Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Style for Your Book Illustration

Book Illustration

Book Illustration Services By Publishing Mojo

Text alone can’t make a book stick in your mind forever. Basically, what you need is something that catches readers’ eyes. That, too, in the first 5 seconds.

That is where book illustration steps in. The right images can bring your story to life, build a deep connection with readers, and even give your book its unique look. However, how do you decide on the right style? It isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here! Let’s look at some pro tips to help you find the best art style for your book.

1. Understand Your Audience

Firstly, you need to figure out your target audience. Are you creating a picture book for toddlers? Or is it for middle graders? Maybe teenagers? Or adults? If toddlers, it is. Then, you should use colorful, lively, and fun illustrations. But are you you’re writing a dark fantasy novel? Then, you’ll want gloomy, complex, and atmospheric artwork.

Think about this: a 7-year-old might not get excited about black-and-white images. Just like that, someone who enjoys scary tales might not find simple childish sketches impressive. You see, your drawing style should match your story. So, the images help the narrative make sense and keep people engaged. It’s similar to choosing the right clothes! You want them to go well with what you’re wearing, right? So, consider who will view your art. Then, ensure your style fits them just right!

2. Match the Genre and Tone of Your Story

Secondly, your book’s genre acts as a guide for your illustrations. It points out

  • The direction
  • Subject matter
  • Method to bring your story to life

For instance, fantasy tales might call for dreamy, enchanted images with curved lines. But what about nonfiction? You may need more true-to-life or even data-driven pictures.

Cause like imagine a kids’ book. It needs vibrant lively images with larger-than-life characters. In contrast, a serious historical novel might require precise and true period sketches that transport readers to another era. So when picking a book illustration, ensure they fit the overall feel and atmosphere of your narrative.

3. Consider the Format of Your Book

Thirdly, do you think a book’s format doesn’t matter much for illustrations?  But think again! Imagine a large, beautiful spread of detailed pictures! Sounds pretty! Basically, it can look like the perfect hardcover for a children’s book. But it won’t have an impact on a tiny paperback novel.

Maybe you’re planning to publish an eBook. Great Idea! But remember that people might view a book illustration on devices of different sizes. So, that means a complex picture could look strange on a small screen. Basically, the style you pick should work well with the format of the book. Why so? Because this ensures the art will look great. That, too, regardless of how or where people see it.

4. Find Inspiration from Other Books

Don’t be shy! You can always take references from other published books. Basically, it’s a great way to find out which styles you like. So, check out books in your genre. Then, carefully anallyse the book illustration styles other authors use. How this help? Well, this lets you see how different styles create different feelings. Or how certain styles match with specific stories.

Let’s imagine you’re creating a children’s book! Good idea. This means you can take inspiration from the watercolors of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” or the striking visual style of “Where the Wild Things Are.” Also, check out the range of methods, like

  • Line drawings
  • Computer-made pictures
  • Old-school approaches such as watercolor or ink

This task can help you spot the features that catch your eye and fit your tale.

5. Communicate Your Vision with the Illustrator

Are you not the one drawing the pictures? It’s okay. However, it’s vital to communicate with your illustrator. Indeed, you might have a crystal-clear image in your head. But turning that into artwork is a whole different task. The more you describe your ideas, the more likely the book illustration will match your vision.

Moreover, be sure to explain

  • The tone of your story
  • Its central themes
  • The emotions you want the artwork to convey

If possible, show some examples of book illustrations that resonate with you. Or you can even put together a mood board to give your artist insights. And don’t hesitate to ask for their input. They’re the experts, after all!

6. Experiment with Different Styles

Feeling stuck with one particular style right from the start? Don’t be! It’s okay to try out different book illustration styles before finding the perfect fit. In fact, some of the most eye-catching books come from testing various approaches. Because who knows? The right one may be the last one.

You might begin with digital drawings, indeed. However, remember that watercolor captures more of the feeling in your scenes. Or you could play around with a simple, line-art style before deciding. So, give yourself space to explore. And don’t worry about changing direction if a different style works better for your story.

7. Don’t Forget About Your Budget

Let’s be honest, cash counts. Book illustration styles made just for you can cost you yur whole property (maybe)! What if they’re packed with details or created by a well-known artist? You’re done for then. Some types, such as life-like or hand-sketched pictures, take ages to produce. So they’ll hit your wallet harder. On a tight budget? Then, our suggestion is, to consider going for less complex styles.

However, don’t skimp on quality just to pinch pennies. Basically, the artwork in your book is a way to boost its success. So, of course, it’s worth shelling out a bit more if it means nailing the perfect look.

Summing It Up!

Well, picking a book illustration design comes down to understanding your audience. What kind of feeling are you aiming for? Is it supposed to be funny, spooky, or somewhere in the middle? Basically, your artwork should match that mood. Also, it needs to be easy to read. Like, if it’s hard, will readers be able to understand it? No. And you don’t want that!

To discover your ideal style, you need to try out different approaches. So, test various techniques and see what clicks with you. So, unleash your imagination! Just showcase your artwork and watch your book take off!