Skip to content
Ordwick

Book Illustration Services That Bring Your Story to Life

Our book illustration services give your words pictures that readers love. We create custom art for picture books, children's books, graphic novels, covers and nonfiction. Every piece is drawn for your book and sized for print and ebook.

Get a free quoteBook your free call
+44 783 630 6315

What Our Book Illustration Services Include

Great illustrations do more than decorate a page. In fact, they carry emotion, explain ideas and help young readers follow the story.

  • Picture Books and Children's Books

    First, we draw full-page spreads, spot art and characters that kids remember. We also plan each spread around your text, so words and pictures work together.

  • Character Design

    Before we start the pages, we design your main characters. As a result, they look the same on every page, from every angle.

  • Cover and Chapter Art

    Also, for novels and nonfiction, we create cover art, chapter headings, maps and small decorations that give your book a polished feel.

  • Diagrams and Nonfiction Visuals

    We also draw clear diagrams, charts and step-by-step images for cookbooks, guides and textbooks.

Art That Fits Your Story

We match you with an illustrator whose style suits your book and your readers.

Get a free quote +44 783 630 6315

How Our Illustration Process Works

You always know which stage your art is at and who is working on it.

  1. 01

    Style and Brief

    First, we look at your text and agree on a style, color palette and number of images. You can share any art you love as a guide.

  2. 02

    Sketches

    Next, your illustrator sends rough sketches of each page. You comment on layout and poses before any color goes on.

  3. 03

    Final Art

    Then we paint or draw the final images. You review them and ask for small changes until each one feels right.

  4. 04

    Print-Ready Files

    Finally, we deliver high-resolution files set up for your printer, plus web versions for marketing.

Illustrations Planned With Your Layout in Mind

Many illustration projects go wrong at the layout stage. For example, art gets cropped by the page trim, or text lands on top of a key detail. We avoid this by planning art and layout together from the start. So your illustrator knows the trim size, the bleed and where the words will sit.

Our illustrators work in many styles, from soft watercolor to bold digital art. So whether you write for toddlers or teens, we can find the right look for your readers.

Writing for young readers? See our full children's book publishing service. We also turn finished art into a striking cover with our book cover design services, and lay out every spread with book interior design.

Watercolor picture book spread created with our book illustration services

What our authors say

  • The hardest part of creating a children's book is making sure the main character looks exactly the same on page thirty as they do on page one. Ordwick’s illustration team nailed the consistency perfectly. We didn't have a single instance of a shifting art style. The final product is a beautifully cohesive picture book that children immediately connect with.

    Elena M.

    Children's Author

  • I'm incredibly particular about visual aesthetics, especially when it comes to key light shadow control and dramatic staging in my fantasy scenes. Ordwick’s illustrators understood exactly how to use high-contrast lighting and shadows to give my graphic narrative a theatrical, atmospheric feel. They didn't just draw the scenes; they truly set the stage.

    David K.

    Fantasy Author

  • I had a vision for my characters in my head, but I couldn't translate it to paper. Ordwick didn't just rush into illustrating the book; they spent weeks working with me on character design and style concepts first. By the time we moved into full production, I had complete confidence in the visual identity of my story. Their collaborative process is unmatched.

    Sarah L.

    Graphic Novelist

  • Ordwick didn't just publish my book; they treated it like a piece of architecture. Every font choice, every margin, every marketing move was intentional and precise.

    Marisol Reyes

    Author Of 'the Architecture Of Silence

From the Ordwick Bookstore

Books we’ve edited, designed and published, available now.

Visit our Book Store

Ready to Illustrate Your Book?

Tell us about your story, your readers and how many images you need. We will send a quote.

Get a free quote +44 783 630 6315

Book Illustration FAQs

Still have a question? Book a free call

How many illustrations does a picture book need?

A standard 32-page picture book usually has 12 to 16 spreads, plus a cover. We will help you plan the right number for your story.

Can I choose the illustration style?

Yes. First, we share samples from illustrators whose style fits your book. You choose the look before any work begins.

Who owns the illustrations?

Rights depend on your agreement, and we explain them clearly in your quote. In most cases, you can use the art in your book and its marketing.

Do you illustrate graphic novels and comics?

Yes. We can handle pencils, inks, color and lettering for graphic novels and comics.

How much do your book illustration services cost?

We quote each project on its own. The price depends on the number of images, their size and the level of detail. Ask for a free quote.

How long does illustration take?

A full picture book usually takes two to four months. Covers and spot art take less time. We will agree on a timeline before we start.

Get a Quote for Book Illustrations

Share your story, page count and style ideas. We will reply within two business days.

  • A personal reply from an editor, not a sales team
  • Your manuscript is kept confidential
  • A clear quote with no obligation

Or call us on +44 783 630 6315

Your manuscript stays confidential. We never share your details.