Midwestern Illustrators (U.S.)

Picture Book Artist

by Michelle Ouellette
(Detroit, MI)

Pancakes! Editorial Illustration

Michelle Ouellette, Picture Book Artist

A born and raised Canadian, Michelle Ouellette studied illustration, character design, and 2D/3D animation at renowned Sheridan College in Ontario.

She works as a Motion graphics artist, illustrator, retoucher and compositor at Mackevision in the Detroit area.

In her own time, Michelle does picture book illustration, editorial art, style and story-board art and character design through her own company Seashelles, and with Toonbots Animation. A bright soul with bright ideas, she makes “beautiful” look easy.

Visit Seashelles.

Creative mind of Lett

by Jennifer Paul
(Brookfield, IL)

toys

War in the playroom

frog

hidden objects

I work in oil paint, conte crayon, graphite, charcoal, and water colors. I have also worked with decoupage and can create many fun and creative ideas based off what the story is about.

My main focus has been with the subjects of animals but I am capable of other subjects with ease.

I try to bring emotion of joy and intrigue with each piece. I can create a fun whimsical piece as much as a sophisticated piece.

Visit LETt Studios.

Caseypalooza Children's Book Illustration

by Casey Vigus
(South Lyon, MI)

Wagon Train

Simple, heart-warming illustrations and designs that stimulate the eyes, minds, and imaginations of children and parents of all ages.

I have vast experience with fine art mediums as well as digital graphic design work, allowing for a collaboration of old and new media which provide a vivid, fun, playful, and thought provoking images for children's books and stories.

It is my job and opportunity to bring an author's story to life through illustrative visual aid, supporting the beauty of the work through visual terms.

I use fine art mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, ink, pastel, etc.

As well as digital work using the Adobe Creative Suite CS4, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.

I love collaboration with the author; communication is the key to achieving the best illustrative outcome for not only the author, but the book itself and its readers. I encourage communication, and propose the use of sketches, thumbnails, compositional and color palate variations as staples of approval before committing to the final product. I also feel compensation is also an important agreement between author and illustrator during the preliminary design process.

I have been a free-lance illustrator for over 8 years at Caseypalooza Illustration, with designs ranging from children's murals, business logos, wedding invitations, greeting cards, and a tarot deck design.

I have studied fine arts, illustration, and graphic design at Michigan State University (BFA 2008) and The College for Creative Studies (Detroit, MI) (BFA 2011)

I look forward to working with authors and bringing a children's book visually alive. I can be contacted at cvigus@collegeforcreativestudies.edu or caseypalooza@gmail.com for further information, and will gladly send my digital portfolio to those who are interested!

Beautiful Children’s Book Illustrations!

by Bree Johnson
(Michigan, USA)

Girl in Autumn

Beautiful Children’s Book Illustrations!

I am an illustrator and graphic designer in Michigan. Although I am skilled in tradtional mediums from pencil drawings to oil painting, I currently work digitally.

I consider my work colorful and brilliant. Although my work is more realistic, it is also whimsical and fun.

I like to work with an author to fulfill his or her vision. Samples of my work can be found at Breezeology.

Feel free to contact me at breeze1223@ameritech.net.

Inventive Illustration

by Al Margolis
(Cleveland, Ohio)

The Bully

The work is a colorful, creative, fun style. We work in 3 techniques - whimsical folk art, humorous illustration using pencil and computer, and Illustrator vector art. They all have a slightly different look, but we put the same thinking into all the drawings, creating very inventive visuals.

We've worked with many self publishing authors all around the country - 20 years experience.

Let us know if the style is appropriate for your needs, we're very good on deadlines and details, easy to work with.

Files will be printer ready, including type, and cover design.

If you like the work, please contact me for more information. I appreciate your time.

Sincerely,
- Al Margolis

Narrative and Nature Illustrations

by D. Brent Campbell
(North Canton, Ohio)

Mayan Girl

Narrative and Nature Illustrations for Children's Books and More

After graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration, D. Brent Campbell went on to creating some fun filled pages for the editorial market. He quickly moved into the Children's Book world which seemed to be a natural fit for him.

He has two main styles he works in. His first style is fun and rich and full of whimsical characters he develops for the more narrative publications he illustrates. Secondly he has a great eye for detail that lends itself nicely to create realistic animals for science and nature books.

Brent has created some of the most beautiful murals for zoos and now has even begun to create 3D sculptures for zoos, science centers and museums. Sometimes these creations are larger than life for educational purposes.

To view more of Brent's work and contact information please visit D. Brent Campbell Illustration.

Kevin Scott Collier, Illustrator

(Grand Haven, MI USA)

Illustrator Kevin Scott Coller

Author and Children's Book Illustrator of over 60 titles. Collier's work is whimsical and colorful. "Topsy Turvy Land," one book he illustrated in 2005, was voted by World Magazine as "one of the top 50 children's picture books of all time." Collier illustrates for over a dozen publishers.

Timothy Schenk Children's Book Illustrator

(Milwaukee)

Image from Fauna's Dinner Party published by Sharing Books

Timothy Schenk Children's Book Illustrator

Timothy Schenk is a Milwaukee based freelance Illustrator. He loves working on children's books and creating illustrations to be enjoyed by children. He is not opposed to contract work and loves getting published. He says, "Getting my work in print is a real thrill." Please note at this time he only creates illustration for children's books. However, if you absolutely must contact him for other illustration proposals or assignments do not be afraid to contact him. In the mean time enjoy viewing the illustration he has posted and please consider him for your next or current Children's Book.

Timothy Schenk's portfolio.

Red-Haired Illustrator for Hire

by Doug Spencer
(Noblesville, Indiana )

I'm a red haired illustrator but don't hold it against me

I love detailed work with bright, vibrant color.

I usually hand draw, ink, then apply color using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS4.

I tend to do whimsical subjects. I also love comic book art.

Children's books are a fairly new medium for me but I'm very excited to get into this field. I love cartooning and coming up with new interesting characters and ideas.

You can reach me at dspencer@fableboundstudios.com

Freelance Artist / Illustrator Karen Marino

(Michigan)

Barnabee Belgian Draft Horse

WarPony Creations
Original-Not-So-Ordinary artwork
by Karen Marino

Hi There,

I am a freelance artist/illustrator specializing in watercolor pen and ink. I like to think that my niche is in the animal world, however I am proficient in people and other subjects as well.

My work has been described as "where the sarcastic meets the realistic" it is a marriage of embellished characteristics to the realistic side of life. In every illustration I create I strive to reveal the hidden personality just behind the surface of each character. Springing the paper to life with whimsical and witty creations.

Although my website is geared towards the horse industry, it will give you a glimpse of my style, feel free to check it you :-)

thanks
Karen
karen@warponycreations.com

Visit Karen and WarPony Creations.

From Whimsical to Realistic

by James Balkovek
(Hagerstown, Indiana, USA)

Jazzy, Red, and characters

My art ranges from the realistic to the whimsical

Illustrating a book is about creating a world for the reader to enter, to live in and enjoy. The art reflects a combination of the authors and my vision to come up with something ultimately unique. It is my goal in my work to entertain, while storytelling.

Visit James Balkovek, from whimsical to realistic.

ZTJ INC - Children Illustrations

by Zachary Jordan
(Columbus, Ohio, United states )

Family Reunion

Freelance cover and book illustrator that uses fun as the key to the success of every piece of art.

My illustrations are fun and humorous illustrations for all ages. Using a very flat and graphic style to express ideas and concepts.

Contact Zachary Jordan.

NTCreations

by Natalie Totire
(Wheaton, IL USA)

Mountain Climber

Natalie Totire has taken art classes at a Community College and Art League, but frequently studies art in her free time. She has illustrated several of her own books, including "The Littlest Donkey" (now on Amazon), and "Noah, Elam, and the Ark".

Natalie also illustrated books for several clients in the past, primarily using digital illustrations. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Natalie has worked with several mediums, including acrylic, digital, and colored pencil. She has a good eye for color and expression, and her style remains innocent.

Natalie is enthusiastic about working with clients. She is willing to sketch out ideas beforehand.

I have worked regularly for clients for the past four years, making cards, designs, airbrushing caricatures, and illustrating children's stories. My artwork has won four merit awards and had been on background display under the Fox TV show "Prison Break".

Whether drawing children or animals, the details in the eyes and face are very expressive. I also have experience with a variety of mediums, including colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, and Photoshop. I often choose the medium and colors depending on the mood of the story.

See more examples of Natalie's art and price range.

Childrens book illustrator and muralist

by Christine Crosby
(Farmdale, OH)

Santa Frog on Mushroom

Childrens book illustrations and murals by Christine Crosby

Christine works with pen and ink to create detailed, whimsical artwork. Her style has been described as “Seussical” and “Fraggle-esque”, reflecting her love of both Dr. Seuss and Fraggle Rock as a child.

In addition to pen and ink, Christine works with acrylics and Corel Painter 11. She has created custom framed children's art and custom murals for children's bedrooms and playrooms. Christine designed the cover art for "The Baiting Game" (2004), as well as clip art for newsletters/flyers.

Christine has recently finished illustrating her first children's picture book, "Dr. Crozrock Says, 'Don't Smoke'!" which will be available for sale mid-year 2010. She is currently working as creative collaborator for a second book in the Crozrock series.

To view more of Christine's artwork, please visit Christine-Crosby.com. Interested children's book authors may contact her through her website.

Children Book Illustrator - Freelance Designer

by Domonique Mayhawk
(Ypsilanti, MI, United States)

LJ waking up Carlos in class

Your Children Book Illustrator-That Is What I Am

First of all I love children, and I love their view of the world as a playground and that their imaginations run wild.

I am playful when it comes to creating characters, especially children characters. I can make them look very simple with untied shoe laces and runny noses, or I can make them look very detailed wearing coveralls and standing on their bed pretending to be a singer with their mother peeking in on them.

I draw children of all ethnicities, and create them with originality.

I normally like to draw by hand and color by hand and then scan them but I am open to doing them digitally.

I use all types of mediums such as oil, acrylic, water color paints, or even prisma color artist markers, color pastels or color pencils.

I am open to drawing superheroes and sci-fi characters and animal characters. I am really skilled in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I would love to work on illustrations for children books of all age levels. I would love to be your next book illustrator.

Visit D Hawk the Lovely - A Freelance Designer.

Illinois Illustrator

by Alexander Morris
(Schaumburg, IL USA)

Danny Frog

Hello. My name is Alexander Morris and I love to draw and get creative.

I graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg with a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts & Animation and have been working with various authors illustrating children's books for the last few months. Though I am new to the industry, I am a hard worker and I always try to set higher standards for myself. Especially when it comes to my art.

I consider my work to be very colorful as well as emotional. With each character I create, I try to add I little bit of my own personality to it whether it is sadness, anger, fear, joy, or even mischievousness, and I always hope that when people look at my characters they see that trait in themselves to or at least see it in someone they know. I always work digitally and tend to work mostly in Flash and Photoshop though all the sketches are done by hand.

When auditioning for a job I will always provide sketches should the author or company require it. As for my fee I generally charge $300 per book however that may change depending on the length of the book and the author's budget.

If you like what you've seen and read feel free to contact me by email and I will provide a link to my website.

Alexander Morris

Kate Paul painting & illustration

(Detroit, Michigan, USA)

Anemone

Kate Paul painting & illustration

I work drawing and painting illusions. I work in a whimsical style. I work painting commissioned artwork and paintings. Currently illustrating for children's picture books and stories, commissioned paintings for children of all ages.

Primarily sketches are rendered in watercolour pencil. First sample sketch "thumbnail" on spec. Charge per illustration for finished sketches.

Primary paint medium, oil. Work via email or in-person. Recently finished commission painting mural in staircase entrance to children's section of Royal Oak Public Library, Royal Oak, MI.

Contact me through my website at Paul Studios, LLC.

Uplifting Illustration

by Kaamilya
(Detroit, MI, United States)

Sketches of kids

Children's illustrations determined to enlighten by a wonderful artist

I am an inspirational individual and enjoy uplifting people through my art work. I am a self-taught artist drawing ever since I could hold a pencil and believe it or not I wear a lot of hats. One of the hats just happened to be drawing.

I want to use my artistic skills to pursue a career in illustrating children's books that serves a high purpose of getting children to understand realistic situations. I want my illustrating to capture personal stories and examples of community building and will be stories full of insight and inspiration. I am proficient in pencil and charcoal. Let me point out that my work is professional; drawings are realistic, imaginary and abstract. I am able to capture your style of writing in many ways such as picture, chapter, educational, etc which I will manifest your ideas to life. I would also like to illustrate any type of cards. I would like to work on your next project. I will work with you by doing sample sketches to correspond with your skills. My price quotes vary depending on the project and are very reasonable. I don't want to let my talents for drawing to go to waste.

Contact me so that I can work on your next project.

Thanks.

Kaamilya

Employed Illustrator Seeks More Work

by Lance King
(Columbus,Ohio)

Cover for Very Merry Animals

Lance King Illustration

I am an Illustrator based in Columbus, Ohio and employed by a small publisher, Brighter Minds Media, as an Illustrator and Graphic Designer.

My work there is little limited and I would like to find an author who has a really fun, different project.

I like to work closely with a writer and discuss the direction of the art and story along the way.

I work in a few different styles although I prefer pen & ink and watercolor. I prefer to work traditionally but digital work is just fine with me also if preferred.

Please visit my website at Rocket King Art - The Art of Lance King! to view more work and if you like what you see send me an email and we can talk.

Thanks
Lance

Colorful Children's Book Illustrations!

by Jake Murray
(Columbus, Ohio USA)

I am a professional freelance illustrator specializing in the sci-fi/fantasy and children's publishing markets.

After graduating from the Columbus College of Art and Design in May of 2010, I began freelancing full-time and have a growing list of clients in the publishing, gaming, and advertising industries.

Since 2005, I have been producing the illustrations for the "Mr. Topaz" series of self-published children's books.

Coming from a traditional drawing and painting background, my work focuses heavily on realistic depictions of light, mood, and expression.

Most of my professional work is created digitally via programs like Photoshop and Corel Painter, but I do enjoy painting with oils as well.

I'm very easy to work with, and if you want to give your book a professional edge over the rest, it would be my pleasure to see to it!

-Fees-

Per 2-page full-color spread: $250 in advance against a percentage of royalties (to be determined during negotiation).

Cover (front and back) - $350

Cover (front only) - $250

I also offer book layout services as well which include setting type and putting together the final book pdf for the print production. Ask me how I can make your book look completely professional! (additional fees apply)

I usually request no more than half payment up front as well. Fees are subject to negotiation depending on the project.

-Contact-

To contact me or see more of my work, please visit my website at Jake Murray Illustration!