The Rainbow Stories

African American Illustrations

Fourteen pieces drawn for Black characters and families: two finished book covers, character sheets and turnarounds, and interior scenes that run from a family day in London to a pirate ship’s deck and a chase through jungle leaves.

Character work is where most of this sits. The Girl with the Crown has a full character sheet and a separate design pass, and one study works through two hairstyles for the same character, the kind of detail that decides whether a child keeps recognising herself page after page.

Casts are drawn mixed as standard here rather than on request, and every piece is hand-drawn in Procreate. If you are commissioning a book with Black characters at its centre, this is the closest thing to a sample of that work.

Browse by subject

Character DesignStoryboardingBook CoversAnimalsFantasyFamilyAfrican AmericanSchool & ClassroomAnimation
Children’s book illustration of a mother, father and small girl with shopping bags outside a pink shopfront
Children’s book illustration of a family of four walking in front of Big Ben and the London skyline
Children’s book cover illustration of a family of five in front of a city skyline with a Ferris wheel and clock tower
Children’s book cover illustration of a small girl in a yellow hat crossing a wide green meadow by a tree
Children’s book illustration of a girl in a pirate hat standing on a ship’s deck as hands cheer from below
Children’s book illustration of a girl in a red gingham dress pushing through tall jungle leaves
Children’s book spread of girls in pirate hats among jungle leaves, with a character line-up alongside
Children’s book spread of a girl sitting and reading in her bedroom, bunting strung above the bed
Character expression sheet for a children’s book showing a girl in a gold crown in a dozen poses and moods
Character design for a children’s book showing a girl in a gold crown, orange top and green shorts
Children’s book illustration of a girl examining a leaf through a magnifying glass
Character design for a children’s book showing a girl fairy in a pink tutu with translucent wings
Character study for a children’s book showing a girl’s head drawn twice, with afro puffs and with loose curls

Frequently Ask Questions

You’ll find a variety of warm, colorful illustrations featuring African American kids, families, and characters perfect for children’s books, gifts, or storytelling projects. Each piece is full of emotion, culture, and creativity.

Yes, this section includes many cute African American kid illustrations ready to inspire storybooks, gifts, or rooms.

Our characters include kids and families, designed with real expressions and culture to bring stories to life.

Absolutely! Just tell us your idea and we’ll create a custom illustration featuring African American characters you love.

We celebrate culture and diversity in our work. Our portfolio shows our care in drawing African American characters with respect, joy, and charm.

Want work like this for your book?Hand-drawn by a small studio, never AI, and quoted per book rather than per hour. We do character design, storyboarding, book covers and complete children’s books. Tell us about the manuscript and we will come back with a figure.
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