Tell Your Story: Illustration

Picture books, board books, graphic novels, nonfiction, early readers, chapter books: all of these genres need illustrations for children to relate with and respond to.

Whether you’re new to children’s book illustration or an experienced artist who is curious about how to get started in children’s publishing, we can help you learn more with resources and workshops.

#HFGather on Income Streams for Children's Book Illustrators
PDF Download of Income Streams for Children's Book Illustrators

Want to learn more about building your career as an illustrator?

The Highlights Foundation held a free #HFGather session on income streams for illustrators with Pat Cummings, Shadra Strickland, Xindi Yan, and Rudy Gutierrez.

Join our community and download our Free #HFGather Wrap-Up, a one-page PDF that includes advice from the panelists, a list of 28 ways they've earned or pursued income through illustration, and a link to access the full recording of the webinar!

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Workshops for Illustrators

Working (PLAYING) Retreat: Artistic Play and Exploration

Working (PLAYING) Retreat: Artistic Play and Exploration

Starts: April 14, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)

Starts: April 17, 2024

Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini

Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini

Starts: May 7, 2024

Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration

Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration

Starts: July 10, 2024

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Working Retreat: Experienced Storytellers In-Company

Starts: September 11, 2024

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)

Starts: September 18, 2024

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry

Starts: September 26, 2024

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators

Starts: November 10, 2024

Inspiring Children Through Story

“My picture book … deals with parents separating. One little boy, who parents recently divorced, went to bed with [it] many nights. This deeply moved me to know this picture book helped this little boy.

“I tutor 2nd grade reluctant readers. My understanding of picture book structure and prose allows me to help them learn more than words. Rather than just read the story, we talk about it.”

“You mean I get to keep this book forever?”

…Spoken by a child in tears who was gifted with one of my books at a school visit and had never owned a book before.

“When I hear kids giggle while I’m reading [my book] I feel like I’ve done the job I intended to do.

Illustration Resources

3 Questions for Ashley Wolff and Merrill Rainey About the Power of Artistic Exploration

3 Questions for Ashley Wolff and Merrill Rainey About the Power of Artistic Exploration

Art Retreat Magic: 3 Artists Step Away from Their Computers and Get Creative

Art Retreat Magic: 3 Artists Step Away from Their Computers and Get Creative

10 Essential Steps to Convert a Graphic Novel Script Into Compelling Panels

10 Essential Steps to Convert a Graphic Novel Script Into Compelling Panels

Podcast: Sara, Joe, and Aram

Podcast: Sara, Joe, and Aram

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Celebrating Ramadan Kareem’s Book Birthday with M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

Cover Reveal: Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

With Scholarship Support, Rachel Werner Grows Her Passion Project: Expanding Inclusion in Narratives

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Celebration Station: Fall 2023

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.