How to make your illustration even better (one question at a time) I had a mentoring session last week and my mentor did the thing he usually does: he looked at my illustration and asked me one question.

I asked this question on LinkedIn and Substack this week, and the responses were incredible. Here’s what working illustrators actually do:

A boy jumps from rock to rock with energy flowing with every leap!

A boy hits a stick on a log, like kids do.

Hey! It's #kidlitartpostcard day! These illos are from the forthcoming book #4 in the Big Big series The Boy with Big, Big Energy (by Britney Winn Lee, @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social)

I'm rep'd by @jenrofe.bsky.social of @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

⚡️http://www.twofishillustration.com/my-work

An illustration by Angela Matteson of many penguin characters being served snacks by a kindly polar bear and walrus.

It’s anchovy pizza, fish tacos, and lemon shrimp sorbet for penguin snack time on #KidLitArtPostcard day! I’m Angela, a nature inspired illustrator ready for new #kidlit projects!
See more at angelamatteson.com
Rep'd by @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social

#kidlitart #illustration #childrensbooks #picturebook

aww, this is cute! Love how you used color too!

What I would do in my first 90 days as an illustrator (if I was starting over) If I had to start my illustration career from scratch tomorrow, I wouldn’t open Procreate first.

My latest Substack post!

Today! 💙❤️

Related: I’m looking for an illustrator with a textured, painterly, elevated, serious, realistic, literary style to illustrate a lovely sports themed jacketed, hardcover picture book.

Feel free to respond w/ samples + folio link. Please no emails/DMs.

💙❤️ #artcommissions

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Valerie, a Canadian illustrator, and I'm all about mischievous characters in inclusive stories!

Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com
Email: hello@valerieparizeault.com

I'm available for new projects!

#kidlitart #childrenillustration #middlegrade

Happy World Book day and Kidlitartpostcard day!

I'm Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author. I'm all about warm, mischievous and inclusive stories! Looking for representation.

🖥️ Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com
💌 hello@valerieparizeault.com

#kidlitarpostcard #kidlitart #kidlit

Hi it’s #kidlitartpostcard day again.
Here we have Clark Barkson enjoying a day at the museum.

A girl dressed in casual clothes with a lab coat over them holds a beaker full of a bubbling liquid and an eye-dropper that she's just used on her cat. The cat looks aghast as one of its paws has enlarged to an enormous size. Behind them is a lab table with lots of chemicals, and a giant nail polish container. The information on the card reads "Michael Dashow, illustrator, mdashow-kidlitart.carrd.co, represented by Vicky Weber at CMA"

Hi #KidLitArtPostcard day! I love drawing kids, animals, and fun situations. I'm especially looking for middle grade cover/interior work.

I'm repped by @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social

See more work at mdashow-kidlitart.carrd.co

#kidLitArt #cat #gilr #madscientist #science #childrensillustration

lol, mine too!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author. I'm all about warm, mischievous and inclusive stories, and I'm available for new projects in 2026!

I am not repped, but am seeking one! 💌

Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com
Email: hello@valerieparizeault.com

thanks so much for the share!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm available for picture books, middle grade books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation!

Portfolio: valerieparizeault.com

#kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm available for picture books, chapter books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation!
valerieparizeault.com

#kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

It’s #PortfolioDay 😻

Hey I'm Valerie, a Canadian children's book illustrator and author. I am currently seeking representation and my 2026 schedule is open for new book projects ( picture book, middle grade and editorial ).

🌐 valerieparizeault.com
✉️ hello@valerieparizeault.com

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm happy to show off a spread from my latest book, "Bon voyage Monsieur Flacon".

I'm available for picture books, chapter books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation!
valerieparizeault.com

#kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

Day 1: Rethinking Cinderella for the Gone Wild Fairy Tales! Hosted by Milena Milak, Beth Spencer, Tara Tayyebi Fard and Marci Senders. 🧹

Portfolio: valerieparizeault.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/valparizeault/

#gonewildcinderella
#kidlitillustrators #childrensbook

thanks Jenn!

Three kids riding on a back of a giant anteater. One is taking a photo of the anteater’s face, middle kid is happily raising hands in the air, third kid is afraid to fall from anteater’s tail. The anteater is very unhappy and cranky

Dear editors and art directors, this is my first #kidlitartpostcard done fully on paper! 🎨

I’m Yara, an illustrator who’s super excited to work on new books with traditional mediums!

Updated portfolio: odnatamyara.com
I’m proudly represented by Jem Chambers-Black at @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

Two little frogs enjoy a sweet summer evening by the campfire at the pond with marshmallows in hand.

It's #KidLitArtPostcard Day🌟I'm Clary—a #kidlit #illustrator based in the U.S.

Open for projects in 2026, including PB, BB, editorials, and any kids’ art-related ventures! Let’s work together on your next project 👋

✨ Rep’d by Tracy Marchini @bookendsliterary.bsky.social
🖥️ claryillustration.com

On a warm night, the Harvest Moon whispers to those who listen. I’m Chris, a picture book illustrator, bringing that same sense of wonder to the stories I illustrate. Learn more at thornockstudios.com or contact my agent, Lori Steel, at steelworksliterary.com.
Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day!

very cute!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm a Canadian illustrator & author actively seeking representation. I love big and small stories, I also love editorial work! Check my portfolio on my website : valerieparizeault.com

#childrensbook #childrenillustration #childrenbookillustration

School's out and it's #kidlitartpostcard day!

Check my portfolio on my website : valerieparizeault.com

PS: I'm about to start seeking literary representation, please contact me if you are an agent looking for a new artist!

#childrensbook #childrenillustration #schoolillustration #kidlit

Thanks Jenn!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I have a new sequential piece for you #elvis Portfolio www.valerieparizeault.com

Please contact me for queries, love illustrating big and small stories, from first readers to middle grade, and I can illustrate both in color or black & white! I also love editorial work!

Hi!

thanks Reagan :)

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day ! My name is Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author.

I love illustrating big and small stories, from first readers to middle grade, and I can illustrate both in color or black & white!
valerieparizeault.com

#childrenillustration #middlegradeillustration #kidlit