Kim Sponaugle

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Kim Sponaugle

Kim's Picture Book Sampler

I think there are several ingredients necessary to create a children's book illustration that can touch the heart, teach, and communicate what the author wants to express. I think the best illustrations are those that get a hold of my heart and imagination. A good use of color, design and and well rendered characters are part of the recipe for a great book. But not just that, it needs life in the illustrations, expression, whimsy and delightful surprises.

My picture book illustration is bright,colorful,and full of expression! I used to work as a children's cartoon portrait artist and have rendered hundreds of children's faces - I think this has strengthened my ability to show children's expressions in my work. I enjoy using color to set mood in my books. I work in watercolor, pastels and pen and ink mediums.

Prices

Black line art (chapter books)

$50-75.00 per illustration - based upon complexity

Black line art illustration books 1-2 weeks for sketches and based on a 10 illustration chapter book and approx. 2 weeks for finished art (depending on complexity)

Pastel (for simpler styles)

$125.00 -150.00-per illustration - based upon complexity

Pastel illustration books take about 2 weeks for sketches on average, and upon approval, 3-4 weeks for finished art (based on a 15-20 page picture book)

Watercolor (for more detailed work)

$150-175.00 per illustration - based upon complexity

For a watercolor illustration book It takes 2-3 weeks for sketches on average and 4-6 weeks for finished artwork (based on a 24 page picture book and complexity of project)

I enjoy working with self-publishing authors and would be happy to talk with you about your project!

Learn more about Kim and see more of her work at Picture Kitchen Studio.

Comments for
Kim Sponaugle

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Jan 04, 2012

The Adventure With Kim Sponaugle
by: Janice Austin Bates

While writing my book, The Adventures of Little Chrisamee, I started looking for an illustrator, which I am sure most of you know, is a very frustrating experience. I finally realized that I had not prayed about it, so I stopped and prayed. In less than one week I had found Picture Kitchen Studio. I know Kim was an answer to prayer, because working with Kim has been an absolute joy. She has gone the extra mile time and time again to portray the characters in my book like I have imagined them. It has almost been like she was in my head and could see my thoughts.

I have actually made changes to my story and added a character because of things Kim has put into the illustrations. I have to say that she has not only brought my story to life, but has truly helped me make the story better.

Kim also introduced me to an excellent editor and a wonderful publisher. I feel like working with Kim is truly being part of a team. She has helped me in more ways than I could ever explain. I am planning to publish several more books, and I would not even consider any other illustrator.

Thank you Kim for everything you have done.

Oct 16, 2011

On a Journey to Mirth
by: Linda Kandelin Chambers

Upon receiving the finished illustrations from Kim for a new novel I have written for little girls I was overwhelmed by her expertise in capturing whimsy and sparkle in the black and white illustrations! She has a unique ability to visualize an author's words and put them to paper. I knew her work in color was outstanding, but had no idea she could work the same magic for black and white ink. Movement, line, shadow, space, and MIRTH are all there! Thank you Kim for sharing your God-given talent with me. Appreciatively, Linda Chambers

Jun 04, 2011

Book Illustrations for
by: Patty Wiese

Kim has finished my illustrations for my book.
It's been a wonderful ride.

Kim aims to please she's caring and easy to work with to say the least. I look forward working with her again. I can't think of anyone I'd rather work with than Kim.

I've told Kim several times that I don't think I could have found anyone to do a better job than her! Kim has been a gift from God! Knowing in my mind what I wanted my illustrations to look like was frustrating for me not being able to draw myself. Kim made it possible to illustrate what I was thinking and she not only drew what I wanted but when I was stumbling with an idea for an illustration - there she was with a great idea. She made it so easy for me to work with her. Putting our ideas together was so much fun.

Kim is great at making you feel at home with her. She's not only super talented but she's equally caring and put's a lot of love into her work.

In my opinion Kim is priceless.

Thank you Kim from the bottom of my heart.

Your a great person!

Patty Wiese

Feb 25, 2011

Kim's Krazy Kitchen!
by: Maryann Welker

I've never been to Kim's house. But I can just imagine that a visit to her picture kitchen studio must be like walking into a magical place full of lots of kids, lots of activity, lots of color, lots of animals, lots of illustrations, and lots of fun! Because that's what I envisioned with every email and phone call I had with Kim during the months she was illustrating my book: "Did God Run Out Of Tails?" So I found myself being a little sad when the book was done...but thank goodness, our relationship contiinues. She is always there for me when I have questions, concerns, or need advice. I can't say enough wonderful things about working with her; and at some point, I'm going to make a surprise visit and see what really goes on in Kim's Krazy Kitchen!

Feb 04, 2011

I'm almost speechless!
by: Patty Wiese

It takes a lot for me to be almost speechless!

Kim has done that to me! I usually can find the words to express how I feel. Kim makes it more difficult in a very good way to say how I feel about her wonderful illustrations. I stumble with
amazement how creative she is. Working with her is a God send. I could not ask for a nicer and better person to hire than Kim. I am grateful in everyway, from meeting Kim, to working with her and making my character actually feel so alive. This is because of how well Kim can focus and work with others, putting not only her imagination on paper but also mine. She can take my ideas and make them better, and if I stumble with not knowing what I want for an illustration, she comes up with the most clever results. Kim motivates my own imagination. She's great at blending well with people! In my opinion it's hard to find someone like Kim, she can do it all! She not only can create what you want but also be a very focused business woman! When working with Kim she has made me feel more confident, relaxed and eager to make my book the best it can be.

Thank you Kim! Your a pleasure to work with.

I guess it wasn't so hard after all to put my feelings in words about Kim! I just say it like I see it.

Best to you, Patty Wiese

Dec 09, 2010

Interested in contacting you
by: Patty Wiese

Dear Kim Sponaugle

I'm searching for an Illustrator for my Children's picture book. I really enjoyed your website.
I tried to hit the - "contact Kim" but for some reason my computer wouldn't allow me to open it.
Not sure what the problem is so I thought I would
try to connect with you this way.
My email address is - pattyjeanw@comcast.net
If your interested in knowing more please give me
an email jingle. I want my book project to be a stress free enjoyable job for whoever works with me - as much as possible anyway! Life is too short for anything less than that.

Sincerely, Patty Wiese
Portland, Oregon

May 15, 2010

Great Job!
by: Pamela

Kim... is a brilliant illustrator!!! She's done a wonderful job capturing my thoughts for my book "Life Sure Feels Different Living in a Separate House From My Brother." She is very talented and such a smooth person to work with. If you need someone to get your story without a whole lot of hassle... Kim Sponaugle would be the one. You go girl!!!

Feb 10, 2010

Talented Illustrator!!
by: Anonymous

If you are looking for someone to get into your head and create the illustration you are dreaming about...Kim is the BEST!! She produced illustrations for me that were exactly what I was hoping for...and MORE!! In fact, Kim took extra time to create a 3rd sketch that I didn't know I needed until I saw it!! :)

And the best part was she did all this in less than 2 weeks! One week for the sketch and a second for the final. Absolutely AMAZING!

Thnak you Kim for bringing my idea to life!

Mar 19, 2009

A real gem
by: Donna McFarland

I looked for over a year for just the right illustrator for my first book, "The Purple Elephant" (to be released in May). When I saw one of Kim's illustrations, I knew I'd found the person who could bring my characters to life. Kim's illustrations speak for themselves, but I couldn't have been happier with how she caught the vision for my characters. Kim was a real pleasure to work with and she even helped me decide how to format my book and led me to a fine editor. I'm looking forward to using her again. She's a real gem.

Jan 09, 2009

I highly recommend Kim
by: Dixie Phillips

Kim Sponaugle's creative juices never cease to flow. Others may be stuck in an artisic rut -- not Kim. She draws with her heart and her illustrations are sheer inspiration! Without fail... when people pick up books Kim has illustrated they oooohhhh and aaaahhhh over her delightful illustrations.

Talent can get you to the top, but character keeps you there. Kim has the talent, but she also is a woman of integrity. She is a joy to work with and is a woman who keeps her word. She burns the midnight oil to meet deadlines.

Kim has illustrated all three of my children's books. Her star is rising and I believe she is sketching her way into the hearts of boys and girls all over the world.

I highly recommend Kim Sponaugle and plan to have her illustrate another one of my books in the near future.

Jan 09, 2009

Experience of my life
by: Rhonda Fischer

I have had the experience of my life working with Kim. We were brought together by fate. I interviewed many illustrators and none could capture what I invisioned Randy Kazandy to look like. On Kim's first illustration she sent me, she hit Randy right on the nose. He was perfect! I knew SHE was the gifted artist to do the job. I could feel it right through the vivid colors of her drawing as if the character had come to life and was talking to me right through the computer. To find that in an illustator is a treasure, a true gift. It has been a pleasure, fun, and learning experience that not even the best college could of taught me. Inspiring and full of ideas we both had love for our character Randy Kazandy. Every expression, and detail depicts the courageous young boy. Kims style has been noticed by may when they view Randy Kazandy. The illustrations are fastinating, simply brilliant! She has a beautiful flow in her work and captures the moments in each character. Her flair especially drawing babies is outstanding. Kim had me take pictures of everyroom in my house to get ideas to paint for the background in the book. We had laughs while working and we not only had passion for our craft, we are becoming good friends. I have loved the working moments together and will continue working on the series of Randy Kazandy in hopes that it never ends. A dedicated gal who meets deadlines, before the deadline in my case. A dream come true in this business. Kim's talents await you. Kim draws with much love.Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As Randy Kazandy would say: A friend, is a friend is a friend...Yahoo!!!!

Jan 07, 2009

Kim's a "Keeper"
by: Candy Abbott

Fruitbearer Publishing contracted with Kim for the first time to do the illustrations for Dalen Key's book, "Just a Quilt?" What a great experience! Not only was Kim able to capture the author's vision for each page and bring the story to life, but her work was professional in every way, meeting or exceeding anticipated deadlines. We'll be back!

Candy Abbott
Managing Partner
Fruitbearer Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 777
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 856-6649
cfa@candyabbott.com
www.fruitbearer.com

Jan 06, 2009

Tales of Henry
by: Lily Westwater

Thank you Kim, for revealing the essence of the photos that served as the foundation of your illustrations in Tales of Henry. You knew from our conversations how vital it was to me and the story to draw the reader in by your fine work, illuminating the timeless appeal that is seen in a puppy's yearning eyes. Yearning for what? Someone to love and be loved by in return, someone to look for in every room, someone to watch for as they return home, someone to grow with, someone who will become a better person for having opened their heart and home to one of God's special creatures. Henry will now be special in a timeless way through your work, and I will always be thankful for that!

Jan 04, 2009

you did a brilliant job
by: Anonymous

Kim, you did a brilliant job, capturing the essence of Randy Kazandy. You gave him a face and a form that match his personality, right down to the red hair and bandages. Randy Kazandy is a mischievous, cute kid who everyone will love. AND working with you on the book was a pleasure!

-Jill
Sun Editing & Book Design
www.suneditwrite.com

Jan 01, 2009

Collaboration on "Just a Quilt?"
by: Dalen Keys

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Kim! Her grasp of the story line and her vibrant artwork brought "Just a Quilt?" to life. Entering the project on "Just a Quilt?", I believed that it was critical to have wonderful artwork. Children and parents expect to be drawn into the story by the words and the art. It was critical to select an artist that could meet my high expectations. When I first saw her sketches, I knew I had made the right selection. Althoug we have never met face-to-face, I feel that I have known Kim for years. Just to add some details: she communicates well and promptly, she welcomes input from the author, and her turn-around time was fantastic. I would be glad to work with her again.

Dec 31, 2008

Kim is wonderful to work with!!
by: Scott Spoonmore

After I finished my first children's book I searched for a few months to find an illustrator. Luckily I was refered to Kim. Kim has more than met my expectations, her work is so vivid and colorful, it just pops off the page. She has done an excellent job of bringing my characters to life. Her attention to detail really impressed me. When my next book is finished Kim will be my first and only call to an illustrator. If she isn't available immediatly, I'll wait.

Scott Spoonmore
Seymour the Semi-Snow Days

Dec 31, 2008

Kim is the greatest!!!
by: Anonymous

I interviewed many, many professional illustrators in search of the perfect fit for my first children's book. When I came across Kim, I knew my search was over! She was very easy to communicate with, and worked hard to met my expectations. I have gotten so many compliments on the illustrations, and the book hasn't even been released yet! I'd definitely use Kim again! She is wonderful!

-Michael Yoist
"A Smile for the King"

Mar 03, 2008

Kim is wonderful to work with!
by: VS Grenier

I've been working with Kim for a little over a year now. She's been wonderful to work with. Her artwork has really added to the Stories for Children Magazine family of illustrators. She's always on time with deadlines and is open to suggestions or revisions.

Kim is one of most professional illustrators I've worked with.

We're glad Kim is a part of the SFC contributors.

Mar 03, 2008

Kim and Curley and Q and Me, too!
by: Marcia Trimble

I didn't even have a project when I first met Kim.
But seeing Kim's portfolio motivated me to create
a project especially for her. And luckily she said, "yes."

Kim patiently helped me evolve this beautiful keepsake album, Curley and Q, and Me, Too! Baby Album that smiles with the whimsy of her pencils and pastels.

I am in awe of her talent and her untiring energy.
Kim is a gem to work with.

Email me at bugsmom2@aol.com.

Mar 02, 2008

Kim Breathes Life Into Books
by: Colleen Buckley

Kim illustrated my book, Grandma Kathy Has Cancer, but she did so much more than the illustrations. I was incredulous when I saw her first round of pencil sketches because she captured my sister and her granddaughter as if she had known them for a long time. She made my book come alive. She gave me encouragement, guidance, and was always a positive influence throughout the process. She truly did breathe life into the book.

Anyone who may be thinking of using Kim to do illustrations should feel free to contact me so that I can tell you how great she is to work with.
Email me at cobuck1@msn.com.

Mar 02, 2008

Match Made in Heaven
by: Dixie Phillips

Kim Sponaugle has brought "Angel Eyes" and "Stubby's Destiny" to life with her amazing illustrations. I knew the first time I saw some of her work, if I ever wrote a children's book, I hoped that Kim would be the illustrator. My dream came true and it has been a match made in Heaven.

I would highly recommend Kim Sponaugle to anyone who is serious about creating illustrations that leave "footprints" in the hearts of little ones.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding my experience with Kim. You may contact me at Phillips4Him@omnitelcom.com.

Feb 29, 2008

She illustrated my children's book
by: Elisabeth Matulewicz

Kim did an amazing job illustrating my children's book, "Benny & Marshmallow - A Day of Mischief." She is insightful and talented. I especially like the expressions of the animals. I also enjoyed her use of purple - I was pleasantly pleased. The book will be released shortly and I look forward to having her illustrate my next book!

Feb 29, 2008

Kim is a Fabulous Illustrator
by: Susan Berger

Kim illustrated Jamie's Dream which I co-authored with my son Christopher. The day I received her illustrations was one of the highlights of my life. She had so perfectly captured the mood and spirit of the book. She illustrated a book called Grandma Kathy has cancer. I loved the illustrations for this book. They were joyous and perfect. If you are lucky enough to work with Kim, you will have a wonderful experience.

Feb 29, 2008

A wonderful artist to work with
by: Pam Halter

I am a children's author and have worked with Kim Sponaugle for years. She illustrated two of my picture books, Beatrice Loses Her Doll AND Beatrice's New Clothes (Concordia Publishing). They are now out of print, but still available on amazon.com.

Kim has a gift to be able to capture the essence of a story and enhance it with her illustrations. She is fun to work with, easy to talk to and willing to help brainstorm every part of the artwork.

We continue to develop ideas together and are hoping to have the opportunity to publish books as a team again.

If you would like a reference, or would like to ask me any further questions, you can contact me through my web page at www.pamhalter.info.

Feb 29, 2008

I use Kim and I'm an artist!
by: Kevin Scott Collier

I have illustrated over 70 books, but when it comes to a book I write, I have asked Kim to illustrate the cover. She's completed two chapter book covers for me. I mean, I like my own art, but Kim has a style I must have for the face of my chapter books. I intend to hire her for many more.
- Kevin Scott Collier
Author and illustrator

Feb 29, 2008

Editor, Kitty Cat Books Div. Dragonfly Pub.
by: Pat Gaines

I have been working with Kim for the last several months while she was creating the illustrations for our latest children's book edition, An Angel's First Job. She has been on time in completing the work and her art is fantastic.I have found her to be dedicated to her art and her Christian principles and it has been a joy for me to work with her and to get to know her.

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Kim Sponaugle

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