Words and Pictures with Rachael Dean
How she became a full time illustrator, why she sets alarms while she works and what it was like working with Dame Jacqueline Wilson
This week we’re joined by children’s book illustrator
. She shared her top tips for aspiring illustrators, explained why she’s diversifying her income and how important it is for your creative practice to evolve.Rachael Dean is a children's book illustrator based in Merseyside, UK. With six years of experience in the publishing world, she has brought to life over 30 published titles with her vibrant, characterful artwork.
Working in both traditional and digital media, Rachael’s illustrations are known for their rich textures, emotive storytelling, and engaging visual charm. One of her proudest career highlights to date has been the incredible honour of becoming the new illustrator for Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s beloved children’s titles.
Why are words and pictures important to you?
As a child, reading and drawing were not only creative outlets for me, but also a way to escape (in the best possible way!). They took me away to other worlds where incredible things could happen, and the stories and illustrations ignited my imagination like nothing else could.
Now, as an illustrator, having the chance to bring that same experience into children’s lives feels like a gift— one which I’m honoured and feel privileged to be able to share.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you first got published?
Back in 2018, I spent most of the year illustrating prints and commissions for my online shop, while also building up my portfolio behind the scenes. I shared my progress regularly online, which eventually caught the eye of my now-agent at Pickled Ink Agency, who reached out and signed me.
From there, we both worked really hard to secure consistent client work with publishers, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to keep doing what I love ever since!
Did you always want to be an illustrator?
Yes! Creativity has always been an absolute necessity in my life. It didn’t matter where I expressed it either. My drawings would often end up all over the walls and doors around our family home!
I grew up in a very creative household, and my family always encouraged that in me. I would constantly draw anything that inspired me, enter art competitions, and put everything I had into my art classes each year.
Can you share something that might surprise readers about how the publishing industry works?
People are often surprised by how little direct contact there is between illustrators and authors. In most cases, it’s the publisher or designer who deal with the brief and communication.
It’s definitely possible to connect with authors, but sometimes those involved in the book project can view that as too many voices complicating the process. So, authors and illustrators often work separately.
That said, I really enjoy working directly with authors when I can, it makes the project feel more personal and it’s just lovely to chat with them!
You've illustrated books by some amazing authors including Jacqueline Wilson - what was working with her like?
Working with Jacqueline Wilson has been a literal dream come true. I read her books non-stop as a little girl and always looked up to her former illustrator, Nick Sharratt. I wanted to be just like him!
So, the younger me would be over the moon to know not only that I made my dream career happen, but that my role model author is every bit as kind, wise, and lovely as she always imagined. I honestly feel like the luckiest person to be doing what I do!
How do you create your illustrations? On paper or a computer? Can you talk us through your process.
In recent years, I’ve worked traditionally but mostly digitally— this is mainly due to the tight deadlines in publishing and the need for frequent tweaks, which are much easier to handle digitally.
In my recent portfolio work, I’ve actually shifted back to working almost entirely traditionally, which is something I’ve always wanted to do! I love it! My process now starts with a rough mocked up composition, followed by creating a colour palette and then a more refined sketch.
I paint the final piece on paper using traditional gouache paint, and then add details and line work with coloured pencils and ink. Finally, I scan it in and tweak the colours slightly to make them pop. Et voilà !
How do you balance the demands of having multiple projects at various stages of completion?
This is something I’ve struggled with for years. Even though I always did my best to meet deadlines, there were definitely times I ended up burnt out.
These days, I break my days and weeks into more manageable chunks and switch between projects more efficiently.
I’ve even set up a little alarm system on my phone to snap me out of the work zone and help me switch tasks when needed. It’s not always easy, but I’m definitely getting better at it!
Are you a full time illustrator? If so, when were you able to make a full time living from it?
I’m currently working as a full-time illustrator. Times are tough though, and many freelancers are really feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
Unfortunately, the publishing industry hasn’t kept up with the pace of rising living costs, so a lot of creatives have had to consider alternative career paths. It’s super devastating and something I hope I never have to do… but none of us can predict the future!
Right now, I’m focusing on diversifying my income through client work, print and commission sales, school events, courses and workshops, and writing on Substack.
I was able to go full-time in my early twenties, mostly because I lived at home rent-free while getting my career off the ground. I know that’s not an option for everyone, and I feel very lucky and grateful to have had that support.
In your substack The Art of Being Real you've said you want to share an honest insight into life as an illustrator. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced?
Reflecting on my recent answers, I’d say the biggest challenges are probably the financial pressures and tight deadlines. But beyond that, there's also the stress of wanting to grow and evolve your style while your existing work has already set a tone— especially when it comes to published books and clients.
For years, I was nervous about pushing my style in a new direction, worried that clients might not want to work with me if I wasn’t consistent. But the more I study my favourite illustrators, the more I realise that none of their work looks exactly the same as it did a few years ago.
Progress and development are essential and it’s how we stay creatively fulfilled. I’m finally feeling ready (and excited) to explore new areas with my skills. Watch this space!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get a lot of my inspiration from the real world, and especially in nature. I’m very lucky to live on the coast in the northwest of England, surrounded by the sea, ponds, lakes, and I’m not far from Formby National Park, where I could happily spend hours walking around the woods.
I also take a lot of inspiration from the illustrators I admire most in the industry, especially those who are successful and clever with their style. I’m always observing their book projects and how they evolve.
While it’s important to stay focused on your own journey, learning from those ahead of you is an opportunity we should always make the most of!
What do you do to creatively recharge?
I read books, listen to/make music, walk in nature, and run! Creativity is embedded into almost every part of my life, so I don’t often feel the need to escape from it completely. In fact, I often find I need to have my finger in lots of different creative pies to stay inspired.
That said, I do spend most of my time sitting down (terrible for numb bum and posture!), so getting out for a run and moving my body really helps with my energy. It keeps me feeling healthy and always leaves me feeling recharged and ready to dive back into my work.
What is the best bit about being an illustrator?
Not only do I get to do what I love every single day, but those rare moments when I see children respond to my work in person brings a whole new level of meaning to what I do.
Watching a child’s face light up as they pore over the pages I’ve poured my heart into is the most rewarding feeling. Knowing that something I’ve created can inspire them makes all the hard work completely worth it.
Can you tell us what you're working on now?
Unfortunately, I can’t share too much just yet, as publishers only allow announcements once everything is officially out in the world, but I’ve recently had the most incredible opportunity come my way!
I’m currently working on eight exciting book covers for a globally known author. It’s genuinely one of the most esteemed and exciting series I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m pretty over the moon about it!
I’m also wrapping up the fourth book in Nicola Baker’s Whistledown Adventures series, and currently in talks for what would be my ninth book with Jacqueline Wilson later this year. 2025 is already looking like a very exciting year!
What advice do you have for aspiring illustrators?
When the going gets tough… keep going!
Becoming a professional illustrator isn’t easy, and it can be a tough industry to break into. Many people give up at the first hurdle… or even the fifth or sixth. But sometimes it takes ten, twenty, or more before you get your breakthrough. People often feel deflated when they hear that, but you just never know when you might get lucky with the right opportunity at the right time. So don’t ever give up.
What you CAN count on is that hard work (and a bit of luck) really does pay off. So, carefully spend your time creating, researching (SO important!), and experimenting. Keep showing up for yourself and your work, because I promise you that future you will always be grateful for the effort you’re putting in now. Good luck!
A huge thank you to Rachael for answering all of our questions. You can find out more about Rachael on her substack The Art of Being Real and on instagram.
Submission opportunities
The Jericho Prize is also now open to picture book manuscripts from Black British writers. The deadline is 30th April.
The Children’s Book North Network are currently running a free annual mentoring scheme for people living in the North of England who are interested in working in publishing. The deadline is 30th April.
Find our full round up of this month’s submission opportunities for children’s authors and illustrators here.
Special April offer for feedback on picture book texts
This month Naomi is running a special offer for feedback on picture book manuscripts. If you have a picture book text (up to 1000 words) that you’d like some guidance on then she can help.
As well as being a published author, Naomi worked in publishing for eight years and has been a freelance editor and mentor for over six.
For just £50 she’ll provide notes on your manuscript as well as written feedback on key points in an email. Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.
Why subscribe to Words and Pictures?
We’ll share everything we know about making books and how the industry works in a new post each Monday.
Every month we’ll hold a live session for community members to ask us anything and everything they want to know about writing, illustrating and getting published. The next live session is Sunday 27th April 8.30pm GMT.
There will also be free interviews every Friday with authors, illustrators and publishing professionals as they spill the ink about life behind the scenes making books.
Every month we’ll also highlight submission opportunities and exciting new releases in the world of children’s books.