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For a bibliography, school visit info, activities and other info, please see my Site Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a list of some of the questions I am frequently asked about being a children's illustrator. If you'd like to inquire about booking me for a school visit, please see my School Visit Information Page.

I'm a young person and I'd like to become a children's illustrator. How should I start?

    Stay in school. Study a wide range of subjects--the more you know about the world, the better you'll illustrate it. Have a backup goal to earn income while building your profile. Keep a drawing journal that you'll never show anyone. That way you can experiment and dream in it without fearing judgement. You'll be drawing purely for yourself. You won't be afraid of making mistakes. You'll learn from them.

I'm an adult with some artistic flair, and would like to break into illustrating children's books. How should I start?

    Sign up for drawing or illustration class. Enroll in a community college editorial illustration evening course. Study the existing books in children's book stores. Know the market and begin building your portfolio (a course will really help you because it will force you to create presentable images). Once you're ready colour-photocopy 10 of your best pieces, write your name and phone number on each, add a covering letter and send it off with a prayer. It helps if your pieces show that you can carry a child's resemblence through different emotions and poses. Show children in action. Illustrate a nursery rhyme or child-centred limerick.

    You should also check out this list of resources.

How did you make your first sale?
    See above. I sent away a portfolio and was lucky enough to get a call two or three days later!

What kind of materials do you use to create your illustrations?

    Watercolour, ink, goauche, pencil, conte--it varies with the mood of the book and what the publisher wants.

How long does it take you to do an illustration?

    It takes me about 1-3 months (depending on how quickly I get feedback) to draw up the initial layouts and then another 3 months to do the final artwork. I like six months per 32 page book. The six months builds in waiting time for feedback, possibly other delays like illness, etc.

What goes into illustrating a book project, from the time the editor sends you the text?
  1. Prepare character sketches. These are rough sketches of what I think the characters in the picture book should look like.
  2. Get approval from my editor.
  3. Draw up thumbnails (small, rough sketches) to show basic action and text breaks.
  4. Enlarge to full size rough sketches.
  5. Get approval from editor.
  6. Make changes for a final layout and show colour sample illustration.
  7. Get approval from my editor.
  8. Begin final paintings.
  9. MEET OR BEAT THE DEADLINE.

Will you look at my portfolio and give me some feedback and/or help me break into the market?

    With two young children at home and a number of projects always on the go, I lack the time to give individual critiques and advice these days. Please do check the resources I have listed elsewhere in my website and my FAQ for information.


Copyright © 2002 Ruth Ohi. Please do not use material without permission.
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