I want to discuss how I approach painting stylized children's character designs, since illustration work for younger audiences has specific visual logic that differs from adult-oriented work.

The key differences in children's illustration: simplified and exaggerated proportions (large eyes, small noses, rounded forms) that read as friendly and non-threatening. High saturation palettes that feel energetic and playful. High contrast between character and background to ensure legibility for young eyes that are still developing perceptual sophistication.

Emotional legibility: a child character's emotional state should be immediately readable without ambiguity. Subtle or complex expressions are appropriate for adult illustration; broad, clear expressions work for children's work.

The design discipline: I make every design pass through a legibility test at reduced size. Children's book illustrations are often small in the published format. If the character's expression doesn't read clearly at three inches tall, the design needs simplification.