I asked this question on LinkedIn and Substack this week, and the responses were incredible. Here’s what working illustrators actually do:

Hey! It's #kidlitartpostcard day! These illos are from the forthcoming book #4 in the Big Big series The Boy with Big, Big Energy (by Britney Winn Lee, @beamingbooksmn.bsky.social) I'm rep'd by @jenrofe.bsky.social of @andreabrownlit.bsky.social ⚡️http://www.twofishillustration.com/my-work

It’s anchovy pizza, fish tacos, and lemon shrimp sorbet for penguin snack time on #KidLitArtPostcard day! I’m Angela, a nature inspired illustrator ready for new #kidlit projects! See more at angelamatteson.com Rep'd by @jmcgowanbks.bsky.social #kidlitart #illustration #childrensbooks #picturebook

My latest Substack post!

Today! 💙❤️ Related: I’m looking for an illustrator with a textured, painterly, elevated, serious, realistic, literary style to illustrate a lovely sports themed jacketed, hardcover picture book. Feel free to respond w/ samples + folio link. Please no emails/DMs. 💙❤️ #artcommissions

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Valerie, a Canadian illustrator, and I'm all about mischievous characters in inclusive stories! Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com Email: [email protected] I'm available for new projects! #kidlitart #childrenillustration #middlegrade

Happy World Book day and Kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author. I'm all about warm, mischievous and inclusive stories! Looking for representation. 🖥️ Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com 💌 [email protected] #kidlitarpostcard #kidlitart #kidlit

Hi it’s #kidlitartpostcard day again. Here we have Clark Barkson enjoying a day at the museum.

Hi #KidLitArtPostcard day! I love drawing kids, animals, and fun situations. I'm especially looking for middle grade cover/interior work. I'm repped by @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social See more work at mdashow-kidlitart.carrd.co #kidLitArt #cat #gilr #madscientist #science #childrensillustration

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author. I'm all about warm, mischievous and inclusive stories, and I'm available for new projects in 2026! I am not repped, but am seeking one! 💌 Portfolio: www.valerieparizeault.com Email: [email protected]

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm available for picture books, middle grade books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation! Portfolio: valerieparizeault.com #kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm available for picture books, chapter books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation! valerieparizeault.com #kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

It’s #PortfolioDay 😻 Hey I'm Valerie, a Canadian children's book illustrator and author. I am currently seeking representation and my 2026 schedule is open for new book projects ( picture book, middle grade and editorial ). 🌐 valerieparizeault.com ✉️ [email protected]

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm happy to show off a spread from my latest book, "Bon voyage Monsieur Flacon". I'm available for picture books, chapter books and editorial project. I'm also seeking representation! valerieparizeault.com #kidlitart #childrenbookillustrator #childrenillustrator

Day 1: Rethinking Cinderella for the Gone Wild Fairy Tales! Hosted by Milena Milak, Beth Spencer, Tara Tayyebi Fard and Marci Senders. 🧹 Portfolio: valerieparizeault.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/valparizeault/ #gonewildcinderella #kidlitillustrators #childrensbook

Dear editors and art directors, this is my first #kidlitartpostcard done fully on paper! 🎨 I’m Yara, an illustrator who’s super excited to work on new books with traditional mediums! Updated portfolio: odnatamyara.com I’m proudly represented by Jem Chambers-Black at @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

It's #KidLitArtPostcard Day🌟I'm Clary—a #kidlit #illustrator based in the U.S. Open for projects in 2026, including PB, BB, editorials, and any kids’ art-related ventures! Let’s work together on your next project 👋 ✨ Rep’d by Tracy Marchini @bookendsliterary.bsky.social 🖥️ claryillustration.com

On a warm night, the Harvest Moon whispers to those who listen. I’m Chris, a picture book illustrator, bringing that same sense of wonder to the stories I illustrate. Learn more at thornockstudios.com or contact my agent, Lori Steel, at steelworksliterary.com. Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm a Canadian illustrator & author actively seeking representation. I love big and small stories, I also love editorial work! Check my portfolio on my website : valerieparizeault.com #childrensbook #childrenillustration #childrenbookillustration

School's out and it's #kidlitartpostcard day! Check my portfolio on my website : valerieparizeault.com PS: I'm about to start seeking literary representation, please contact me if you are an agent looking for a new artist! #childrensbook #childrenillustration #schoolillustration #kidlit

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I have a new sequential piece for you #elvis Portfolio www.valerieparizeault.com Please contact me for queries, love illustrating big and small stories, from first readers to middle grade, and I can illustrate both in color or black & white! I also love editorial work!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day ! My name is Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator & author. I love illustrating big and small stories, from first readers to middle grade, and I can illustrate both in color or black & white! valerieparizeault.com #childrenillustration #middlegradeillustration #kidlit

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm an author/illustrator of books for kids. I'm always looking for funny book projects with heart and a touch of surprise. 💫 Here's my portfolio: www.andreabrownlit.com/illustrator/... ✨ I'm rep'd by the amazing @jenrofe.bsky.social of @andreabrownlit.bsky.social

Hello #kidlitartpostcard ! I am Charlene Chua & I illustrate books for kids. Portfolio - charlenechua.com Agent - Tracy Marchini, BookEnds Literary #kidlitart #art

🌸 Happy #kidlitartpostcard day 🌸 I'm Shelley Hanmo, specialized in #paperart for #childrensbooks. My favorite topics include music, nature, adventure, friendship, culture diversity, & history. Be sure to get in touch if interested. Rep'd by @agentzacker.bsky.social ✂️ www.junoniaarts.com #kidlitart

Hey it’s #kidlitartpostcard day! Hello art-directors and publishers, I am Marusha Belle, I love illustrating fun fiction and non fiction books about animals! Please, take a look at my portfolio at marushabelle.com Let’s create an awesome book together! #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebookart #animals

It's #kidlitartpostcard day (well, almost, but I feel like I will be sick in bed tomorrow and I don't want to miss it)! I illustrate big & small stories and I can illustrate both in color and black & white! 👀 for a literary agent! 👇 www.valerieparizeault.com/childrens-il... #childrensillustration

I've been playing with middle grade themes and tones and having so much fun! valerieparizeault.com

🚨😡

Hey #kidlitartpostcard peeps. Here's a sneak peek at one of my character sketches for a book I'm currently illustrating. With a background in environmental studies and a past life as a cheesemaker, my illustrative work focuses on nature, texture, and the happy accidents when we let go. #kidlit

Hi #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm Megs and I'm an author illustrator for mg graphic novels and picture books! I love to use humor, fantasy elements and sparkles in my drawings! I am repp'd by @bradfordagents.bsky.social Find my work at draw.meaghanmcisaac.com

A middle grade happy dance for #kitlitartpostcard and #worldbookday! I’m Laura, an author/illustrator who likes stories with joie de vivre, but also ones with a touch of mystery. cara.app/lauraalderson www.instagram.com/lauraintorino/ lauraaldersonart.com Looking for representation.

Hello #kidlitartpostcard! I'm Sophie, a French-Canadian illustrator and graphic designer, highly enthusiastic about nonfiction books, and particularly interested in everything related to science, nature, and historical figures. sophiebenmouyal.com www.instagram.com/sophiebenmouyal #kidlit #kidlitart

Happy #WorldBookDay and #KidLitArtPostcard ☀️ I'm Sofia, a #kidlit illustrator looking for new picture book + other #KidLitArt related projects. I'm drawn to heartwarming stories & I love creating playful illustrations that aim to spark joy! ⌂ sofiacardoso.com Rep’d by The Bright Agency

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!! This post may look sad, but our pets are in tune with our emotions. They know when we need a little love. #kidlitart #kidlit #kidlitpostcard #illustrator #procreateart

Hey it's #kidlitartpostcard day! 💌 I'm an illustrator who works primarily in kid's books and loves drawing cute animal characters. #kidlitart #kidlit

Happy March #kidlitartpostcard 🦄 See more at ESprints.com Agent: Lori Steel @steelworksliterary.bsky.social . . #picturebookillustration #illustration #womenwhodraw #kidlitart

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! Hello agents, publishers, art directors, I'm Valerie, an illustrator from Canada, check out my portfolio here : www.valerieparizeault.com I'm looking for a literary agent :) [email protected] #illustrationforchildren #portfolioday

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! 💌 It’s me, Elina! I love drawing! Rep by @astoundus.bsky.social and @solsticeillo.bsky.social ✨ #kidlitart

20 days until BIG BIKE, LITTLE BIKE by me & @jacobsouva.bsky.social from HarperCollins 🚲 rolls into the world! To celebrate, we’re giving away choice of a #kidlit critique (manuscript or portfolio) or a signed copy of BIKE! (US shipping, please) Repost this message by 2/24 for a chance to win!

Happy #kidlitartpostcard Day!! I hope you have an amazing day! Look for the positive and find something good to celebrate, even if it's something tiny. #kidlitart #kidlitartist #kidlitpostcard #kidlitpostcardday #kidlitillustration #kidlit #kidlit #accessibletheater #

Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day! I'm Toshi and currently on the hunt for more kidlit projects to work on! Interested in picture books and board books! You can view more work at artoftoshi.com/illustration Rep’ed by Hannah Mann at Writers House Thank you 😊 #kidlit #illustration

Hello #KidLitArtPostcard I'm Kerry McQuaide, a children's book author/illustrator based in New York. ✏️ My picture book, The Biggest, Highest Wave comes out on May 1st! @peterpauperpress I love to illustrate people, nature, and movement.❤️ Seeking representation.

Hi #kidlitartpostcard day and all the #kidlit community out there! Please checkout my portfolio: www.farnaznadim.com #kidlitart #illustration #childrensbook #childrenillustrator

Hi #kidlitartpostcard! In honor of today's snowstorm, I'm reposting my family holiday card! I'm a kidlit illustrator living in Maine, so we get snow aplenty ❄️❄️❄️ If you're an editor or agent interested in my work, you can contact me here: ❄️ www.nanelsonart.com ❄️ [email protected]

Hi #KidlitArtPostcard day✨ I’m Vanessa Morales, a proudly Mexican illustrator, This time with the Cover Reveal for DIEGO FUEGO,our upcoming PB. 🍄 Portfolio phonemova.com 🐸Rep’d by Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Lit #kidlitart (Kindness is the best resistance!)

It's #kidlitartpostcard day and I have a new piece for you ! Hello agents, publishers, art directors and art enthusiasts! My name is Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator looking for representation (and my next project!) www.valerieparizeault.com #illustrationforchildren #portfolioday

In my latest post, I dive into my creative process, sharing tips on how to make your illustrations better, from color choices to poses and even knowing when to break the rules. valparizeault.substack.com/p/how-i-play...

Please follow/subscribe to my substack! open.substack.com/pub/valpariz...

Hello to all #kidlitartpostcard followers! My name is Valerie, I'm a Canadian illustrator and you can discover my work here: valerieparizeault.com I'm looking for work in fiction and/or non-fiction books, in French or English. Please share/reach out! #kidlit #canadianartist #seekingrepresentation