Finding KidLit Art Ideas
One of the questions I get asked most often as an illustrator is, “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is, they’re everywhere—you just have to be open to them. I’ve learned that finding inspiration for children’s book illustration isn’t about waiting for a lightning bolt moment, it’s about staying curious, observant, and playful. Here are some of my favourite ways to gather kidlit art ideas.
Use Prompts to Spark that Creativity!
Sometimes, staring at a blank page feels overwhelming. That’s where drawing prompts come in. They take away the pressure of coming up with something “original” on the spot and instead give your imagination a little nudge.
I keep a running list of prompts on my phone notes—things like “a dragon in a library,” “a rabbit who can’t hop,” or “what if clouds were made of cheese?” Even if I don’t use them in a project right away, these prompts often lead me to unexpected sketches that later spark full illustrations or even story ideas.
Draw From Life
Kidlit thrives on authenticity, and one of the best ways to capture that is by drawing from life. I take my sketchbook (or iPad) everywhere—cafés, playgrounds, the bus—and scribble little gestures, expressions, or funny moments I notice.
Children’s body language is especially fun to capture—those exaggerated poses, cheeky grins, or the way they flop dramatically on the floor when they’re tired. Observing real life keeps my illustrations grounded while still giving me plenty of room to exaggerate and play later.
Spend Quality Time (With Kids, Pets, and Play)
When I spend time with kids—whether it’s reading stories, listening to their wild explanations, or watching how they play—I’m reminded of just how magical their perspective is. The same goes for pets.
A dog chasing its tail or a cat squeezing into a tiny box is instant story material.
The more time I spend soaking up these moments, the more natural it feels to create art that speaks to children. It’s less about “what do I want to draw?” and more about “what would make a child laugh, wonder, or feel seen?”
Think of Drawing as Meditation
One of the biggest shifts for me was realising that drawing doesn’t always have to be “for” something. Sometimes it’s enough to sit down, breathe, and draw without any goal in mind. Treating drawing like a meditation takes away the pressure and makes room for surprising ideas to emerge.
I’ll often put on some music, (Swedish operatic metal) open Procreate or a sketchbook, and just start doodling whatever comes to mind. The act itself is calming, and almost every time I stumble across a shape, character, or little scene that could turn into something bigger.
Inspiration Is Everywhere!
At the end of the day, kidlit art ideas are all around us—in prompts, in daily life, in the way kids and pets interact with the world, and even in the quiet moments when we let our minds wander. The trick is to stay curious and keep drawing, even when you don’t “need” to.
Because sometimes the best ideas appear when you’re not looking for them at all.
Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.