Liz DiFiore – Designer

Do you need some magical realism to translate tough times? I’m a freelance illustrator specializing in children’s picture book illustration, though I also do middle-grade illustration, video and board games, and other commissions. My favorite stories to work on are personally and emotionally impacting, displaying kids and/or adults dealing with big emotions (like anxiety or empathy) and interpersonal relationships (like kids and their parents, family members, or friends).

When I’m not life drawing in some local coffee shop I love looking for new places to adventure with friends. I’m still new to New England (originally hailing from Western New York) and have enjoyed getting to know the area. I'm an avid gamer of both video and tabletop varieties, enjoy most things considered "nerdy," and generally think the world would be a better place with more unicorns in it.

I'm big on communication and keeping everyone on the same page. I run my projects with regular check-ins with the client. I ask a lot of questions to get people from "I'm not sure what I want" to "that's my favorite thing!"

Here are some of the first questions I ask every potential client:

1. Have you decided you want to self-publish?
This is important because traditional publishing houses will not look at a manuscript with an illustrator already attached. If you're not set on self-publishing, then you may not need me!

2. Have you had your book professionally edited yet?
The illustration is easily the most expensive part of self-publishing, so it's important that the words are as publish-ready as can be before the art starts. Changes to the story or text can cause costly art changes, so I want to make sure my clients are prepared upfront - save your money!

3. What's your timeline for the project?
Picture books typically take between 6-8 months to complete, from the illustration side. If you want it ready by Christmas, then you need to be deciding on an illustrator in April at the latest.