional illustrator is the difference-maker between a book that blends into the rest of the crowd and a beloved title that endures throughout time. 

On Reedsy, meet illustrators who work with major publishers and indie authors alike to bring characters to life. Our illustrators have experience working on covers, spot use, and full-page spreads.

Carl M.

Available to hire

Experienced creative professional with a diverse journey in the art world. From painterly color to B/W, let's bring your project to life!

Robert J.

Available to hire

I'm a book cover designer with over 15 years of experience. I will help you transform your literary masterpiece into an eye-catching cover!

David L.

Available to hire

Illustrator and designer with many years of experience, specializing in the science-fiction and fantasy genres.

Andy B.

Available to hire

I love flaky painted wood, rusty metal, old signs, my family and friends, nature, surfing and my 1954 VW Beetle.

May T.

Available to hire

I am an illustrator with 5 years of experience I create bright narrative filled pieces of work that will be sure to catch readers eyes.

How to find an illustrator for your book

You’ll find the most in-demand illustrators in publishing on Reedsy. To shortlist the illustrators with artistic styles you’d love for your own book, sign up first and browse their portfolios. 

Tips for a successful collaboration

To streamline your search for an illustrator and get drawings you love, follow these tips.

  1. Narrow your search by genre and/or style. If you want an illustrated cover for a book that falls into a distinct genre (thriller, romance, etc.), look for a book illustrator who’s worked in that genre before. They’ll be able to strike the right balance between what readers expect to see and the unique design elements that will characterize your book.
  2. Know what type of illustrations you want. Do you only want an illustrated cover, or are you looking for interior illustrations as well? If you need multiple illustrations, how many? How detailed would you like them to be? Establishing a clear project scope will help you find the right person to tackle the task.
  3. Look for illustrators in your price range. Once you have a shortlist of illustrators, you’re ready to think about cost. On Reedsy, you can request quotes from up to five professionals at a time to compare. Be honest about your budget, but don’t rule anyone out just because they “look expensive.” It’s always worth requesting a quote to find out their rate.
  4. Hire your dream illustrator, and keep communicating! Illustrating a book is a collaborative process. Particularly for long-term projects like picture books, you’ll definitely want to stay in touch and ask for updates. All illustrators will be happy to share their progress, so you’ll be able to offer feedback to ensure their creative vision remains aligned with yours.

If your creative vision is still hazy, take a look at these breathtaking illustrations to get a sense of what’s possible!

FAQs

How to find an illustrator for your children’s book

Why hire a book illustrator?

How much does it cost to hire an illustrator?

How does Reedsy select its illustrators?

 

Get to know our designers

To get started on your search, meet some of our top-rated designers.

Carl M.

Portugal

Experienced creative professional with a diverse journey in the art world. From painterly color to B/W, let's bring your project to life!

Specializes in:
Biographies & Memoirs
Action & Adventure
Horror
Gaming & LitRPG
Epic Fantasy

Gene M.

New York, NY, USA

Full-service design studio specializing in cover art and branding for indie authors and independent publishers.

Specializes in:
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Action & Adventure
Contemporary Romance

May T.

Chester, UK

I am an illustrator with 5 years of experience I create bright narrative filled pieces of work that will be sure to catch readers eyes.

Specializes in:
Fiction
Dark Romance
Contemporary Romance
Young Adult Fantasy
Romance

Browse thousands of professionals on Reedsy. Search for designers near you

How it works

Browse profiles, request quotes, then collaborate.

Step 1

Apply filters

Reedsy is home to thousands of professionals. Select the specific design services you need and narrow your search based on your book’s genre and requirements.

Step 2

Browse

Then, browse designers' profiles to find out more about their personalities and past projects.

Step 3

Request quotes

Request quotes from up to five designers at any time. They’ll look at your sample pages to give you a tailored quote as well as a sense of how they work.

Step 4

Collaborate

Once you agree on terms and a timeline, you’ll start collaborating using the many communication and editing tools available on Reedsy.

Reedsy in action

Watch how Reedsy can help you assemble your team in the video below:

Reedsy | Illustrator | 2021-03

Sign up to meet illustrators on Reedsy

Bring your story to life — request quotes from our network of 300+ illustrators.