If you’re writing for younger audiences, the works of Dr. Seuss might be a great place to start; his whimsical and original style paved the way for a great deal of other children’s artists. Try to look at art related to the setting of your story. For example, if you’re illustrating a tale about knights and castles, you should try researching art from the middle ages.
For example, if your main character begins the book in a sad state and ends happy, try drawing him or her in both poles of emotion, developing intermediate expressions in between. Practicing drawing the same character in different positions so you can get better at poses.
If your illustrations cover two pages, make sure to mark the area occupied by the spine of the book, and avoid sketching important details in this space. Make sure to determine where the author intends to place the text on each page. Mark these areas with a grid, and avoid sketching over them with details.
If your printer is unable to handle heavy watercolor paper, try a traditional charcoal transfer. Rub the back of your sketching paper with charcoal, attach it charcoal-side down to your watercolor paper, and retrace the image. Upon removing the sketch paper, you should be left with a carbon copy of your original sketch on the watercolor paper. [9] X Research source
For a more comic-like feel with harder, firmer edges, try outlining your lines with ink before painting, and simply filling in the lines. Remember: ink is optional! If you are aiming for whimsical, abstract feel, limiting your outlines or leaving them out altogether are both viable options. [11] X Research source
