Iryna Potapenko – Designer

When I see a smile of a child, who is looking at my illustrations in a children’s book, I know my efforts have been rewarded. For this reason, I’ve spent over 30 years in the book industry, illustrating children’s books. Last year, books with my illustrations embarked on a journey across Europe and America. They were featured at book fairs in Bologna and Frankfurt am Main. My illustrations now travel more than I do.

I work with authors and publishers, offering a full range of services as an illustrator: digital illustrations for picture books up to 40 pages, covers, book design. I can mimic watercolor, colored pencils, and any kind of book graphics on my iPad according to your taste. How the collaboration works:

1. Discussion

You can write to me and tell me about your book, your vision and wishes, the style and color preferences.

2. Contract

Once we discuss the scope of work, number and size of illustrations, deadlines, and cost, we’ll sign a contract to formalize our partnership.

3. Sketches of characters and locations

At this stage, I’ll provide sketches of the main characters and color scheme. We will agree on these.

4. Book illustration sketches

I’ll create a series of illustrations for your book, inviting discussion about composition and character placement. You can make your edits and wishes known.

5. Adding color and details

After approving the rough sketches, I’ll create colored illustrations. This is the moment of full immersion in your story.

6. Layout approval

When I finish drawing the colored illustrations, I’ll compile them into a PDF layout and send it to you for approval. Minor revisions are possible at this stage.

7. File delivery

After you approve the layout, I’ll provide you access to the illustrations in TIFF format at printing resolution.

When your book is adorned with my illustrations, it will be like you’ve bought a new outfit for a celebration. And you’ll be eager to see it on the bookshelves.