How I Illustrated a Children’s Book from Start to Finish (Using Procreate + KDP)

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From Blank Page to Printed Book: My Full Children’s Book Illustration Process

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to illustrate a children’s book - from idea to print-ready files - today I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at my complete process. In this case, I’m illustrating a sweet story called Luna and Her Happy Tail, and I’ll be sharing exactly how I go from the author’s manuscript to a finished, full-color book using Procreate and self-publishing with KDP.

Whether you're working on your first book or just curious about the process, I hope this breakdown is helpful!

🩷 Step 1: Manuscript Review & Initial Notes

Before drawing a single line, I always start by printing the manuscript and reading it through carefully. As I go, I break the text into spreads and jot down quick illustration ideas. I also note questions for the author - like what Luna’s favorite toy is - so I can include personal details that bring the story to life! 🎾

⭐️ Pro tip: If you're working with an author, keep communication open from the start. They love feeling involved in the creative process. Wouldn't you?

🩷 Step 2: Rough Sketches & Character Exploration

Next, I fill pages with loose sketches - everything from character poses to dog anatomy studies. I collected reference photos of the real Luna (the author’s dog) and her family to inspire my drawings. Not every sketch makes it into the book, but this step helps build familiarity with the characters. 🐾

🩷 Step 3: Storyboarding & Thumbnails

Using thumbnail templates (at the correct book ratio), I map out the flow of the entire story. These mini sketches help me decide where the text will go and how each spread will look.

I don’t always work in order - I often fill in the pages I feel inspired by first and come back to the tricky ones later. Sometimes, I do this step in Procreate by importing paper sketches and tracing over them digitally.

🩷 Step 4: Clean Sketches at Full Size

Once thumbnails are approved by the author, I scale them up to the actual book size in Procreate and create clean sketches. These are more detailed and easier for the author to review before I move on to the coloring stage.

(⭐️ Pro tip: I also create a margin guide to ensure nothing important gets cut off in print - especially for full-bleed pages or images near the gutter!)

🩷 Step 5: Planning the Color Palette

Before diving into color, I paste all thumbnails into a single document and experiment with background and accent colors. This overview helps me avoid repetition or clashing tones across pages. It’s a great way to make sure the book feels visually cohesive. 🎨

🩷 Step 6: Coloring in Procreate

I color each page in Procreate, often working in my favorite spot - outside on my front porch! 🌳🌸

For detailed pages, I plan layers strategically to stay within Procreate’s layer limit. When I hit the limit (which always happens!), I simply duplicate the canvas and flatten down what I can naming the versions “Phase 1,” “Phase 2,” etc., so I can keep working.

⭐️ Pro tip: When a page is zoomed in - like a close-up of Luna’s face - I add lots of extra detail to ensure it prints well. Smaller illustrations don’t need the same level of detail, since much of it won’t show up in print!

🩷 Step 7: File Prep for Print (KDP)

Once all pages are approved, I export my Procreate files as PSDs, then open them in Photoshop to convert from RGB to CMYK. I save copies to protect my originals, then crop spreads into individual pages and name them clearly by page number.

🩷 Step 8: Creating the Final PDF

Using Photoshop’s “PDF Presentation” tool, I compile all the pages in order and double-check the file. KDP requires the file to be under 650MB, so I confirm file size and layout accuracy before uploading.

I preview the PDF in “Two-Page View” to check that the spreads look right and everything lines up through the center.

🩷 Step 9: Designing the Book Cover

I sketch out several cover ideas and send them to the author. Once we choose a favorite, I refine the illustration at full size. I often wrap the cover image around the back for added charm.

⭐️ Pro tip: Always order a physical proof to check for printing issues like low contrast or small type size - that way, you can make adjustments before the book goes live to customers!

🩷 Final Thoughts🩷

Illustrating a children’s book is a rewarding (and sometimes chaotic 😝 ) mix of creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. I hope this look into my process for Luna and Her Happy Tail inspires or helps you with your own illustration journey!

If you have questions or want to see more behind-the-scenes content, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel where I share more illustration tips and Procreate tutorials!

xoxo

D

Check out the BOOK!!