From the whimsical charm of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to the haunting elegance of Arthur Rackham’s Grimm’s Fairy Tales, illustrated books have long delighted readers of all ages for centuries. Even today, with stunning illustrated editions of Harry Potter flying off the shelves, one thing is clear: illustrated books are experiencing a major resurgence today.
Despite the growing popularity, many authors and publishers still struggle to sell their books. And that’s mainly because they don’t match the tone of the story, or they follow trends that are already outdated. Some books look too similar to others, which makes them easy to ignore.
This disconnect between what creators offer and what readers want is costing sales and wasting effort. In this post, we will examine why illustration style matters more than ever and why some books sell while others don’t.
The Illustrated Book Renaissance
First, let’s talk about the boom itself. Illustrated books are everywhere, and not just in the children’s section anymore. They’ve evolved far beyond comic books and bedtime stories and are now a dominant trend across multiple genres:
- Self-help
- Young adult fiction
- Cookbooks
- Self-help and wellness guides
- Memoirs and biographies
- Journals and planners
- Graphic novels and comics
According to industry reports, this illustrated book wave is not just a passing fad—it’s reshaping entire sections of the publishing world. In 2023 alone, over 44.7 million graphic novels were sold in U.S. bookstores, making it the third-highest year ever recorded for graphic novel sales. Manga accounted for ~21.8 million units sold (≈49% of the total market). Scholastic controlled 39% of the entire bookstore graphic novel market by selling 8.5 million units from just 116 top-selling titles. Top series included:
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (bestselling graphic novel of 2023)
- Cat Kid Comic Club
- Wings of Fire
- Five Nights at Freddy’s
What’s Causing the Boom?
- People are Visual learners. They process images faster than words. In fact, human brains absorb visual information 60,000 times faster than text.
- Social media. Instagram and TikTok have made visuals a core part of how people discover and share books.
The Most Popular Illustration Styles by Genre
1. Children’s Books
The illustration styles found in children’s literature are as diverse and dynamic as the stories themselves. While illustration style changes frequently with every decade, here are three unique illustration styles that are booming today.
Cartoonish Style
The cartoonish style remains one of the most prevalent in children’s literature, characterized by exaggerated features, simplified forms, and vibrant color palettes. This approach emphasizes clarity and expressiveness, facilitating emotional recognition and visual engagement, particularly for early readers. The stylization often includes bold outlines, whimsical proportions, and playful compositions, which make it particularly suitable for lighthearted narratives.
Wondrous Style
Illustrations consisting of wondrous style are typically rich in imagination and designed to bring magic, mystery, or enchantment. This style often has fantastical elements, soft gradients, glowing light effects, and expansive landscapes. It is especially common in fairy tales, fantasy narratives, and stories that talk about adventure and the unknown.
While traditionally associated with high-end publishing, digital platforms and global freelance networks have made it increasingly possible to commission a high-quality yet affordable children’s book illustrator who can produce this style for self-publishing authors on a limited budget.
2. Comic Books
Wham! Pow! Zap!
The art style in comics is very personal to each artist, as it sets the tone of the story. It has the power to communicate powerful emotions and express simple plots to deeper, more complex, character-driven narratives.
One of the best and impactful styles is:
Toon Style
Toon or cartoon style is one of the oldest comic book styles. It is characterized by exaggerated, simplified, and often caricatured characters with bold outlines and vibrant colors. However, the contemporary toon style has a broader reach than its strictly comical or satirical forebears. Depending on the artist’s preferences and the story’s tone, it can range from simple and whimsical to complex and detailed, even dark.
Manga Style
The manga style originated in Japan but has become very popular in the Western world. It has inspired many copies and has also been mixed with Western comic styles to create new looks. Manga is known for its unique art style, where the characters with exaggerated features, such as huge eyes and slightly oversized heads, are usually set against detailed, realistic backgrounds. Manga style encompasses a wide range of genres, action (shonen), romance (shojo), mystery, drama, fantasy, and more.
Western Comic Art Style
Western comic art, often called superhero style, is still used in most American comics today. The superhero style usually includes dynamic poses, detailed anatomy, realistic shading and rendering techniques, and an almost filmic use of perspective and distance. Many famous classic characters like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and Wonder Woman are still popular today.
Being a self-publisher, budget can often be a limiting factor. The good news is you don’t need a Marvel-sized budget for your custom illustrations. Many affordable comic book illustrators are out there, offering high-quality work that fits within your budget.
3. Graphic Novels
While the flashy, pop-art side of comics is getting all the attention, graphic novels have gained serious respect, moving beyond just entertainment into often deeper, more personal, and experimental.
Painterly Style
The painterly style in graphic storytelling draws inspiration from traditional fine art, particularly painting techniques that emphasize brushwork, texture, and color modulation. In such works, each panel may function as a standalone piece of visual art. Notable examples include Sandman and Saga.
Sketchbook Style
Characterized by its raw, spontaneous aesthetic, the sketchbook style often conveys an intimate, confessional tone. This visual approach features loose linework, minimal refinement, and the deliberate inclusion of imperfections such as smudges or incomplete forms. It is frequently employed in autobiographical or independent comics where the narrative voice is introspective or personal.
Symbolic / Expressionist Style
Expressionist and symbolic styles prioritize emotional resonance and conceptual meaning over visual realism. Artists in this tradition utilize exaggerated forms, distorted perspectives, and non-naturalistic color schemes to represent psychological states, abstract themes, or metaphysical ideas. The expressionist mode is particularly effective in narratives with psychological complexity or philosophical underpinnings, as it allows for a richer exploration of subjective realities.
Interestingly, while this style was once accessible only through high-budget publishing houses, the availability of affordable graphic novel illustration has made custom illustration more feasible for self-published authors.
What Makes a Style “Right”?
The answer to this question is surprisingly nuanced. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect illustrated book. However, there are several elements that tend to make a style click beautifully with a book.
- It fits the story’s tone and theme
- It suits the age of the audience
- It’s consistent throughout the book
- It complements (not overpowers) the text
- It respects the story’s cultural context
- It makes the reader feel something
For example, in children’s books, whimsical and expressive characters tend to perform better than overly polished or hyper-realistic designs. Kids respond to emotion and movement. A scribbly little cat with big eyes and an attitude? That’s gold.
Meanwhile, for adult nonfiction, especially self-help or lifestyle titles, clean, modern aesthetics with a touch of playfulness hit the sweet spot. Think muted palettes, charming icons, and typography that feels both informal and smart.
Final Thoughts
We’re living in a golden age of illustrated books. Readers want stories that speak to their eyes and their hearts. But in a crowded market, style is everything.
If you’re publishing your illustrated book, find someone who understands your story, audience, and the current visual trends. Luckily, you don’t need a massive budget to make that happen. An affordable book illustration service can bring your story to life within your needs and requirements.
Just remember: in the world of illustrated books, it is not just about pictures. It’s about style, emotion, and making your story visually unforgettable.
FAQs
- How do I know which illustration style fits my book?
Think about your story’s tone, target audience, and genre. A playful children’s book might need cartoonish characters, while a memoir may benefit from a sketchy or painterly style.
- Are illustrated books only for kids?
Not at all. Illustrated editions of classics, graphic novels, cookbooks, and even self-help titles prove adults love visuals too.
- Can illustration style impact book sales?
Absolutely. The right art style helps your book stand out, connect with readers emotionally, and look professional—making it more likely to sell.
