A Week in My Life as a New Mom and Children’s Book Illustrator

Kayleigh Castle
Jul 7
3 min read

Becoming a mother while continuing to run a successful illustration career has been one of the most rewarding—and challenging—chapters of my life. In my new YouTube video, “A Week in My Life as a New Mom & Illustrator,” I’m giving you a real, behind-the-scenes look at how I balance being a professional children’s book illustrator, a business owner, and now, a mom.

Whether you’re here because you’re curious about what it looks like to juggle motherhood and creativity, or because you’re an author searching for the right illustrator for your children’s book, I want this post to serve as both a story and a resource.

Life as a New Mom and Freelance Illustrator

Being a new mom illustrator means my schedule looks very different from when I was a full-time freelancer with endless hours to sketch, paint, and work on client projects. My days now revolve around baby naps, feedings, and the precious quiet moments when I can sneak into my studio.

But here’s the truth: even though my time is divided, my focus is sharper than ever. I’ve learned that creativity thrives when you create intentional balance. Motherhood has stretched me in new ways and reminded me of the importance of storytelling through illustration—because my son will grow up surrounded by these stories.

Why I Chose Children’s Book Illustration

As an award-winning children’s book illustrator, I’ve had the honor of illustrating over a dozen published books, helping authors bring their words to life with vibrant, nostalgic, and emotional artwork. Illustration, unlike a simple painting, tells a story. Every character, every background, and every tiny detail is chosen to help the reader experience the narrative more deeply.

That’s why so many authors choose to hire a freelance illustrator like me to bring their manuscript to life. I don’t just draw pictures—I create visual worlds that connect with young readers on an emotional level.

Behind the Scenes: A Week in My Life

In my YouTube video, I break down a full week as a mom and illustrator:

Morning Routines: Smoothie, baby cuddles, and checking my client project list.
Studio Sessions: Working on character sketches, book spreads, and mural concepts while my son naps.
Evening Workflows: Late-night art sessions are my new “second shift,” where I dive deep into creative projects.
MOMents: Embracing the messy middle of motherhood, reminding myself that both work and family are equally fulfilling parts of my life.

Balancing Motherhood and Creative Business

So many women ask me: “How do you balance being a mom and running a business?” The truth is, it isn’t about balance—it’s about flow. I’ve developed systems, schedules, and mindset practices that help me stay grounded. It’s also why I began offering Creative Lifestyle Coaching for women—to help other creatives build sustainable businesses while honoring their personal lives.

If you’re feeling pulled between your creative passions and daily responsibilities, know that it’s possible to design a lifestyle that works for you.

For Authors Searching for a Children’s Book Illustrator

If you’ve landed here because you’re an author looking for an illustrator, welcome! My specialty is creating whimsical, nostalgic, and emotionally rich illustrations that capture the magic of your story. From full picture book illustration packages to book covers and self-publishing support, I work with authors every step of the way.

Services include:

Full children’s book illustration (24–32 spreads + cover)
Custom book cover artwork
Self-publishing consultation and support
1:1 coaching for aspiring illustrators and creative entrepreneurs

👉 Work with me as your illustrator

Watch the Full Video

Life as a new mom and illustrator is beautifully unpredictable. Some days are fueled by coffee and creativity; other days are naps and lullabies. But through it all, I’ve never felt more aligned with my purpose: to create art that inspires, heals, and tells powerful stories.

If you’re an author searching for an illustrator for your children’s book, or a creative mama trying to find balance, I’d love to connect. You don’t have to choose between your family and your art—you can create a life where both flourish.

✨ Ready to bring your story to life?