Short answer: The main red flags are: no full-book portfolio, no written contract, unclear rights, a quote that does not say what is included, no sample before you commit, the whole fee upfront with no payment steps, vague revision terms, and no layered source files. Any one of these is a reason to ask more questions before you sign.
Here are 8 red flags, why each one matters, and what to ask instead.
A few strong images do not show that an artist can finish a whole book. Curated Publishing Co. puts it this way:
"A few beautiful illustrations do not necessarily mean an illustrator can successfully complete an entire picture book."
Ask: "Can I see a finished book, start to end?" Look for the same character on many pages, in different poses and scenes. Our case studies show full projects for this reason.
The same article lists what a written agreement should cover: "Scope of work", "Payment schedule", "Deliverables", "Timeline", "Revision policies" and "Rights and ownership". It adds:
"If someone is unwilling to use a contract, consider it a significant warning sign."
Ask: "Can you send your contract before I pay anything?"
Paying for art does not always make you the owner. If the contract does not say who owns the copyright, you may not be able to reprint, make new editions or use the characters elsewhere. See who owns your children's book illustrations.
Ask: "Will I own the copyright in the finished art? Where does the contract say so?"
A single number is hard to compare. You need to know the number of illustrations, whether the cover and layout are included, how many revisions you get, and which files you receive.
Ask: "What exactly does this quote include?" Send every illustrator the same details, using our 7-point quote checklist. For what drives the cost, see the cost guide and illustration pricing.
A portfolio shows other people's books. A sample shows your character in your chosen style.
Ask: "Can I see a sample of my character before I pay for the project?"
Payment in steps protects both sides: you pay part at the start, and the rest when you approve agreed work.
Ask: "What is the payment schedule, and what do I approve at each step?"
"Revisions included" can mean many things. Ask how many rounds you get at each stage. Also ask what happens if you change your text later, because a text change can mean redrawing a page.
Ask: "How many revisions do I get at the sketch stage and at the color stage? What happens if my text changes?"
AI tools have made it easy to produce images that look finished. Amazon KDP now asks authors to declare AI art. Its Content Guidelines say:
"We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book or make edits to and republish an existing book through KDP. AI-generated images include cover and interior images and artwork."
If an illustrator cannot give you layered source files, such as Photoshop PSD files, you cannot easily check that a person drew the art. More in Can you use AI illustrations on Amazon KDP?
Ask: "Will I get layered source files for every illustration?"
A new artist may have a small portfolio but still do great work, if the contract, rights and payment steps are clear. What matters is that the answers are clear and in writing. Bad communication early on is also worth noting. Curated Publishing Co. says "Missed messages, vague answers, and poor communication early on can sometimes signal challenges later in the project."
For the full hiring process, read our guide to hiring a children's book illustrator. To compare a marketplace freelancer with a studio, see Fiverr, freelancer or studio?
What is the biggest red flag when hiring an illustrator?
No written contract. Without it, scope, payment, revisions and rights are all unclear.
Is a low price a red flag?
Not on its own. Check what the quote includes, who owns the art and whether you get layered source files.
Should I pay the full fee upfront?
Payment in steps is safer. Ask what you approve before each payment.
How can I tell if an illustrator used AI?
Ask for layered source files, such as PSD files, and for sketches from the project. A finished image alone is hard to check.
What should the contract say about rights?
Who owns the copyright in the finished art, what it covers, and whether you can make new editions and use the characters elsewhere.
See your character in your chosen style before you commit.
Ready to see your story in color?
