Picture Book Illustration
This is our most requested service. Picture books need pictures that carry the story as much as the words do. We plan each page, keep characters consistent, and pace the artwork so young readers stay engaged throughout.
Every good story deserves pictures that match its heart and its mood. If you have written a children’s book or a picture book, the words are only half of the job that lies ahead. At Ireland Publishing House, we work with authors across the country who want their finished book to look every bit as good as it reads. Whether you are self-publishing your first picture book or adding artwork to a novel, our team helps you find the right style. Many authors feel lost about where to start, and we can meet you wherever you are in that process.
We provide full illustration services in Ireland for authors, publishers, and independent writers. Our artists work across a range of styles, from soft watercolour scenes to bold, modern digital art. We do not force every book into the same look. Instead, we match the art style to your story, your audience, and your budget.
This is our most requested service. Picture books need pictures that carry the story as much as the words do. We plan each page, keep characters consistent, and pace the artwork so young readers stay engaged throughout.
Older children’s books often use fewer, simpler illustrations, but they still need to feel right. We create chapter headers, spot illustrations, and the odd full-page scene to break up text and keep readers interested.
A cover is often the first thing a reader sees, whether on a shelf or a screen. We design covers that stand out, suit the genre, and give an honest sense of the story inside.
Before a single page is drawn, we help authors settle on how characters should look. This covers facial expressions, clothing, and colour choices, giving illustrators a clear reference point to work from across every page.
Not all illustration work is for storybooks. We help with diagrams, timelines, and explanatory artwork for non-fiction titles and learning resources. This work needs a different eye, one focused on clarity as much as style.
Not every project fits neatly into a box. Some authors need maps or decorative elements for a book, while others want art for a poetry collection or memoir. We take on work whenever it fits.
Our Portfolio
A short look at real author projects with live retailer links.
Our book illustration services in Ireland are used by a wide range of clients, including:
No project is too small. We are happy to talk through a single picture book or a full series.
We have also worked with authors who are writing purely for family, not for publication. A grandparent putting together a story for their grandchildren deserves the same care and attention as an author preparing for a bookshop shelf. The size of the print run does not change how much the story matters to the person who wrote it, and it should not change the quality of the artwork either.
From Irish children’s book publishers in Ireland to academic and business titles, our editors and designers work comfortably across most genres and reading ages.
Picking the right illustrator is a big decision, and it is worth taking your time with it. Whoever you choose to work with, here are some fair questions to ask before you commit:
Can they show you a portfolio that matches the style you want?
Do they explain their process clearly, including timelines and revisions?
Are their prices clear from the start, with no hidden extras?
Will you own the rights to the final artwork once the project is finished?
Do they offer a written agreement before work begins?
Can they give you a realistic idea of how long the project will take?
A good illustrator will never be offended by these questions. If anything, they should welcome them, because it means you are treating the project seriously.
It also helps to ask about how feedback is handled. Some illustrators only allow one or two small tweaks before charging extra, while others build a proper revision process into their pricing from the start. Knowing this before you sign anything saves a lot of frustration later on, especially if you are particular about how your characters look.
It is easy to think of illustration as decoration, something added on at the end. In truth, good artwork does much more than that.
It helps young readers follow the story. Children who are still learning to read rely on pictures to understand what is happening on the page.
It builds an emotional connection. A well-drawn character feels like a friend, and that keeps readers coming back.
It sets the tone before a word is read. A cover or opening image tells the reader what kind of story they are about to enter.
It gives your book a professional finish. Rough or mismatched artwork can undercut even the best-written story.
It supports marketing. Strong illustrations give you material for social media, posters, and promotional material later on.
It helps your book travel. A strong visual style can carry across sequels, merchandise, or school events long after the first copy is printed.
None of this means every book needs elaborate, expensive artwork. A simple, well-judged style can work just as hard as a highly detailed one. What matters is that the illustrations fit the story and are executed properly, not that they are the most complicated pictures possible.
We keep our process simple and honest, so you always know what is happening and when.
We start with a conversation about your book, over email, phone, or video call. We want to fully understand your story, your audience, and the look you have in mind before anything else moves forward at all.
We show you sample artwork from illustrators whose style suits your project and your budget. You choose the direction that feels right for your story before any drawing begins, so nothing is guessed or assumed early on.
Once a style is agreed, the illustrator prepares rough sketches for each page or scene in the book. This is the right stage to raise any changes to composition, characters, pacing, or layout before colour work starts.
We build a reasonable number of revision rounds into every single project we take on. You are never rushed into approving artwork you are not happy with, and every change is discussed clearly before it is made.
Once sketches are approved, the illustrator moves on to full colour, finished pieces for every single page. We check each image carefully for quality and consistency before it is added to the final version of your book.
You receive high-resolution files ready for print or digital publishing, in any format your printer or platform needs. We also stay in touch with you afterwards in case a query comes up during production or upload.
From spelling to cultural tone, we know what works for Irish readers.
Every illustrator has their own strengths, and we take time to find a good fit.
You will always know what stage your project is at.
We give you a proper quote before work starts, so there are no surprises later.
Once the project is complete and paid for, the artwork is yours to use as agreed.
Whether you have a finished manuscript or just an idea, we can help you plan the next step.
Illustration often sits alongside other parts of getting a book ready for readers. If you need support beyond artwork, we also offer a full range of publishing company support in Ireland.
We work as a book publishing company in Ireland across major platforms, including Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. Whether you choose print, eBook, or both, we help you pick the right format when publishing a book in Ireland.
Explore ServiceOur editors support literary publishing in Ireland through developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading, depending on your manuscript’s needs. We improve structure, language, and accuracy while keeping your voice intact.
Explore ServiceAs Irish publishers in Ireland offering ghostwriting, we cover fiction, non-fiction, autobiographies, business books, self-help, and children’s stories. Our writers shape your raw ideas into a clear, well-written manuscript through structured collaboration.
Explore ServiceWe design covers for fiction, non-fiction, academic titles, and books from paperback publishers in Ireland, in print and digital formats. From illustrated artwork to clean typography, our designers build covers that suit your genre and readers.
Explore ServiceWorking as book publishers and printers in Ireland, we format novels, academic texts, children’s books, and non-fiction titles. Our layouts suit paperback, hardback, and eBook versions, meeting platform and print requirements.
Explore ServiceWe support book publishing companies in Ireland by helping promote titles through launch planning, online listings, author branding, and targeted campaigns. Our approach focuses on visibility across digital platforms, reaching the right readership for your genre.
Explore ServiceWe proofread manuscripts line by line, catching spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors before your book goes to print. Our proofreaders check consistency in names, timelines, and style, giving your book a clean, professional finish.
Explore ServiceWe create original illustrations for children’s books, picture books, and select fiction titles, working closely with authors to match style and tone. From character sketches to full-page artwork, our illustrators bring your story to life.
Explore ServiceWe build simple, professional websites so readers can find you, your books, and your story in one place. Each site includes your author bio, book listings, and purchase links, beyond social media alone.
Explore ServiceWe handle print production for paperback and hardback editions, working with trusted printers to match your budget and quality expectations. From proof copies to full print runs, we manage the process closely.
Explore ServiceWe prepare and produce audiobook versions of your book, including narration, editing, and formatting for major platforms. Whether you choose a professional narrator or your own voice, we help your book reach new listeners.
Explore ServiceWe format and publish your book directly to Amazon Kindle, including eBook conversion, metadata, and category selection to help readers find your title. We also guide you through Kindle Direct Publishing pricing and royalty options.
Explore ServiceWe support authors writing for younger readers, from picture books to early chapter books, handling editing, illustration, and formatting suited to children’s titles. Our team understands age-appropriate language, pacing, and design that keeps young readers engaged.
Explore Service
Pricing depends on several things: the number of illustrations, the style you choose, the complexity of each scene, and your timeline. A simple picture book with a handful of images will cost less than a fully illustrated book with detailed, full-colour scenes on every page.
We do not offer a single flat rate, because no two books are the same. Instead, we ask about your project first and give you a clear, written quote based on what you actually need. There is no pressure to commit before you have seen the numbers.
If budget is tight, tell us early on. We can often suggest ways to bring the cost down, such as fewer full colour scenes or a simpler style, without losing what makes your book work.
If you have a story that needs the right pictures, we would like to hear about it. Tell us about your book, your timeline, and the style you have in mind, and we will get back to you with honest advice and a clear quote. There is no obligation, just a friendly conversation about what your book needs.
Share your story, ask a question, or book a call. We will help you understand the best next step for your artwork.
You can read recent public reviews and profiles from Trustpilot, Reviews.io, Google, and Bark, linked straight to the original platforms for easy checking.
There is so much support, guidance and advice throughout the process, with regular updates on editing, marketing, visuals and planning.
View reviewThe ghostwriters reshaped chapters that felt too stiff, and the audiobook voice sounded natural after small pacing tweaks.
View reviewFrom writing assistance to final publishing, everything was handled professionally, and small revisions were completed quickly.
View reviewThere is so much support, guidance and advice throughout the process, with regular updates on editing, marketing, visuals and planning.
View reviewThe ghostwriters reshaped chapters that felt too stiff, and the audiobook voice sounded natural after small pacing tweaks.
View reviewFrom writing assistance to final publishing, everything was handled professionally, and small revisions were completed quickly.
View reviewCommunication was steady and instructions were followed as given. Edits and formatting were completed correctly without multiple follow-ups.
View reviewBy the time editing was done, everything flowed much better. It sounded closer to the original voice, just cleaner and more structured.
View reviewThe cover captured the essence of the book, looked professional, and aligned beautifully with the story.
View reviewCommunication was steady and instructions were followed as given. Edits and formatting were completed correctly without multiple follow-ups.
View reviewBy the time editing was done, everything flowed much better. It sounded closer to the original voice, just cleaner and more structured.
View reviewThe cover captured the essence of the book, looked professional, and aligned beautifully with the story.
View reviewWe guide you through the process in clear, simple steps, so you always know what is happening and what comes next. Your work stays fully confidential, your feedback is taken seriously, and nothing moves forward without your approval. Our role is simply to remove confusion, protect your work, and see your book through to a proper, professional finish.
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