Now a days you see a lot of artists working digitally, for a lot of people this makes the process easier because for reproduction you don't have to worry much about sending or digitalising copies or creating printing plates. However to go back to beatrix potter, they created all of their illustrations using water colour, and she even developed her own very methodical way of watercolour known as ‘dry brushing’ she also worked in pen and inks.

When it comes to skills needed in this profession drawing is the obvious main skill you need, however something else that is required when illustrating children's books is to be able to have a good imagination, or as some may describe it as a ‘child like imagination’ this is quite an important factor when creating children's book illustration. Mainly because your target audience is going to be children being able to think like one and create imagery that would be catered to children is important not only for the narrative side but also the engagement of the story. Simple images that aren't too complex but still including details is really important with the reader engaging with the book. The same can be said about colour, children would be more attracted to reading a colourful book compared to a book that is dull or black and white.