Book Illustration
Interior illustration for picture books, graphic novels, and illustrated non-fiction.
- Free consultation
- A written quote, specific to your book
- You keep full ownership
Full-book illustration work, not just a cover: the spot art, chapter openers, or page-by-page scenes an illustrated book actually needs, matched to your story's age group and tone before a single final piece is drawn.
We illustrate books for authors in Chicago and across the United States, with character and style sketches approved before final art begins.
A simple 6-step process that keeps your book moving forward
The same clear sequence on every project: you always know what happens next.
Discovery
We start by understanding your idea, goals, audience, and the stage you are currently at.
Planning
The structure, content, and overall approach are organized so everything has clarity from the beginning.
Strategy
We create a clear direction for your project, including the right service recommendations and a practical roadmap.
Creation
We begin the writing, development, editing, or design work based on your project needs.
Refinement
The work is polished, reviewed, and prepared to meet professional publishing standards.
Publishing & Growth
Once the work is ready, we guide you toward publishing, presentation, and the next steps for author growth.
Full-book illustration work, not just a cover: the spot art, chapter openers, or page-by-page scenes an illustrated book actually needs, matched to your story's age group and tone before a single final piece is drawn.
Before we start
Make every part of the book tell the same story. Good book illustration starts with the decisions behind the work. Here is what to think about, what to prepare, and how to make your reviews more useful.
Designed to be seen
in a crowded market.
Start with a clear brief
Describe the reader, the genre, the tone, and the formats you need. Share covers, audiobooks, or sites you admire and say what you like about them: the energy, the restraint, the typography, the pacing. A good brief gives creative decisions a direction.
Review it the way a reader will meet it
Look at a cover as a small thumbnail on a phone as well as full size. Listen to an audiobook sample at the speed you actually listen. Open the website on your own phone. Reviewing in context catches what a desktop preview hides.
Prepare the handover
Confirm the file formats, dimensions, and platform requirements before production ends, and keep the approved version separate from drafts. Ask which source files are included so a future reprint or redesign starts from the right place.
Come with an idea. Leave with a clear direction.
Bring your current material, your intended readers, a few references you like, and any deadline that matters. We will talk through the work and confirm what belongs in your scope.
Everything you need to know
Common questions about book illustration.
What styles can you illustrate?
Picture-book watercolor and digital styles, line art, graphic-novel panels, and technical illustration for non-fiction. We match the illustrator to the style your book needs.
Do I approve the artwork?
Yes. You approve character designs and style samples before full production, and you review each finished piece.
Who owns the illustrations?
You do. The finished artwork is yours to use in your book and its promotion.
Can you also handle layout and publishing?
Yes. Book Formatting and Book Publishing can take the illustrated book through to finished files and live listings.
What happens after you get in touch
Three steps, and nothing starts until you have seen a plan in writing.
A consultant reads it
A publishing consultant looks at what you sent and gets back to you within one business day.
A free consultation
A call about your book, your goals and where it stands. No pressure to commit on the call.
A written plan and quote
What your book needs and in what order, with a quote in writing, specific to your book, before anything starts.
Serving authors in Chicago and across the United States
We provide book illustration in Chicago while also working with clients across the United States. Whether you are local or nationwide, our team ensures clear communication, professional work, and consistent support from start to finish.
Every project is scoped on its own. Tell us what you are making and where it stands, and we will come back with a clear recommendation.
Call us
+1 888 389 5182Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm CTWe reply within one business day.info@chicagobookclinic.comComplete author services you may also need
Book Illustration is one part of the publishing journey. These related design & production services make sure your book is prepared and positioned for readers.
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Book Cover Design
We design eye-catching covers that attract readers and reflect your book's message.
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Audiobook Production
Professional audiobook production for authors who want quality.
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Book Video Trailer
A short video that introduces your book to readers on retail pages and social media.
Ready to take the next step with your book?
With the right guidance, book illustration becomes a structured and achievable process. Let us help you move forward.
You keep full ownership of everything we make for your book.