Illustrating Cover Art: From Blocked to Inspired
Sometimes inspiration can come from simply redecorating your space. I was encountering painters block while working on illustrating When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be? I had painted a beautiful cover design but it was not quite setting the tone I wanted for the rest of the book and I was dreading sitting down in my studio to paint the interior pages.
While out shopping with family, we happened upon some amazing finds that I knew would brighten up the space so I impulse purchased them. As soon as the space was decorated, I became re-energized to paint again, got the courage to completely scrap my previous cover art, and started from scratch and let me tell you… I. AM. OBSESSED. Not just with the decorations but with the new cover art. Both make me so happy.
Shop the look:
- ‘Let’s Read’ LED Neon Sign from Hobby Lobby
- Navy Constellation Shelf Tabletop Décor by Ashland from Michaels
- Gold Hanging Moon Wall Décor by Ashland from Michaels
- TidyCorner Floating Shelves repurposed from my son’s room (originally from Amazon)
Illustrating the Cover Art for When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be?
Watch as I completely reimagine the cover art for my upcoming children’s book, When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be? I start by building a vibrant background with metallic inks and watercolor pencils, layering color and texture until the vision feels right. Off screen, I switch to acrylic paint pens, fineliner pens, and watercolor brush pens to hand‑letter the title.
Next, get a preview of the back cover and follow along as I sketch all from the comfort of my car while my son naps in the backseat. The finished book will include free coloring pages you can download right here on our website. Materials used: watercolor pencils, white acrylic paint, fineliner pens, metallic pens, metallic ink, and acrylic paint markers.
Back-to-School Gifts
Looking for a gift for a teacher in your life? Check out our Etsy store for gift wrapped and signed copies of our beloved children’s book, When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be?
The When I Grow Up series is all about finding happiness within and being true to yourself and makes a perfect classroom gift for kids going back to school!
Upcoming Events
We’ll be at The Nook CKMC in Celina, Texas on Sunday, August 9 from 11 am – 2 pm. Stop by to purchase a gift bundle, take a photo at our booth, grab a free coloring page, and/or enter a raffle for your chance to win a first edition signed copy of our next book, When I Grow Up, Who Will I Be?. Winner will be announced on Facebook. Winner will receive a personally signed copy delivered upon official release.
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Blog post, photos, videos, and illustrations by Laura Teichen. © 2026 Moonbeam Learning Studio LLC. All rights reserved. Video of illustrating front cover features the song “Sunrise From A Moonbeam” by Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, Tone Seeker. Video of illustrating the back cover art features the song “With You” by Everet Almond.