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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May 15, 2010
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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!!!!

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Jan 09, 2009
Rating

Submitted by: Rhonda Fischer

Title

Comment
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!!!!

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Jan 07, 2009
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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
Rating

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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