Sign in

William Irvine's Children's Books

@studio-w.bsky.social
154 followers 383 following 227 posts

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.

PostsRepliesMedia
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
That feeling when your picture book client approves all the final artwork without any change requests! Check out www.picturebookart.com to see if I'm the right artist for your passion project. #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission
000
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Here's a fun twist on a traditional nursery rhyme to celebrate my new website. If you have a story in need of an artist, check out my new (sort of) website at www.picturebookart.com to see if I'm the right fit for you. #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookartist
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Who wouldn't want to save the world from disaster, then be home in time for dinner? Visit www.picturebookart.com to see more of my work and discover if I'm the right artist for your children's picture book. #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
Who wouldn't want to save the world from disaster, then be home in time for dinner?

Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres follows Ethan's magnificent adventure as he and Fred discover the Ogre lair, use the Troll’s magic stone, and rescue their source of magic, all with faithful Fred by his side in this imaginary exploit one spring afternoon.

I created this story as an ostentatious celebration of imagination for children ages 4 to 8. Imagination is our brain’s muscle memory for critical thinking, and it needs encouragement and exercise. 

Visit https://www.picturebookart.com to see more of my work and discover if I'm the right artist for your children's picture book.
010
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
With a magic stone from a Troll, this simple bridge and path lead Fred and Ethan into a realm of mystery and danger. Only Ethan's wits and his loyal companion can get him home safely in time for dinner. Visit www.picturebookart.com to see more of my work. #kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #illustration
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I often see other illustrators lament commission work, saying, "I never have time for my own projects." That's the wrong outlook. Visit www.picturebookart.com to see if I'm the right artist to bring your characters to life. #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
I love doing commission work for independent authors. It's an opportunity to help someone's dreams come alive. See more of my work and discover if I'm the right fit for your project at: www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres is a picture book that celebrates wild flights of fancy, preferably shared with an adult who hasn’t forgotten how children can easily shift between make-believe and the real world. Seeking representation: www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #digitalart
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I've been toying with the idea of converting this story into a graphic novel while still keeping it intended for young readers. What say you? You can see more of the artwork for this story at www.picturebookart.com/tb #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it." — J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan See more of my children's picture book artwork at: www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration
000
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Grandmothers often know best, even if you're a Llama. I specialize in artwork for picture books with a warm, natural media feel, executed with the flexibility of digital. See more at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
I'm delighted to share that I've been given the opportunity to illustrate another Livi Llama picture book. See more of my work at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #huion #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration #customart #artforkids
290
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Breaking the 4th wall in a children's picture book is a fun opportunity to engage the audience and build affinity with your characters. See more at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #illustration #customart #artforkids
191
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The next adventure for Fred and Ethan involves an important mission to retrieve the source of the Trolls' magic from the Ogres. See more of my children's picture book art at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
070
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
"It all began with a walk in the park, down to the old Wood Bridge." That's Ethan's opening line in my children's picture book, "Trolls' Bridges and Nasty Ogres." Seeking representation for this book. www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
"What could this be?" In my children's picture book, A Bewildering Bottle, we follow Ethan's fertile imagination as he dreams up increasingly fantastic ideas about the bottle they found. Seeking representation: www.picturebookart.co #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
What would be your three wishes? In my children's picture book, A Bewildering Bottle, Ethan and Fred discover a strange bottle at the beach. He wonders, "What if there's a magic Genie inside?" www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart
160
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Say hello to our beloved Fred, our first dog, who appears in three of my children's picture books. Here, in A Bewildering Bottle, her human, Ethan, wonders if the odd bottle they found might actually be a small rocket. www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Wouldn't it be great to talk to animals? Ethan thought so; in fact, he was certain his Uncle's donkey knew lots of funny jokes. I'm seeing representation for this book. See more of my artwork for children's picture books at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #scbwi #digitalart
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
I'm pleased to announce that I've started a role as the Co-Assistant Advisor to the SCBWI New York: West/Central Upstate region. I look forward to contributing however I can to advancing the craft of creating compelling literature for young minds. #scbwi #kidlit
140
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Here's another experiment in digitally replicating the look of a (mostly) drybrush watercolor over an ink drawing. See more of my art for children's picture books at: www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Here's a look at a scene from my picture book, The Wand, where things get bizarre for Fred and Ethan. They discover a discarded magic wand, only to learn that it actually works, but not as expected. www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
This is a concept piece for a story idea that "popped in there" one day. A young rabbit becomes lost and, in her quest to find her way home, makes five new unlikely friends. Here, they pause to admire the sunset. www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
While working to fine-tune my style, I had a fun idea: what if a penguin, zebra, and skunk were tired of being black and white? See more of my work at www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Here's a look at one of the first pieces I did while working on my style. The goal is to combine the soft organic feel of traditional ink-and-drybrush watercolor with the efficiency and flexibility of digital painting. See more at www.picturebookart.com #kidliitart #kidlit #scbwi #digitalart
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Say hello to Dobbie. He's the fluffy and overly dramatic main character in a fun children's picture book commission currently underway. See more of my work at: www.picturebookart.com #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #artcommission #illustration #customart #artforkids
190
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
I strive for a timeless look in my artwork for children's picture books. Blending the best of both worlds: a warm, natural media feel, with the flexibility of digital art. www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist
070
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
For me, the most important contribution an artist can make is to create stimulating art for children's picture books. www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration #customart #artforkids
080
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Here's a look at a fun commission project that was also my first foray into anthropomorphic character design. I'm always available to provide artwork for your passion project. www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #illustration #childrensbookartist
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Coming soon: Livi Llama's Pink Glasses! If you have a passion project in need of art, check out my portfolio here: www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration #customart #artforkids
1110
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Here's an early sneak peek at a fun commission project that's nearly finished. See more of my work and hire me for your project at www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration #artforkids
080
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older. The best ones leave a tantalising gap between the pictures and the words, a gap that is filled by the reader's imagination, adding so much to the excitement of reading a book. — Anthony Browne #kidlit #scbwi
160
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.” ― Dr. Seuss I strive for my children's book artwork to motivate kids to dream big dreams. www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I'm happy to share the cover for another fun commission project I'm working on, "Livi Llama's Pink Glasses." Stay tuned for the release date of this children's picture book that will help kids embrace the need to wear glasses. #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi
061
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
"The illustrations in picture books are the first paintings most children see, and because of that, they are incredibly important. What we see and share at that age stays with us for life." – Anthony Browne #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #artcommission #illustration
"The illustrations in picture books are the first paintings most children see, and because of that, they are incredibly important. What we see and share at that age stays with us for life." – Anthony Browne

Anthony Browne is another children's picture book author and illustrator whose work I greatly admire. But more than that, his reverence for the importance of art for children is what inspires me. 

I'd like to bring that inspiration to your children's picture book passion project. See more at https://www.studio-w.art/kidlit
080
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
I strive for a restrained timelessness in my art for children's books. If your passion project deserves the same, we should chat: www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #childrensbookart #childrensbookartist #artcommission #illustration #artforkids
“Before they read words, children are reading pictures.” ― David Wiesner

This fundamental mindset from the master of visual storytelling, David Wiesner, is another quote that adorns my studio. Picture book art needs to tell an enduring, visually compelling story, and not indulge fleeting aesthetic trends.

I strive for a restrained timelessness in my art for children's books. If your passion project deserves the same, we should chat.
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
I strive for my children's book artwork to be aspirational and motivate kids to dream big. If you have a passion project that needs artwork, I can help. See more at www.studio-w.art/kidlit #kidlit #kidliitart #childrensbookillustrator #scbwi #digitalart #artcommission #illustration #artforkids
051
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
"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
"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
020
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
"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
"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.
130
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
“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
“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
0130
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
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
"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
072
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
"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
031
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
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
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
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
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
060
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
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
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.
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
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
030
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
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
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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
010
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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
040
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
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
130
William Irvine's Children's Books @studio-w.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
"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
040