30 Books, 30 Lessons: What I’ve Learned as a Children’s Book Illustrator

Part 1: Foundations & Craftsmanship

Hello friends! I hope you’re all having a wonderful start to your January. I’m happy to say that I’ve been a very productive little worker bee so far, and it certainly helps to be cosied up working in my new studio space at home. There’s nothing lovelier than waking up early on a frosty and dark January morning and immersing myself into the warm haven of my colourful, homely studio.

Recently, I gave my Instagram followers a glimpse of my studio's newest addition—some beautiful, dark wooden shelves, with industrial piping, that have transformed the space I work in. If you missed it, here’s a closer look at how they’re lighting up my little working space. Eek! Since this photo I’ve added some gorgeous patterned bunting as a decorative element, which I’ve had my eye on for weeks. It’s all finally coming together!

For almost the entirety of my 20s I lived with parents, saving up for my own home. I had always dreamed of my future studio with the most perfect shelves for my books. I had a distinct vision, so I made mood boards, planned, designed, researched… and then they came to fruition better than I could have imagined! The patterns, vibrant colours, and decorative elements really do feel like an extension of myself and my work. And I haven’t finished decorating the space either! No doubt I’ll keep adding to it, or switch things out as I go.

If you’d like to stay connected and see more behind-the-scenes moments, updates on my work, and glimpses into my life, make sure to follow me on Instagram. It’s where I share the most. Come and follow along :-) @rachaeladean

While unpacking my books and stacking them on my beautiful new shelves, I paused to count how many I’ve illustrated so far—and it’s 30! With even more projects lined up this year, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate. To mark this milestone, I’m sharing 30 lessons I’ve learned with fellow aspiring illustrators and creatives. Whether you’re just starting out or already ahead, I hope these insights bring you encouragement, helpful tips, and a big reminder that we’re all always growing and evolving on our creative journeys.

To help you get the most out of this, I’ve split the post into two parts. That way, there’s plenty of goodness to soak up without feeling overwhelmed! Make sure to check back in a few weeks for part 2—you won’t want to miss it! Along the way, I’ve also showcased visuals of each book I’ve had the joy of illustrating—bringing this colourful journey to life as we go. I hope you enjoy digesting all of the good stuff!

---

Part 1: Foundations & Craftsmanship

B is for Ballet, written by John Robert Allman, published by Penguin Random House US, 2019.

1. Embracing the Process of Progress

Challenge:
Recently, I’ve been working on expanding the picture book side of my portfolio. My agent encouraged me to explore a new style that would distinguish this work from my other illustrations for middle-grade fiction— which is something I’ve struggled to do so far. Eager to get cracking, I quickly created a piece and sent it off for feedback. Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with it myself (even after I’d spent all week on it!), and my agent agreed it wasn’t quite there yet. I felt quite frustrated with myself for missing the mark.

What helped:
Determined to improve, I’ve dedicated this month to sketching characters repeatedly in different styles over and over again. Through this process of trial and error, I’m starting to find a direction that works (although I’m yet to pop them over to my agent!). This experience has reminded me that progress comes with practice, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you explore and refine your craft.

Insights:
You won’t get it right every time, and that’s okay. Illustration is a constant learning process, and even the "rubbish" sketches are part of the journey. For every great piece I create, there are usually a few that didn’t work—but I’m grateful for those mistakes because they often lead to breakthroughs. Be patient, keep drawing, and don’t hesitate to rework or take breaks when you’re stuck. Sometimes stepping away is exactly what you need to gain new inspiration!

---