My Creative Process as a Children's Book Illustrator

As a children’s book illustrator, my creative process is a mix of imagination, inspiration, and constant learning. One of the things I love most about my work is how every project allows me to tap into new sources of creativity, whether that’s watching my favorite cartoons, observing the world around me, or diving into the incredible work of other illustrators.

Here’s a look into how I go about creating characters and illustrations, and where I find my inspiration.

• The Magic of Cartoons: A Well of Inspiration

Cartoons have always been a huge part of my life, and they continue to inspire my creative process. When I’m designing new characters, I often turn to cartoons to fuel my imagination.

There’s something about the exaggerated expressions, bold colors, and quirky storylines in cartoons that speaks to the inner child in all of us. When I watch cartoons, I see the world from the perspective of the characters. This allows me to create playful and expressive illustrations that resonate with children. Cartoons inspire me to push the boundaries of imagination, experiment with new styles, and give life to characters that are fun, relatable, and unforgettable.

• A Daily Dose of Life: Turning the Ordinary Into Art

Inspiration is everywhere—sometimes you just need to know where to look. My daily life serves as another rich source of creative ideas. Whether I’m out for a walk, people-watching, or simply observing nature, I find small moments that spark ideas for my illustrations.

For example, a trip to the park might inspire a scene filled with children playing and animals interacting in a whimsical way. A conversation with a friend could lead to the creation of a character with unique quirks and traits. Even my experiences with family, routines, and everyday challenges fuel the emotional depth I bring to my characters and stories.

By grounding my work in the familiar, I create characters that feel real and relatable, even in fantastical settings. That balance between the ordinary and the imaginative is key in capturing the attention of young readers.

• Inspiration From the Best: Following Fellow Illustrators

As much as I draw inspiration from the world around me, I also believe in constantly learning from the incredible talent that exists in the art community. Platforms like Pinterest and Behance are my go-to places for following other illustrators’ work. These platforms are treasure troves of creativity, and I love exploring them to see what’s trending, what styles are emerging, and how other artists approach their craft.

On Pinterest, I often create mood boards filled with different art styles, color schemes, and character designs that inspire me. It’s a great way to keep my ideas organized and explore new possibilities for future projects. Similarly, Behance allows me to follow illustrators whose work I admire and learn from their portfolios. I’m constantly in awe of the creativity and skill I see, and this pushes me to grow and evolve in my own work.

By observing how other illustrators solve visual problems, tell stories through images, and push artistic boundaries, I gain fresh perspectives and ideas for my own illustrations. It’s a way of staying connected to the broader creative community while honing my unique style.

• The Blend: Merging Inspiration With Personal Style

While I draw from all these sources, my creative process involves blending these influences into something uniquely my own. For me, it’s about merging the playful, larger-than-life characters I love in cartoons with the emotional depth I draw from everyday life, all while incorporating techniques and insights from the artists I follow.

When I’m illustrating a children’s book, I start by sketching rough character concepts. I explore different personalities and poses, often inspired by the cartoons I watch. Once I have a feel for the characters, I refine them by adding details that make them relatable, like a funny expression or a small quirk. From there, I work on bringing the scene to life with dynamic backgrounds and engaging compositions.

I believe that good illustration is about telling a story. It’s not just about drawing pretty pictures but creating a visual narrative that connects with the reader. Each illustration should capture a moment that adds depth to the story, invites children into the world of the book, and sparks their imagination.

• Finding Joy in the Process

One of the best parts about being a children’s book illustrator is that no two days are the same. I might spend one day watching a new cartoon series to inspire my next character, and the next, I’m scrolling through Pinterest for color palette ideas. Some days, I simply step outside and watch life unfold around me.

The creative process is full of surprises, and I embrace each project as an opportunity to explore, experiment, and grow. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love, and I find so much joy in the work I create.

Inspiration comes from many places—whether it’s a colorful cartoon, an everyday interaction, or the work of fellow artists. For me, it’s about staying open, curious, and always looking for the spark that will bring my next illustration to life. Creating characters and stories that resonate with children is my passion, and it’s what drives me every day.

If you’re curious about my work, feel free to check out my portfolio at https://www.bubisamart.com/book-illustration

. I’m always excited to collaborate on new projects and continue growing as an illustrator!