You have a story to tell, but don't have the skills or equipment to bring it to life. Or maybe you want to take on some book illustration jobs. Don't worry, your phone (never forget it is a handheld computer) can help!
There are many great apps out there that can make the process of illustrating your children's book easier.
The following is a list of the 10 best apps for book illustration.
There's sure to be an app on this list that fits your needs, whether you are an experienced artist or just starting out!
The Top 10 Book Illustration Apps
I have separated the apps into two sections; best book illustration apps for beginners and best book illustration apps for professional designers.
Best Book Illustration Apps For Beginners
The following apps are perfect for beginners looking to get into the digital world. These drawing apps are easy to use and learn.
What's even better is that they all have a lot of great resources available for complete newbies, as well as, large communities to offer support.
1. Procreate
Those who have never used a design or illustration app before may find this application a bit intimidating., and you may need to take a ProCreate book illustration course.
Even though it can be helpful to experiment with all the different features and tools, to really get the most out of this application and build proficiency, check out the Procreate Community page.
Artists of any skill level can find many tutorials and skilled artists to support them. Don't forget to use the animation feature - it really makes your work come to life.
Best Used For:
You can create wildly different kinds of artwork with Procreate because it is so customizable. Authors and publishers have used it to create soft, textured illustrations for coloring books, graphic novels, mangas, character art, and so much more. Possible illustrations include:
- Botanicals,
- lettering projects,
- hard-edged tattoo motifs,
- cartoonish illustrations,
- And so much more.
| Pros | Cons |
| There are a lot of helpful tutorials | Not vectorized (it does not scale well, so you must pay attention to what the image looks like when you’re resizing as it will become pixelated) |
| The ability to export animations is easy | The brush doesn’t bleed like other vectorized brushes |
| The purchase is one time only | It is impossible to "finish" a drawing without bringing it into Illustrator to clean up lines and vectorize it |
| There are a lot of preset brushes already installed |
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $9.99
Perfect For:
Beginner
Compatible Platforms:
iOS devices
2. Adobe Illustrator Draw
Adobe Illustrator Draw is intended for graphic designers who are already a part of the Adobe family. CC Libraries makes it easy to open Illustrator files created in Adobe Illustrator Draw on the iPad.
Despite its beautiful design and simple interface, the learning curve for those who aren't familiar with design software can be quite steep.
On the plus side, however, the app's tutorial platform makes it easy to engage with the community regardless of the user's experience level.
Best Used For:
Illustrator Draw is Adobe's popular vector-based drawing program, optimized for touchscreens. You can draw on the Android screen using a variety of tools, just as you can with the desktop version. There are all the tools you could ask for in a good drawing app in this app.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| A simple and clean layout for beginners | Storage space is limited, but more storage can be purchased for an additional monthly charge |
| Customizable brushes for vector graphics and can easily be integrated with Adobe Capture | Reviewers have reported that it can crash easily |
| Because it's part of the Adobe family, it's easily compatible with Illustrator and Photoshop |
Pricing:
Users of iPads or Android devices with Adobe ID can access it for free.
Perfect For:
Beginner
Compatible Platforms:
3. Adobe Photoshop Sketch
Adobe Photoshop Sketch is a tried and true drawing application. As with other Adobe products, Photoshop Sketch features a clean and simple interface. Using the brush panel on the left and minimal design tools on the right, you can create a large digital canvas.
For publishers/authors who want to add a digital component to their work, this app offers clear, simple tools that let them focus on what they do best -- create!
Top Features:
- Designed to be used as part of the Adobe Family of Applications. You must have an Adobe ID to use it.
- A Photoshop-style layout with brushes, but with pressure sensitivity.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Easily integrates with Adobe Stock | Storage space is limited, but more storage is available for an additional monthly charge |
| It is made by a seasoned company (Adobe), which offers more resources and support than any other design software | No other features (like animation) are available; another app must be used |
| Connects easily to Illustrator and Photoshop since it's part of the Adobe family | Those who are new to design software will have a steeper learning curve |
Pricing:
Users of iPads or iPhones with Adobe ID can access it for free
Perfect For:
Intermediate to expert level
Compatible Platforms:
- iOS
- Android Used to be available then became Adobe Fresco which is not available for Android, unfortunately.
4. Pixelmator Pro
Despite its designation as more of an "image editor", this application has all the features to be a top contender for the best digital illustration app.
Pixelmator Pro gives you the capabilities to enhance the text with different vector graphics, clipping masks layered effects, and color adjustments.
Using this app, artists can make their wildest graphic design and photography dreams come true. With some additional graphic tools available, Pixelmator Pro is similar to Lightroom and Photoshop for editing photos.
Best Used For:
You can use Pixelmator Pro to paint digital paintings, edit photos, create designs, create illustrations, and be creative in any way you can imagine.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| A simple layout for beginners as well as for creatives who need to make quick edits on the fly | The creative process is still lacking a few features |
| Support or resources can be obtained from a large community of users | You can't import or rasterize vector files - the tools are less in-depth |
Pricing:
$4.99
Perfect For:
Beginner to intermediate
Compatible Platforms:
5. Adobe Fresco
One of the best book illustration free options, is Adobe Fresco.
It features live brushes that bleed across the screen, stunning vector graphics, and 3D blending effects. What’s even better is that you can easily export your illustrations to Photoshop to work on them using more powerful tools.
Plus, if simplicity is the goal, Fresco's streamlined approach gives you the ability to get their ideas across without being bogged down with other tools.
Best Used For:
A simple and streamlined drawing and painting app for beginners.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Blends and bleeds like real bruises | The free version is limited to 2 GB of storage |
| It can be used with Adobe Photoshop on the iPad | There is no canvas option |
| A member of the Adobe family | Text cannot be added |
Pricing:
Free for mobile devices
Perfect For:
Beginner
Compatible Platforms:
6. Inspire Pro
Inspire Pro is a great introduction to digital drawing. The simple layout is easy to navigate and offers a lot of great tools for creating. This app is a contender for one of the best drawing apps in the App Store due to its fast rendering times.
Best Used For:
Drawing and painting - it offers the fundamentals of digital drawing. It is not as robust as other drawing apps.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| There are a few tools missing from the current version to aid in creation. For it to become more user-friendly, it may take a few more iterations | It's still pretty new, so expect some bugs |
| There is a lot of blending options with pre-loaded brushes that have high-quality brush strokes | Everything is on one layer |
| Simple to learn |
Pricing:
One-time purchase of $9.99
Perfect For:
Beginner
Compatible Platforms:
7. Vectornator
In many illustration apps, the user interface leaves a lot to be desired. Similar to Adobe Illustrator, many of its functions are hidden under complex submenus.
However, Vectornator's intuitive user interface drastically reduces the learning curve for designers just starting out with vector drawing. We also offer tutorials and templates to assist you.
What it does:
You can use Vectornator for Mac, iPhone, and iPad to create vector graphics. Vectornator combines all the vector tools, advanced features, and features that you need to design graphics in an intuitive, high-performance environment.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| The app is free | Does not have the same trace image option as the illustrator, to quickly detect graphics instead of starting from scratch. |
| It has so many features for free that other programs/apps charge for, and it is easy for beginners to learn. | Since it is an iOS app, there is a learning curve; since the interface and commands are different, it may take some time to get used to them. |
| With Vectornator, any pixel-based drawing can be converted to vector-based drawing and it is super easy to learn and use. | |
| Editing is done in a very reliable way that you would expect from a desktop vector program. | |
| It's really easy to navigate and find the options and settings you need. |
Pricing:
Free
Perfect For:
Beginner
Compatible Platforms:
iOS
8. Assembly
Assembly is often described as a "Mobile Vector Design" tool. It comes with a graphic designer or illustrator's dream toolset and has beautiful shape packs that make it easy to use.
An intuitive user interface maximizes canvas space for easy creation. Plus, there is a growing community of creatives using this app making help available all across the web.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are also fun tutorials to help you get started inside the app itself.
Best Used For:
Vector graphics and illustrative work with shapes. So, think anywhere from children's books, coloring books, or even some activity books all the way to graphic novels or character art.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| It offers better tools compared to other applications, such as vector SVG output and typography tools | Only allows you to export in PNG, SVG, JPG, PDF. |
| No experience is required, according to the advertisement there may be bugs in a new application app works on both iPhone and iPad, allowing users to switch between the two devices subscription-based rather than a one-time purchase |
Pricing:
Basic Assembly is free
There is also a $29.99/year subscription fee for the Pro version
Perfect For:
Beginner to intermediate
Compatible Platforms:
iOS device available on the app store
Best Book Illustration Apps For Professional Designers
The following apps are a bit more robust and can be easily integrated into an established professional career. If you have never dabbled in design or illustration before, the learning curve may be a bit steep, but once mastered, the rewards can be immense.
9. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is comparable to Adobe's design platform. There seems to be no limit to what can be created with its robust layout.
It has a large library of tutorials and a growing community of creatives who use it to enhance their creative process.
The application and the desktop version are both one-time purchases, so it's no wonder this app has attracted the attention of many who are looking for the best digital drawing program available.
Best Used:
As an extension of the Affinity Designer desktop, this illustration app can be used to create vector and pixel graphics (can switch between the two). The app was designed for both digital and print designs.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| You can switch between vector and pixel designs | Expect some bugs since it is a newer software |
| There are more options in terms of functionality: | A higher learning curve is not suitable for beginning artists |
| With the keyboard extension, you can create keyboard shortcuts | |
| Designed for use on computers and mobile devices | |
| Artboards are available | |
| Design layouts that are closer to Photoshop or Illustrator | |
| No limit to the number of layers |
Pricing:
A one-time purchase of $20.00 for the mobile app ($50.00 for the desktop application) no subscription required.
Perfect For:
Intermediate to advanced
Compatible Platforms:
- iOS
- Android
1
0. Autodesk Sketchbook
This is the application to use if technical drawings and fine details are your passions. Autodesk Sketchbook’s scanning capabilities takes drawing into the digital age.
This handy little tool has been integrated into the workflow of many publishers, architects, industrial designers, and other professionals.
Best Used For:
To create technical drawings or finely detailed illustrations.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Can finish projects within the app, rather than moving them to another app to finish it | Has a steep learning curve |
| Autodesk ID can be used to connect to other devices | |
| With the camera, you can scan paper drawings and import them into the app with a transparent background | |
| Support from a large community of users |
Pricing:
With an Autodesk ID, the software is free for individual use; multiple licenses are $85/year
Perfect For:
Intermediate to expert
Compatible Platforms:
iOS or Android devices
Book Illustration FAQs
What are the 5 types of illustration?
The 5 different types of illustration are:
Editorial illustration
Scientific illustration
Conceptual illustration
Technical illustration
Children's book illustration
How much does a book illustration cost?
On places such as Upwork, the cost of a book illustration can vary depending on the complexity and scope of the project. On average, one might expect to pay between $500-$1000 for a single book illustration.
What do I need to bring to the book illustration process?
You will need to bring your book's story and the concept you have in mind for its illustration. You should also bring any reference images that you would like to use as inspiration for the illustrations, such as photos, sketches, or other artwork.
