7 Terms You Need to Know as a Children’s Book Illustrator

Children’s book illustrators often come across professional terminology. Industry lingo can sometimes be confusing, so here are a few terms you should know if you want to work as a children’s book illustrator.

1. Manuscript

This is the final story text, usually edited and proofread.

2. Endpapers

These are plain or patterned pages at the beginning and end of the book. They are often used as part of the story, adding value. There are two main types of 32-page books. In a self-contained 32-page book, the endpapers are included in the 32 pages. In a separate-ended 32-page book, the endpapers are not included in the 32 pages.

3. Pagination

Pagination is the art of arranging pages in a way that makes sense. It's all about the story flow and capturing that perfect page-turn moment. This process helps you plan ahead. This is also a critical part of the process, as this is where the book’s layout is decided.

4. Spread

A spread is made up of two pages facing each other. A full spread is when an illustration spreads across both pages. When drawing a spread, avoid having essential characters in the middle, where the book is bound.

5. Dummy Book

A dummy book is essentially a rough or mock-up version of an illustrated book. It is a sequential layout of every page or spread in the book.

6. Style Guide

A style guide is a crucial document usually provided by the publisher. It's a set of rules you must follow. It includes notes on the colour palette, character appearance, visual tone, and other key visual elements. This document ensures visual consistency throughout the book.

7. Thumbnail

A thumbnail is a small, rough sketch on a storyboard. A storyboard is essentially a collection of thumbnails that outlines the pages of a picture book. A thumbnail is rough and quick. It maps out the page composition before you create the final sketches.

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