Adopting a Cutesy Style: Tips for Illustrating Children's Books

As a professional illustrator, you've been hired by a family member to illustrate two children's books. The task at hand is to adopt a more 'cutesy' style to match their expectations. However, the question arises: is it the best approach for your work?

Understanding the Client's Expectations

Your style may have been chosen for this work, or the family members trust you to interpret the story in a way that resonates well. It's crucial to understand the parameters set by the client. Did they set any specific guidelines? Did you discuss the desired outcome?

Considering the Target Audience

Are they expecting a wide distribution beyond just family members? Is this a picture book, or another form of children's literature? How many illustrations do they want, and how will these appear on the page: in a corner, across the spread, or within the narrative flow?

Choosing the Right Cutesy Style

If the intention is to please grandkids, aim for a style that focuses on large eyes, simple facial expressions, and cheerful colors. This cutesy approach is often popular with a younger audience and can make the story more engaging for them.

The Story's Intention and Your Role

While the style may be important, it's equally essential to consider the story itself. Are you familiar with the narrative? Does it call for a cutesy or more sophisticated style? Most enduring children's books are not cutesy; they often feature more complex, thought-provoking stories.

I recently listened to a discussion about the 2021 Caldecott-Honor Book, Outside In, written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Cindy Derby. Derby's artistic devices serve the story effectively, using creative techniques like leaves as paintbrushes to enhance the environmental theme. This approach generated a stunning result through creativity and fun.

Respecting Children and Craftsmanship

Unless you have the utmost respect for children and the craft of illustration, it's best not to adopt a purely cutesy style. While cutesy illustrations can be charming and appealing, they might not always serve the best interests of the story or the target audience. Always strive to balance the client's expectations with your artistic vision and the needs of the narrative.

Final Thoughts

When illustrating children's books, it's crucial to consider the story's intention and the target audience. While a cutesy style might be appropriate in some cases, it's equally important to maintain a balance between charming elements and the underlying narrative. Remember, the story should come first, and your illustrations should serve to enhance, rather than overshadow, the narrative goals.

By staying true to the story and considering the audience, you can create illustrations that not only meet the client's expectations but also resonate with young readers and their parents.