Illustrating your own children’s book can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not a professional illustrator. However, with a little creativity and some helpful hacks, you can create illustrations that bring your story to life. Here are 10 hacks for illustrating your own children’s book as a self-publishing author:

1. Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can help you improve your drawing skills and create better illustrations. Websites like Skillshare, YouTube, and Udemy offer courses and tutorials on everything from basic drawing skills to advanced illustration techniques.
2. Start with simple shapes: If you’re not confident in your drawing skills, start with simple shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. These shapes can be combined and manipulated to create more complex illustrations.
3. Sketch out your ideas: Before you start creating your final illustrations, sketch out your ideas on paper. This will help you visualize your illustrations and make any necessary changes before committing to the final product.
4. Use reference images: Use reference images to help you create accurate and realistic illustrations. You can find reference images online or use photographs that you’ve taken yourself.
5. Experiment with different styles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different illustration styles until you find one that works for your story. Try using different colors, textures, and techniques to create unique illustrations that stand out.
6. Use digital tools: Digital tools like drawing tablets and software can help you create professional-looking illustrations. Programs like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate offer a range of tools and features that can help you create high-quality illustrations.
7. Incorporate textures: Adding textures to your illustrations can make them more visually interesting and dynamic. You can use a variety of materials, such as fabric, paper, or paint, to create different textures.
8. Pay attention to composition: Composition is important in creating effective illustrations. Pay attention to the placement of objects and characters in your illustrations to create a sense of balance and harmony.
9. Keep it simple: Sometimes, less is more when it comes to illustrations. Keeping your illustrations simple and uncluttered can help your story shine through and make it more accessible to young readers.
10. Get feedback: Don’t be afraid to get feedback from others on your illustrations. Join online communities or local writing and illustrating groups to get constructive criticism and advice on how to improve your illustrations.

Illustrating your own children’s book as a self-publishing author can be challenging, but with these hacks, you can create illustrations that are both visually appealing and effective in conveying your story.