Rosehip botanical book illustration by Anna Farba — Watercolor botanical book illustration for Wild Remedies

A Deep Dive Into My Process as a Freelance Watercolor Illustrator for Books

Illustrating books is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a freelance botanical illustrator. It’s a process where storytelling, science, and creativity meet on the page—whether I'm painting edible herbs, garden vegetables, or Pacific Northwest wildflowers. I’ve illustrated herbal medicine books, instructional titles, and recipe collections, all using traditional hand-painted watercolor techniques.

This post offers a look inside my studio and process—from first sketch to finished book-ready illustration—with practical insights for publishers, authors, and fellow artists alike.

Why Hand-Painted Watercolor Illustrations?

There’s something uniquely powerful about traditional watercolor. It has a hand-crafted softness and authenticity that draws people in. The way pigment settles into paper, the texture of organic brushstrokes—these small things bring warmth and depth to every page. In botanical illustration especially, watercolor allows me to capture delicate transitions in color and the fine details of leaves, roots, petals, and seeds with scientific accuracy and artistic expression.

Watercolor is especially well suited for:

Plant identification guides
Recipe books and herbal cookbooks
Nonfiction wellness and gardening books
Narrative or poetic visual storytelling
Children’s books focused on nature or food

My Step-by-Step Book Illustration Process

Here’s a breakdown of my illustration process when working on a publishing project:

Book illustration process-plant-sketches-by-Anna Farba — Botanical book illustration process - plant sketches

1. Illustration Brief + Discovery

Every project starts with a conversation. We define the scope of the book—how many illustrations, what subject matter, and the style that suits your audience.

What I gather at this stage:

Chapter outlines or manuscript pages
Art direction, mood boards, or visual references
Specific plants, foods, or natural elements to include
Size and layout requirements (print or digital specs)
Timeline and publishing deadlines

I also help shape the illustration direction, offering input on layout, consistency, and visual narrative if needed.

2. Sketching and Layout Development

Next, I begin sketching. This phase helps us explore how visuals will support the text. It also ensures every part of a plant, food item, or scene is represented accurately and artfully.

What’s included:

Line drawings for feedback
Optional thumbnails for layout options
Annotation for scientific or educational clarity (if required)

I often do my own botanical or culinary research, referencing herbarium scans, field guides, or food photography to ensure accuracy.

3. Painting the Final Illustration

Once the sketches are approved, I move to watercolor painting. I use professional-grade paints and paper to ensure longevity and detail.

Painting subjects include:

Edible plants, flowers, roots, seeds, herbs
Foraged mushrooms, berries, wild greens
Prepared dishes, teas, or preserved items (for cookbooks)
Seasonal themes or garden-to-table concepts

This stage is both technical and intuitive. I focus on botanical accuracy while maintaining movement and artistic touch in the composition.

Yarrow plant illustration for a book by Anna Farba — Watercolor book illustration process - from artist’s table to print

Final Steps: From Studio to Page

4. Scanning and Digital Editing

After painting, I scan the illustrations at high resolution (600 DPI or more) to retain all details. I then clean up the files digitally in Adobe Photoshop, which may include:

Background removal
Color correction for print accuracy
File prep for bleed/margins
Resizing and formatting (TIFF, PNG, PSD, as needed)

5. File Delivery + Revisions

I deliver organized folders with naming conventions, layered files if needed, and additional exports if illustrations are to be reused on covers or marketing materials.

If minor revisions are required (a color tweak or label adjustment), I’m happy to accommodate within scope. Major changes (new elements or restyling) are discussed separately.

What Publishers and Authors Love About Working With Me

Over 10 years of experience illustrating for books, packaging, and surface design
Specialization in botanical subjects and culinary themes
Clean, production-ready files prepared with publishing specs
Ability to bring character to scientific topics
Clear communication, timely delivery, and a creative partner mindset

Things to Consider Before You Hire a Book Illustrator

If you're planning to commission illustrations for a book, here are a few tips to make the process smooth:

Be Clear On:

Number of illustrations needed
Art style and level of detail
Final format (print, eBook, web, etc.)
Budget and payment structure

Provide:

Sample chapters or descriptions
Plant or food lists, with species names (preferred)
References or inspirational visuals
File specs from your printer or designer

Looking for a watercolor illustrator for your next book?
Let’s bring your vision to life with hand-painted botanical or culinary illustrations crafted with care. Contact me here or view my portfolio of published work to get started.

Want to learn watercolor botanical illustration yourself?
Join my Patreon community for exclusive tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, and process videos.