Quynh B. Nguyen

Co-Founder
Head of Illustration

Quynh Nguyen is a children’s book illustrator and character designer based in Connecticut. Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, she brings a warm, whimsical style to her illustrations, with a strong focus on harmonious color palettes and expressive characters.

Her work centers on children’s book illustration and character design, featuring people, animals, and imaginative objects that capture relatable archetypes. Quynh is passionate about visual storytelling and loves helping authors bring their stories to life through illustration.

Christopher S. MacCoy

Co-Founder
Management & Client Relations

Christopher MacCoy manages client relations and project planning at QBN Studios. A serial entrepreneur, he started his first business in 2009 and has since built and operated multiple companies, including a successful IT services business.

At QBN Studios, Christopher is often the first point of contact for authors. He guides clients through the children’s book creation process, helping them understand timelines, costs, and expectations for their projects.

Known for his approachable personality and clear communication, Christopher takes each project personally and works closely with authors to ensure their vision is brought to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

We create illustrations for a wide range of children’s book projects, including children’s picture books, chapter books, early reader books, boardbooks, coloring books, and children’s books created as personal or gift projects for private use.

Pricing is based per illustration, not per character or per book. Illustration types include:

Spot Illustration: Includes 1–2 characters, up to 3 objects, and no background
Full-Page Illustration: A single-page illustration sized to fit your book trim
Two-Page Spread Illustration: One continuous scene across two facing pages

If an illustration exceeds 10 × 10 inches, it is priced as a spread illustration, with a maximum size of 200 square inches. Front and back covers, as well as title pages, are available as add-ons and are priced the same whether created as a continuous spread or as separate pieces.

Every illustration follows a structured, step-by-step process so expectations are clear from the start:

Character Design:
The illustration process begins with the collaborative development of one initial character based on the author’s prompts. This first character sets the tone, style, and direction for the book’s visual identity. Once the initial direction is approved, the remaining characters are introduced and developed as they appear throughout the book. This method keeps the illustrations consistent while allowing each character to unfold naturally within the story.
Sketch Phase:
Each illustration starts as a sketch and includes 2 free sketch revisions per illustration. This is the stage where major changes such as poses, scenes, or composition are made.
Color Phase:
Once sketches are approved, illustrations are finalized in color. This phase includes 2 free color revisions per illustration, intended for refinements rather than redesigns.
Interior Illustrations → Cover Design:
After all interior illustrations are approved, we move on to the cover design. Optional cover analysis is available as an add-on service, or we can design based on the direction you provide.
Title Page & Final Files:
A matching title page can be created if desired, and final files are delivered after all approvals are complete.

Editing, formatting, and publishing support are available as optional add-ons and are not included in the cost of illustration services.

Yes! Many authors choose to add optional services such as editing and page-break guidance, proofreading, illustration suggestions, print-ready formatting for platforms like KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, or Barnes & Noble, book trailer animation, and marketing services. These services are completely optional and are billed separately from illustration services.

Each illustration includes up to 2 sketch revisions and 2 color revisions. Major changes such as complete redraws, changes in angles, or new scenes or backgrounds may be billed as a new illustration. If additional minor revisions are needed beyond what’s included, they can be added at the following rates: $10 per sketch revision and $20 per color revision.

A typical 24-page children’s book takes approximately 12–16 weeks to complete the illustrations. Timelines may vary depending on factors such as feedback and communication speed, the number of revisions, project complexity, and any add-on services selected. Some projects may move faster while others take longer, as quality is always prioritized over rushing. Timelines are estimates and not guaranteed.

You’ll receive high-resolution files in PNG, JPG, TIFF, or PDF format. PSD files are also available upon request. All files are delivered in high resolution. Print-ready formatting is offered as a separate service if you choose to use our formatting services. Once final payment is completed, full ownership of the artwork transfers to you. We do not take any royalties or commissions. Illustration credit is required, and we may share the artwork in our portfolio.

We keep the original source files for up to 6 months after the project is completed or from the last communication, whichever comes first. This allows us to assist with any follow-up needs during that time.

Many clients begin with a Character Deposit ($50) or a Character Sketch ($25). If you move forward with the full project, the character deposit is credited toward your total. It’s a very popular way to test out our services before committing to a full project.

While we don’t offer printing services directly, we’re happy to share printing companies our authors have had positive experiences with. Please note that we’re not affiliated with these providers, do not receive commissions, and cannot guarantee their pricing or services.

Contact us to get your quote today!

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