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!

Name

Workshops for Illustrators

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

Podcast: Steve Light & Kelly Light on Illustrator Process

Podcast: Steve Light & Kelly Light on Illustrator Process

#HFGather: Illustrator Inspiration from Shadra Strickland & Kelly Light

#HFGather: Illustrator Inspiration from Shadra Strickland & Kelly Light

The Weird, Wonderful Wandering Ways of Watercolor

The Weird, Wonderful Wandering Ways of Watercolor

Breaking Through Those Creative Blocks: 9 Actions to Get You Back to Flow State

Breaking Through Those Creative Blocks: 9 Actions to Get You Back to Flow State

Get Involved at the Highlights Foundation

Stories from Our Highlights Foundation Alumni

PJ Library Summer Camp Brings Jewish Creatives to the Highlights Foundation

PJ Library Summer Camp Brings Jewish Creatives to the Highlights Foundation

Studying Picture Book and Nonfiction Craft With Support from  PJ Library Scholarship

Studying Picture Book and Nonfiction Craft With Support from PJ Library Scholarship

Celebrating Rhonda Roumani’s Book Birthday!

Celebrating Rhonda Roumani’s Book Birthday!

Attending the Jewish Symposium with Support from the PJ Library Scholarship

Attending the Jewish Symposium with Support from the PJ Library Scholarship

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.