Working as an Illustrator with Kids at Home
Embracing the chaos, creativity and multi-tasking.
Being a children’s book illustrator while raising little ones at home is a mix of creativity, chaos, and constant multitasking. Some days, everything flows as easily as their snack requests—other days, I find myself doodling with one hand while mediating a sibling squabble with the other. It’s a wild ride, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Whether you're a fellow illustrator, a work-from-home parent, or just curious about how I do it, here’s a glimpse into my world and some of the ways I make it work.
1. Embracing the Inconsistent Hours
One of the biggest shifts I had to make was accepting that I might not have the traditional 9 to 5 hours at least while the kids were not in school. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace early mornings, the quiet hours of nap times and late nights after bedtime. While it’s not always ideal, these quiet hours let me have a few hours of time where I don’t have to multitask or at least multi-task a little less.
2. Setting Realistic Expectations
I used to think I could fit a full workday into naptimes and independent play, but let’s be honest—kids have their own schedules. Instead of feeling frustrated, I’ve learned to set realistic goals for each day. Some days, I might complete an entire illustration. Other days, I might only manage some admin tasks. Progress is progress, no matter how small.
3. Involving the Kids
One of the joys of working as an illustrator is that my kids get to see creativity in action and this was something that I grew up in myself as my dad was an Illustrator and was home with us when we were little. Sometimes, I’ll give them their own “work”—crayons, paint, or little digital tablets—so they can create alongside me. Do they always stay in their own creative bubble? Not at all. But watching their little hands draw and paint reminds me why I love illustrating children’s books in the first place and reminds me of the joy I had in doing the same thing when I was little.
4. Creating a Kid-Friendly Studio Space
My workspace isn’t off-limits—it’s a part of our home, in fact it’s often just the kitchen island in our main living space. To keep the balance, I have a mix of “safe” art supplies that my kids can use and a “no-touch” zone for my important materials. Having a designated creative space (even if it’s just a corner of the dining table) helps me transition between “mom mode” and “artist mode” more easily. I always ensure the space we use is set-up in a way that keeps them entertained with independent play. We have a mix of puzzles, lego, magna-tiles and figurines to allow them open ended playtime to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the day.
5. Mastering the Art of Pausing
Unlike a traditional office job, my work is fluid. I’ve had to accept that interruptions are inevitable. Instead of getting frustrated when my toddler needs a snack for the hundredth time, I try to leave my work at a natural stopping point, like finishing a section of an illustration or jotting down a quick note for where I left off. This makes it easier to jump back in when I get another window of time. Keeping notes and tasks is the only way I am able to keep track of where I am and what I need to do in order to keep moving. This is something I have found has worked wonders for me in the art of stopping and starting.
6. Giving Myself Grace
Some days, I feel like I can do it all—illustrate, parent, run a business, and still have time for a cup of tea. Other days, I’m lucky if I manage to sketch a single character or write a single email. Learning to give myself grace on the hard days and celebrate the small wins has been key to making this work.
7. Filling the Kids Cups
This term may be new to you but it’s something we both need to do for our kids and for ourselves. Ensuring we are giving the things they need - love, attention, one-on one-time - and it’s crucial to have a balance of that independence and also having that one-on-one time. I always ensure we take that time during the day to be together and have been setting boundaries that the weekends are a no work zone - that I make time to play with them and do things that they want to do. I also ensure we spend time during meals and bedtimes - each of the kids gets that special story and cuddle time. Some days the kids are really independent and some days - they require more cuddles. I always ebb and flow to what they need.
At the end of the day, working as an illustrator while raising kids is a balancing act—one that comes with challenges, but also an abundance of joy. Watching my children’s imagination grow alongside my own reminds me why I do what I do.
So to all the parents juggling work and little ones —you’re not alone. Keep creating, keep going, and remember that even in the busiest moments, your art (and your kids) will thank you for it.
Are you a creative parent working from home? How do you balance work and family life? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!