William Irvine's Children's Books's Avatar

William Irvine's Children's Books

@studio-w.bsky.social

Children's picture books should be more than a book with pictures. The art should tell the story all on its own, and expand upon the narrative to foster a deep appreciation of the author's vision. I'm open to new projects to help you expand your vision.

125 Followers  |  348 Following  |  191 Posts  |  Joined: 05.02.2025
Posts Following

Posts by William Irvine's Children's Books (@studio-w.bsky.social)

"The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding." — Chris Van Allsburg Another quote from my artistic hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that hits home for me. If you have a passion project for children in search of artwork, I'd like to chat. Learn more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

"The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding." — Chris Van Allsburg Another quote from my artistic hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that hits home for me. If you have a passion project for children in search of artwork, I'd like to chat. Learn more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

"The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding."
Another quote from my artistic hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that hits home for me.
#kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi

27.02.2026 15:15 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
"At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself. I guess you might call it the 'what if - what then' approach to writing and illustration." — Chris Van Allsburg This is one of the many quotes from my hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that fill my studio. His dedication to the art of children's picture books has been my inspiration from the start.

"At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself. I guess you might call it the 'what if - what then' approach to writing and illustration." — Chris Van Allsburg This is one of the many quotes from my hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that fill my studio. His dedication to the art of children's picture books has been my inspiration from the start.

"At first, I see pictures of a story in my mind. Then creating the story comes from asking questions of myself."
This is one of the many quotes from my hero, Chris Van Allsburg, that fill my studio.
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #chrisvanallsburg

26.02.2026 14:45 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” — Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll That wonderful quote inspired this bit of concept art about six unlikely friends pausing to admire a sunrise. The story follows a little field mouse and the friends she makes, who help find her way home. Her journey is designed to showcase the subtle natural beauty and mystery of the rural countryside. See more of my work at: https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” — Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll That wonderful quote inspired this bit of concept art about six unlikely friends pausing to admire a sunrise. The story follows a little field mouse and the friends she makes, who help find her way home. Her journey is designed to showcase the subtle natural beauty and mystery of the rural countryside. See more of my work at: https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” — Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll
See more of my work at: www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbook #illustration #artcommission

25.02.2026 15:02 — 👍 6    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." — Edgar Degas For me, art for children's picture books is the highest calling for an artist. It's an opportunity to cultivate the world's most vital resource, the imagination of children. If you have a passion project for children, I can help: https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." — Edgar Degas For me, art for children's picture books is the highest calling for an artist. It's an opportunity to cultivate the world's most vital resource, the imagination of children. If you have a passion project for children, I can help: https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

For me, art for children's picture books is the highest calling for an artist. It's an opportunity to cultivate the world's most vital resource, the imagination of children.
If you have a passion project for children, I can help.
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

24.02.2026 15:07 — 👍 6    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." — C.S. Lewis
If you have a passion project seeking artwork, I may be able to help.
Learn more: www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

23.02.2026 15:01 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

Here's a look at the construction of a digital illustration that has the look of ink and drybrush watercolor, but the layered flexibility of digital.
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbook #illustration #adventure

19.02.2026 15:01 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Deep within the dark and foreboding forest, the secret Ogre lair was guarded by two big, ugly Ogres. Thankfully, Fred knew what to do. Here's the sixth illustration from my in-progress children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. The story follows Fred and Ethan after they accept a vital mission to prevent all the world's bridges from falling. #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

Deep within the dark and foreboding forest, the secret Ogre lair was guarded by two big, ugly Ogres. Thankfully, Fred knew what to do. Here's the sixth illustration from my in-progress children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. The story follows Fred and Ethan after they accept a vital mission to prevent all the world's bridges from falling. #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

Deep within the dark and foreboding forest, the secret Ogre lair was guarded by two big, ugly Ogres. Thankfully, Fred knew what to do.
Seeking representation. See more at www.studio-w.art/tb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbook #illustration #adventure

18.02.2026 14:42 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Under a blood-red sky, Ethan and Fred enter the deep, dark Forbidden Forest in search of the Ogres' lair. Things get a little scary for our two heroes in this fifth illustration in Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. After accepting the vital mission to recover the Trolls' source of magic from the Ogres, they entered a magical land of twisted trees, broken mountains, and eyes everywhere. Seeking representation.

Under a blood-red sky, Ethan and Fred enter the deep, dark Forbidden Forest in search of the Ogres' lair. Things get a little scary for our two heroes in this fifth illustration in Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. After accepting the vital mission to recover the Trolls' source of magic from the Ogres, they entered a magical land of twisted trees, broken mountains, and eyes everywhere. Seeking representation.

Under a blood-red sky, Ethan and Fred enter the deep, dark Forbidden Forest in search of the Ogres' lair.
Seeking representation. Learn more at www.studio-w.art/tb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

17.02.2026 15:03 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

I approach each children's book illustration as if THIS is the one that will inspire kids to dream and draw. I'm available to apply that same level of persistence to your project.
Learn more: www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

14.02.2026 14:38 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

I'm open to new children's book art projects. After wrapping up a big project, I'm looking for the next venture that inspires young minds to dream big.
See more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #llustration#artcommission

13.02.2026 15:14 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

After wrapping up another big project, I'm available for children's book art assignments again. See more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #scbwiillustrators #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #Imagination #imaginationiseverything #digitalart

12.02.2026 16:19 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

Here's a sneak peek at the second picture book in the Fred and Ethan Adventure series, "Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres."
Seeking representation, see more at www.studio-w.art/tb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookartist #Imagination #fantasy #easternup

10.02.2026 17:35 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Thank you!
It might be "final" (or close to it) since I put it into the book dummy.

07.02.2026 17:54 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Post image

3rd-draft of cover art for my children's picture book. This scene actually depicts the outcome of the story; after saving the Trolls' source of magic from the Ogres, Ethan and Fred now "see" magical Trolls under every bridge.
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #fantasy

07.02.2026 17:07 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Video thumbnail

"I have seen what could be and asked why not."
-- Pablo Picasso

Seeking representation, see more at www.studio-w.art/bb

#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #scbwiillustrators #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #Imagination #imaginationiseverything #fantasy #digitalart #huion

28.01.2026 15:41 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

When I was a visiting author, this (unpublished) story was requested most frequently. Teachers loved how the theme validated self-reliant entertainment.
Seeking representation: www.studio-w.art/bb
#kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #childrensbookart #Imagination #imaginationiseverything #fantasy #digitalart

16.01.2026 16:33 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

I'm sharing the first nine illustrations (some as line art) for the next picture book in the Fred and Ethan Adventure Series: Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres.
Seeking representation. Learn more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

12.01.2026 16:24 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
"There are so many Ogres!" That's what Ethan told Fred when they peeked through a doorway into the Ogre's Grand Hall. To make matters worse, it looked like the Ogre King was about to smash the Trolls' source of magic! This is the 9th illustration, a two-page spread, for my work-in-progress children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. The story follows Ethan and his loyal dog, Fred, as they seek to recover the Trolls' source of magic from the evil Ogres. I initially didn't plan on completing this one, leaving it as "ink" outlines for the book dummy. But it seemed like a good idea to dive in, as I needed to get a feel for the Ogre's character design and scale of their secret lair.

"There are so many Ogres!" That's what Ethan told Fred when they peeked through a doorway into the Ogre's Grand Hall. To make matters worse, it looked like the Ogre King was about to smash the Trolls' source of magic! This is the 9th illustration, a two-page spread, for my work-in-progress children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. The story follows Ethan and his loyal dog, Fred, as they seek to recover the Trolls' source of magic from the evil Ogres. I initially didn't plan on completing this one, leaving it as "ink" outlines for the book dummy. But it seemed like a good idea to dive in, as I needed to get a feel for the Ogre's character design and scale of their secret lair.

"There are so many Ogres!" That's what Ethan told Fred when they saw the Ogre's Grand Hall. And, it looked like the Ogre King was about to smash the Trolls' source of magic!
Seeking representation, see more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart

11.01.2026 15:10 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
To wrap up 2025, I just completed the line art for the 9th illustration in my children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. Every time I say, "This is my most complex piece yet," I seem to find a way to make something even more complex. In this scene, after accepting the mission to recover the Trolls' source of magic, Ethan turns a corner in the Ogre lair to find a horde of Ogres. And it looks like the Ogre King is about to smash the Trolls' magic gem! This is a two-page spread, and the next step is "digital watercolor." Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

To wrap up 2025, I just completed the line art for the 9th illustration in my children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. Every time I say, "This is my most complex piece yet," I seem to find a way to make something even more complex. In this scene, after accepting the mission to recover the Trolls' source of magic, Ethan turns a corner in the Ogre lair to find a horde of Ogres. And it looks like the Ogre King is about to smash the Trolls' magic gem! This is a two-page spread, and the next step is "digital watercolor." Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

Every time I say, "This is my most complex piece yet," I seem to find a way to make something even more complex for "Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres." The next step is "digital watercolor."
Seeking representation
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #Imagination #fantasy

31.12.2025 19:53 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres, celebrates imagination and self-directed flights of fancy. It features Ethan and his dog, Fred, enjoying an inventive adventure. No screens. No AI. Just him, his loyal friend, and unbridled imagination.
www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #digitalart

24.12.2025 17:03 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image Post image

I just wrapped up the lineart for the next two illustrations for the second book in the Fred and Ethan Adventure Series: Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres.
Seeking representation. Learn more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #Imagination #digitalart

23.12.2025 16:21 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

I approach each piece of artwork for children's picture books as if this is the one that will inspire them to dream and draw. Because, at a young age, that's what set my art journey in motion.
It's not an easy path to take. But it's my path, and I embrace it.
#kidlit #scbwi #kidlitart #imagination

18.12.2025 15:26 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Wow, thank YOU!

18.12.2025 15:22 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

Promoting wild flights of fancy is critical to the development of young brains. Imagination is the brain's muscle memory for critical thinking.
Seeking representation. Learn more at www.studio-w.art/bb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #fantasy #digitalart

16.12.2025 15:07 — 👍 7    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
I just completed my most complex children's book artwork so far, the fourth illustration (and 2-page spread) for Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. In this scene, after Ethan accepts his mission to save the source of the Trolls' magic, he crosses under the Troll's bridge to enter a magic land of broken mountains, twisted trees, and bizarre bushes. It's a good thing Ogres are scared of dogs, because he and Fred are off to find the secret Ogre lair. Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #scbwiillustrators #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #Imagination #imaginationiseverything #fantasy #digitalart

I just completed my most complex children's book artwork so far, the fourth illustration (and 2-page spread) for Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres. In this scene, after Ethan accepts his mission to save the source of the Trolls' magic, he crosses under the Troll's bridge to enter a magic land of broken mountains, twisted trees, and bizarre bushes. It's a good thing Ogres are scared of dogs, because he and Fred are off to find the secret Ogre lair. Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #scbwiillustrators #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #Imagination #imaginationiseverything #fantasy #digitalart

I just completed my most complex children's book artwork so far, the fourth illustration (and 2-page spread) for Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres.
Seeking representation: www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #childrensbookar #Imagination #fantasy #digitalart

14.12.2025 15:18 — 👍 12    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

After a brief consultation with Fred, Ethan's adventure in imagination begins to soar as he wonders about the strange bottle they found on the beach.
Seeking representation. Learn more at www.studio-w.art/bb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #fantasy #digitalart

10.12.2025 15:05 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

Encouraging wild flights of fancy is so very important. Imagination is the brain's muscle memory for critical thinking.
Seeking representation: www.studio-w.art/bb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #scbwiillustrators #childrensbookartist #Imagination #fantasy #digitalart

09.12.2025 14:41 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Video thumbnail

What would you do if you found something strange on the beach? If you're Ethan, you turn that find into an adventure of unbridled imagination.
Seeking representation: www.studio-w.art/bb
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #childrensbookartist #Imagination #fantasy #digitalart

08.12.2025 15:50 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
On a bright spring day, Fred and Ethan meet a Troll under the old bridge at the park. They learn that Trolls are responsible for holding up all the bridges in the world, and they need help. Here, the Troll offers Ethan a magic stone to aid him in the quest to recover the source of their magic from the evil Ogres. This is the just-completed third artwork for my children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres, the second book in the Fred and Ethan Adventures series. Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

On a bright spring day, Fred and Ethan meet a Troll under the old bridge at the park. They learn that Trolls are responsible for holding up all the bridges in the world, and they need help. Here, the Troll offers Ethan a magic stone to aid him in the quest to recover the source of their magic from the evil Ogres. This is the just-completed third artwork for my children's picture book, Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres, the second book in the Fred and Ethan Adventures series. Seeking representation, see more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit

On a bright spring day, Fred and Ethan meet a Troll under the old bridge at the park. They learn that Trolls are responsible for holding up all the bridges in the world, and they need help.
More: www.studio-w.art/kidlit
#kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi

06.12.2025 17:09 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Post image

I approach each piece of artwork for children's picture books as if this is the one that will inspire them to dream and draw. Because, at a young age, that's what set my art journey in motion.
It's not an easy path to take. But it's my path, and I embrace it.
#kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #digitalart

03.12.2025 14:54 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0