Creating a children’s book is an exciting & heartful journey but one of the most common questions authors ask is:
“How long does it actually take to illustrate a children’s book?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The timeline depends on several factors including illustration style, Illustration count, revisions, and the illustrator’s workflow. In this guide, we, Daisyblue Publishing’ll break down realistic timelines, what affects them, and how you can speed up the process without compromising quality.
Average Time to Illustrate a Children’s Book
On average, illustrating a children’s book takes:
Here’s a quick breakdown based on book type:
| Book Type | Page Count | Estimated Timeline |
| Simple Picture Book | 24–32 pages | 4–6 weeks |
| Standard Illustrated Book | 32–40 pages | 6–10 weeks |
| Highly Detailed/Custom Art | 32–40 pages | 10–16 weeks |
However, If the author has some specific deadlines, Daisyblue Publishing get the illustration or complete book ready withing 4 to 6 weeks without compromising the quality of the illustrations and other design elements of the book.
Step-by-Step Illustration Timeline
Understanding the stages helps you plan your publishing timeline better and publish the book on time.
1. Character Design & Concept Development (1–2 Weeks)
This is where your story begins to come alive visually.
👉 This stage is crucial; any changes later can delay the entire project.
We always suggest our authors before stating the work to share their visions for character that include the ethnicity, color, age and any other specification that they visioned to design the character exactly that align the vision of both author and story text.
2. Storyboarding / Sketching (1–3 Weeks)
Also known as “rough layouts,” this phase maps out each page visually.
Think of this as the blueprint of your book.
Daisyblue Publishing share hand drawn pencil sketch first for author approval as to make any changes on the sketching time save lots of time later and make changes on the sketch is much easier than after coloring.
3. Final Illustrations (3–8 Weeks)
This is the most time-intensive stage.
More complex styles (watercolor, realism, textured art) take longer than simple cartoon styles
4. Revisions & Feedback (1–3 Weeks)
Revisions are normal but too many can slow things down.
💡 Tip: Clear communication upfront reduces revision time significantly.
To avoid , we take author feedback simultaneously on each sketch and color to save time later.
5. Formatting & Final Delivery (1 Week)
Final files are prepared for publishing:
⏱️ Key Factors That Affect Illustration Time
1. Illustration Style
2. Number of Pages
More pages = more illustrations = more time.
3. Level of Detail
Background-heavy scenes and textures increase production time.
4. Number of Revisions
Frequent changes & redesign the sketch from scratch can add weeks to your timeline.
5. Illustrator’s Experience
Professional illustrators often work faster due to established workflows and Industry experience.
6. Communication Speed
Delays in feedback from authors can slow progress.
🚀 How to Speed Up the Illustration Process
If you’re working with a deadline, here’s how to keep things moving efficiently:
✔ Provide a Clear Brief
Include:
✔ Finalize Your Manuscript First
Avoid editing text mid-project, it causes rework.
✔ Approve Stages Quickly
Respond promptly to sketches and drafts and share timely feedback to make any changes.
✔ Limit Revisions
Be clear and decisive in your feedback and try to avoid tweaking the complete scene.
✔ Choose the Right Illustrator
An experienced illustrator can save weeks of back-and-forth due to their capabilities to capture essence of the story and reflect the same in one attempt.
🧠 Common Mistakes That Delay Projects
Avoid these pitfalls:
📅 Sample Timeline (Realistic Scenario)
Here’s how a typical 32-page children’s book might look:
👉 Total: 8–12 weeks
💡 Why Quality Illustration Takes Time
Great illustrations are not just drawings; they tell a story through the visuals.
A skilled illustrator considers:
Rushing this process often leads to lower-quality results, which can impact your book’s success.
Should You Rush Your Book Illustration?
Short answer: No, unless necessary.
While fast delivery is possible, it may:
If you’re planning a book launch, start the illustration process early.
Daisyblue Publishing works on deadlines without increasing the cost. Offer unlimited revisions and without compromising the quality of illustrations.
Pro Tip for Authors
If you’re self-publishing, align your timeline with:
Illustration is just one part of the publishing journey and it’s a beautiful and memorable journey and where you will witness your text turning into visuals.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does it take to illustrate a children’s book?
👉 Typically between 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on complexity and workflow.
The key is planning ahead, choosing the right illustrator, and maintaining clear communication throughout the process.
A beautifully illustrated book takes time, but the result is something children will cherish for years.
Daisyblue publishing provides end to end services to the author to become a part of their literary journey. We provided high quality illustration at a very budget friendly cost with 100% author satisfaction.
❓ FAQs
1. Can a children’s book be illustrated in 2 weeks?
Yes, but only for very simple styles with minimal revisions. High-quality books usually take longer. Complex style can also be illustrated based on the number of illustrations with quick response.
2. How many illustrations are in a children’s book?
Typically, 12–20 full illustrations for a 32-page book.
3. What is the fastest way to complete illustrations?
Provide clear instructions, approve quickly, and avoid major revisions and complete tweaks.
4. Do all pages need illustrations?
Not necessary. Most picture books are fully illustrated, but some pages may share spreads or single page.
5. Can I illustrate my own children’s book?
Yes, if you have the skills and tools but it may take longer than hiring a professional.