The market of book illustration covers a lot of ground, and it is for this reason I have separated the field of “Children’s Illustration” into its own category, though the markets certainly overlap. In this market I am referring to book illustration as art that is produced for book publishers in the commercial, trade, and education markets. The types of art created for such publishers are quite varied, and are most often representational in style as opposed to being strictly conceptual. Book art can be informational or decorative, but can also involve illustrations that are technical, whimsical, cartoony, or realistic. Such art may tell a specific story or convey facts or instructions about a particular subject.
Similarly to editorial art, the prices for book art illustrations can be moderate to low, but the volume of illustrations needed for an entire textbook can add up to a nice sum. Book publishers tend to specialize in the genres of books they publish and the types of art they seek, so it is best to research this market and compare the works of various publishers to find the best fit for your own style, technique, and interests.
Eye Spy, A Book of AlphabetPuzzles © 1991 Chronicle Books Linda Bourke
Don’t Crunch Your Chips While I’m Putting! (Cover) © 2014 Nick Edlund
Between Heaven & Earth: An Illuminated Torah Commentary (Cover Illustration)
© 2014 Imaginarius Editions / Ilene Winn-Lederer