Commissioning editors review countless illustrations throughout their careers. Over time, they develop an instinct for quality that operates almost unconsciously. But what specific criteria inform their judgements? Understanding these standards helps illustrators meet professional expectations.

Draughtsmanship

Basic drawing ability remains fundamental. Editors look for confident linework, accurate proportions, and convincing spatial relationships. Even stylised or deliberately naive illustrations require underlying draughtsmanship to work effectively.

Weaknesses in drawing skill become apparent quickly. Hands that look wrong, perspectives that do not quite work, or figures that seem stiff all signal an illustrator who may struggle with complex scenes. See how illustrator Norris demonstrates strong draughtsmanship.

Colour Sense

Effective use of colour distinguishes professional work from amateur efforts. Editors assess whether colour palettes are harmonious, whether they suit the mood of the text, and whether they will reproduce well in print.

They also consider practical factors. Will the colours work on different paper stocks? Do they provide sufficient contrast for readability? Will they appeal to the target market? Colour choices that ignore these considerations suggest inexperience. Our production-ready services ensure colour accuracy.

Composition

How elements are arranged within the frame matters enormously. Strong compositions guide the eye naturally, create visual interest, and support the narrative. Weak compositions feel static, confusing, or unbalanced.

Editors pay particular attention to how compositions work across spreads. The gutter between pages creates challenges that experienced illustrators handle smoothly. Newcomers often place important elements awkwardly across the fold.

Character Expression

Children's book characters must convey emotion clearly. Young readers rely on facial expressions and body language to understand how characters feel. Illustrations that fail to communicate emotion undermine the story.

Editors look for characters whose expressions feel genuine rather than generic. A sad face should convey specific sadness, not a formulaic frown. This emotional specificity separates memorable characters from forgettable ones. Browse our curated collective of illustrators to see expressive character work.

Consistency

Across a book, characters must remain recognisable. Their proportions, features, and clothing should stay consistent from page to page. Backgrounds and objects should maintain their established appearances.

Inconsistency distracts readers and undermines the visual world of the book. Editors check carefully for variations that might confuse young audiences or suggest rushed work.

Originality

While certain visual conventions exist in children's publishing, editors value illustrators who bring something distinctive. A recognisable style helps books stand out in a crowded market.

Originality does not mean ignoring what works. It means finding a personal voice within established parameters. The best illustrators are immediately identifiable while still serving the needs of their texts. Our illustration and artwork services celebrate distinctive styles.

Appropriateness

Illustrations must suit their intended audience. Content that might work for older children could be inappropriate for toddlers. Visual complexity should match the reading level of the text.

Editors also consider cultural sensitivity. Representations of different groups should be respectful and accurate. Stereotypes or insensitive depictions create problems that publishers prefer to avoid.

Technical Execution

Beyond artistic quality, editors assess technical competence. Are files prepared correctly? Is the resolution adequate for print? Have colour profiles been applied properly?

Technical problems create production headaches. Editors favour illustrators whose work arrives ready for use, without requiring extensive correction or reformatting.

The Overall Impression

Ultimately, editors assess whether illustrations serve the book effectively. Technical skill matters, but so does the overall feeling the work creates. Does it engage the intended audience? Does it enhance the text? Would a child want to return to these pages again and again?

These questions cannot be reduced to checklists. They require the accumulated judgement that comes from years of working with children's books. But understanding the criteria that inform this judgement helps illustrators develop work that meets professional standards. Learn more about our commissioning process to start your project.