Are you an aspiring new Author?
Do you have a story in mind but aren’t sure where to begin or how to bring it to life, you’re in the right place. My consultation services are designed to guide you through the creative process helping you clarify your vision, know what to prioritize, and take the next right step toward self-publishing a meaningful children’s book.
Whether you're a therapist, a coach or simply a creative who works in mental health and wellness space, this is also a powerful opportunity to expand your personal brand. A children’s book can serve as a beautiful, visual tool to help kids understand and regulate their emotions. Whether it’s about mindfulness, anxiety, grief, or self-esteem, stories can become gentle guides that support young minds, while also establishing your voice in a way that lives beyond the therapy room or classroom.
Let’s bring your message to life, one thoughtful page at a time.
FAQ
What’s your illustration style?
My work is whimsical, fairytale-inspired, and full of expressive, fantasy-like details. Examples towards the end of my website.
What kind of books do you help with?
I specialize in illustrated children’s books, especially for those in mental health, wellness, and education spaces. If your story is heart-led and made to support kids, I can help bring it to life.
I’ve never published a book before, can you still help me?
Yes! Steps 1-3 are designed for authors who are still developing their story. Even if you’re just starting out, I can help you shape your concept and prepare for the next stages.
How long does it take to Illustrate a book?
Illustrating a children's book is a lengthy process. My timeline typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on how many pages your book has. (For example 15-page book takes about 75 days) Add 1 more months for the development process phase (Which is Story Development + Main Character + Storyboarding).
Feeling overwhelmed by where to begin?
You have a powerful message, but turning it into a children’s book can feel overwhelming. From shaping your story to figuring out the visuals, the process can feel overwhelming.
That’s where I come in.
I help therapists, coaches, and creatives go from “I don’t know where to start” to building a strong concept, visual direction, and eventually a fully illustrated book that’s ready to make an impact.
Step 1
Creative Direction
We begin with developing your concept, where I guide you as a creative consultant throughout the entire journey. We start by clarifying your vision. This step sets the foundation for your book, what message you want to share, who it’s for, and how you want it to feel. Together, we make sure your ideas are aligned with the kind of impact you want your story to have.
Step 2
Story Development
Here, you’ll receive a structured template to help organize your manuscript. I provide light editing and thoughtful feedback, especially from a visual perspective, so your words not only flow but are also ready to translate into your illustrations.
Step 3
Storyboarding + Character Design
This is where your book starts taking shape. We design how your main characters will look, build the setting and location of your story, and plan the flow of each page through storyboarding. This stage ensures your book feels cohesive before moving into final artwork.
Step 4
Full Book Illustration
At the final stage, your story comes fully alive. You’ll receive a professionally illustrated front cover, back cover, and interior pages, along with artwork rights, formatting, and light publishing support (uploading your book to KDP). By the end, you’ll have a complete, ready-to-publish children’s book.
Custom pricing based on page count.
My Testimonials
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
"As an amateur author, I often felt lost in the process, but Brenda guided me with patience and expertise, making the journey so much smoother (and more fun!). I highly recommend working with her—she’s a talented artist and a wonderful collaborator!"
"It’s like I’ve been transported directly into one of the scenes from the book. The piece captures the essence of the story with every little detail, really bringing it to life."
"Brenda displays wonderful works of art. She exceeded my expectations. Her illustrations are so dreamy and fairytale like."
Artwork
My Latest Project
Polly's Comfy Coccoon
Polly the caterpillar loves life just as it is, until she finds out it's her time to enter her cocoon. Scared of change, she leans on her wise mom and silly friend Baboon. With their love, Polly learns that growth can be scary, but that’s when courage is able to shine too.
Get to know me!
Brenda Benson
Illustrator/Owner
Hi, my name is Brenda and I'm illustrator for Lapa Loma. I've always been passionate about art and creating stories through my illustrations. I decided at an early age I wanted to be an artist. I went to Parsons the New School for Design and been doing art professionally for more than a decade. In 2023, I decided to venture into opening my illustration business. I now aim to help children's book authors who want to create grand tales, enchanting stories and reach their ideal audience.
The adventure starts here!
Book a call with me
