James Koenig - Designer
Professional children's book illustrator and character designer, having illustrated 45+ books. I love working on imaginative stories!
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Overview
Hello! I have been creating illustrations for children’s books & young adult books for over 13 years, having illustrated over 55 published books. Throughout the years, I have illustrated for publishing companies as well as independent authors. Some of the companies I have illustrated for are Baker Publishing, Spalding Education Intl, Blue Moose Press, Sqwishland, Discovery Tales, Ranger Trek, and more. I enjoy creating colorful, fun, and imaginative illustrations for kids and adults alike. I strive to blend my creativity with emotion in each character and illustration. I have a passion for illustrating books and I feel grateful to be able to work on so many already in my career. And I always look forward to what new books I will be illustrating in the future.
The benefit of working with me is that I have the experience to develop appealing characters, high quality illustrations, and know how to properly set up final page files for the final book print production. Plus, regular and clear communication is very important to me as we work together on your book. I take great care in every part of the process, from initial character concepts, to the illustrations, then the final print prep, and even helping with file uploads and marketing suggestions. For me, I truly see myself as a partner in your success, not just a hired artist going through the motions. Feel free to message me today and we can talk about your story and how I can help bring the characters & scenes to life for you.
The benefit of working with me is that I have the experience to develop appealing characters, high quality illustrations, and know how to properly set up final page files for the final book print production. Plus, regular and clear communication is very important to me as we work together on your book. I take great care in every part of the process, from initial character concepts, to the illustrations, then the final print prep, and even helping with file uploads and marketing suggestions. For me, I truly see myself as a partner in your success, not just a hired artist going through the motions. Feel free to message me today and we can talk about your story and how I can help bring the characters & scenes to life for you.
Services
Languages
English
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Work experience
Artist-Illustrator
Self-employed
April, 2010
–
Present
(about 12 years)
Started my own freelance art company in 2010. I was able to make it my full-time job in May of 2015!
-Clients include: Baker Publishing, Spalding Education Intl, Blue Moose Press, Sqwishland, Ranger Trek, Discovery Tales, Academic Competition Enterprises, Roil Games, Hiplein Industries, as well as countless independent authors.
-Meeting deadlines for both large and small projects
-Completing digital illustrations, character concepts, and graphic design
-Paying close attention to detail and quality of each client’s needs
-Creating and developing unique concepts, ideas, and branding for customers
-Working with clients all across the U.S. and also in Norway, Australia, Canada, Brazil, England, and Spain.
-Freelance includes: Children's Book Illustration, Character Design, IP and Toy Development, Branding and Identity, and Graphic Design.
Portfolio (25 selected works)
Unicorn Parties Are Soooo Exhausting
Koenig, Corissa, Koenig, James
Seymour Monster McBean
M.B. Roosa
Seymour Monster McBean is the second collaboration from mother-in-law and son-in-law team MaryBeth Roosa and James Koenig. With their combined publishing experience and love of children they decided to create a story of a boy who helps a little monster overcome his fear.Monsters can be quite frightening, some can even be mean, but Seymour Monster McBean is not your typical monster. Not only is... read more
The Sweetest Bird
Mr. C
The sweetest bird takes a behind the scenes look at the lovable, soft spoken stork as he delivers all types of babies with compassion and love. Follow this sweethearted stork on his journey as he will stop at nothing to deliver the next bundle of joy. This is the retold story of a tale as old as time. Who is this stork? What does he do? Where does he live? This book is a wonderful answer for y... read more
The Infinia Saga - The Blue Ring
Weaver, Tim, Koenig, James
Lost in an Adult Community: Finding God in the wilderness
Roosa, M.B., Koenig, James
What Would You Do At The Zoo?
M.B. Roosa
What Would You Do At The Zoo? is a fun, vibrant children's book about animals in the zoo. It follows two children who journey through a zoo where every animal plays an instrument. A book that will make any kid giggle with delight! What Would You Do At The Zoo?This is the first collaboration from the mother-in-law and son-in-law team M.B. Roosa and James Koenig.M.B is an accomplished freelance ... read more
The Creator's Toy Chest: Creation's Story
Brett Blair
God created us to enjoy and learn from stories, even from a young age. The new Creator's Toy Chest series brings beloved Bible stories to life for young children with vivid illustrations, youthful characters, and rhyming text perfect for reading aloud. Kids will be thrilled to read about the creation of the world in The Creator's Toy Chest, the faith of Noah in An Ark in the Dark, the courage ... read more
God created us to enjoy and learn from stories, even from a young age. The new Creator's Toy Chest series brings beloved Bible stories to life for young children with vivid illustrations, youthful characters, and rhyming text perfect for reading aloud. Kids will be thrilled to read about the creation of the world in The Creator's Toy Chest, the faith of Noah in An Ark in the Dark, the courage ... read more
God created us to enjoy and learn from stories, even from a young age. The new Creator's Toy Chest series brings beloved Bible stories to life for young children with vivid illustrations, youthful characters, and rhyming text perfect for reading aloud. Kids will be thrilled to read about the creation of the world in The Creator's Toy Chest, the faith of Noah in An Ark in the Dark, the courage ... read more
God created us to enjoy and learn from stories, even from a young age. The new Creator's Toy Chest series brings beloved Bible stories to life for young children with vivid illustrations, youthful characters, and rhyming text perfect for reading aloud. Kids will be thrilled to read about the creation of the world in The Creator's Toy Chest, the faith of Noah in An Ark in the Dark, the courage ... read more
Fire of the Fey (Rowan of the Wood) (Volume 3)
Christine Rose
Things heat up for Cullen and his friends in this third installment of the award-winning Rowan of the Wood fantasy series. Darker than the first two, Maddy must struggle with a painful secret while Rowan finds a new purpose. Fans of Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and Percy Jackson will find this series delightful.
The Stellar Way: Discovering the Star Within
Tina Donovan
The Stellar Way inspires the imagination and captures every child’s attention with its compelling story and brilliant illustrations. This thought-provoking fantasy centers on two main characters: Sparky, a five-hundred-year-old star—a real superhero—and Kelly, a young girl who has found her life exasperating and wears a chip on her shoulder as proof. She learns to dismantle this seemingly giga... read more
Based on a true story, a chocolate lab named Misha shares her stories of adventure. But she discovers that every adventure seems to come with an unexpected challenge. She finds that not only is her best friend battling Cancer but so is she. After much loss and grief, she must cope with losing her leg. Misha must find her way back to her joyful self. In the end, a fortunate experience helps giv... read more
Ricky and the Grim Wrapper
Allen L. Pier
RICKY AND THE GRIM WRAPPER is now STORY MONSTER APPROVED!! This is the story of Ricky, a good boy with one very bad habit: he likes to litter. Even Ricky doesn’t know why he litters, and his mother and father try their best to get him to change his ways. Then one beautiful sunny day while on a drive in the country with his parents, Ricky is once again overcome by the urge to throw an empty roo... read more
The Little Indian Runner
Mark E. L. Woommavovah
Written by a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, The Little Indian Runner is a cute story for young children, following a young Plains Indian boy who just loves running! Children will enjoy seeing all the people and places that the Little Indian Runner visits on the southern plains of Oklahoma. A wonderful story that is a perfect wind down for bedtime! As a retired Army Officer I have r... read more
Mush-A-Roo: The Adventures of Seven The “Dog Sledding” Kangaroo
Brady, Steve, Starkey, Ann, Koenig, James
Brooklynn Crushes the Tooth Ghouls
Caltabiano-Fratto, Donna, Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal
Wisdom for Kids: Book 1: The Purpose of Proverbs
Martínez, T.L., Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal
Niños Sabios: Libro I: El Propósito de los Proverbios (Spanish Edition)
Martínez, T L, Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal
The Kindness Bugs: Frankie's First Day: A Watch Me Grow Book
Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal, Costello, Julie
The Mummy’s Curse: Secrets and Senet
Taylor, T. Freya, Koenig, James
Grayson's Magic Dragon
Hepner, Debbie L., Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal
Wisdom for Kids: Book 2: Wisdom Has Rewards!
Martínez, T.L., Koenig, James, Uhls, Marshal
Stanky & Cece: Break The Rules
Hanstedt, Chad, Sparrow, Kathy, Gray, Jacob, Koenig, James
James has 2 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Working with James has been an absolute pleasure and I will definitely ask him to illustrate my next book! I was a complete newbie to publishing a book and from the beginning James was very supportive, informative and we kept in regular communication throughout the process. I am so incredibly happy with the end illustrations and the first reaction from my friends when they see the illustrations...
Read more
Freya Taylor, October 2021
Reply from James Koenig
What a trip it was working with James! He is knowledgeable about the whole book process. He patiently guides you and responds to every question and concern in a very professional manner. On top of that, he is an extremely talented artist. I will miss our chats. :)
Debbie Hepner, October 2021
Reply from James Koenig
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