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How I Illustrated My Children’s Book in Canva (with AI — No Art Degree Required!)

  • Writer: Taylor The Creator Web Designer
    Taylor The Creator Web Designer
  • Oct 28
  • 3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Creating my first children’s book, Tech Is Magic, was one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done — not just because it’s packed with STEM fun for curious kids, but because I got to bring the entire visual world to life myself, using Canva and a clear vision.


Taylor The Creator Holding Book

I didn’t hire an illustrator.

I didn’t spend thousands on design tools.

I didn’t go to art school.


And now, I want to show you exactly how I did it — step by step — so you can do it too.


Because now more than ever, it’s important for us to share what we know, support one another, and make sure every story — especially those that haven’t been told yet — has a chance to shine. 💛


🧑🏽‍🎨 No Design Degree Needed — Just a Vision + Canva Pro

Let’s break it down:


✅ Step 1: Launch Magic Media in Canva Pro

  • Log into your Canva Pro account

  • On the left menu, go to Apps

  • Search for Magic Media

  • Choose Text to Image


✍️ Step 2: Write a Great Prompt

This is where the magic begins. Your text prompt should clearly describe the scene — think about:

  • Characters (Who’s in it?)

  • Setting (Where are they?)

  • Mood/lighting (What’s the vibe?)

  • Style (Cartoon, 3D, etc.)


🧾 Prompt Examples by Style

✏️ Cartoon / Flat Illustration (Best for kids’ books)

  • “A Black girl in a lab coat mixing colorful potions in a bright science lab — cartoon style”

  • “Two kids building a robot out of cardboard in a garage — bright colors — flat illustration”

  • “A classroom full of kids using laptops and VR headsets — smiling — flat style”

  • “A group of animals (cat, dog, owl) having a tea party in the forest — illustrated, storybook style”


💻 3D / Realistic / Futuristic

  • “A glowing robot holding a tablet — set in a high-tech futuristic lab — 3D render”

  • “Cyberpunk city at night with neon lights and kids in tech gear walking through it — photorealistic style”

  • “A close-up of a robotic hand building a circuit board — sharp detail — 3D style”

  • “A drone flying through a modern cityscape — blue hour lighting — realistic 3D”

🔑 Pro Tip: The more detailed your prompt, the better your results. Don’t be afraid to include emotions, colors, or lighting details.
Taylor The Creator Ai Image Cover of Book

🎨 Step 3: Pick a Style That Fits Your Book

When you hit "Generate," Canva will give you 4 image results.

You can select different styles like:

  • Watercolor

  • Cyberpunk

  • Photorealistic

  • Cartoon

  • Flat Illustration

  • Neon or vaporwave

  • 3D Render

For kids’ books, stick with cartoon or flat styles for consistency and accessibility.


🧹 Step 4: Edit, Regenerate, or Refine

Didn’t get what you were looking for? Try:

  • Rewriting the prompt

  • Changing the angle (e.g., “top-down” or “zoomed in”)

  • Specifying age, ethnicity, or expression of characters

  • Using style keywords like “minimalist,” “storybook,” or “hand-drawn”

You can also:

  • Crop the image

  • Layer with Canva graphics

  • Add shadows or effects for depth


📖 Step 5: Design Your Pages in Canva

  • Create a new 8.5x8.5" or 8.5x11" design

  • Use Guides and Rulers (View menu) for layout

  • Add your text box at the top or bottom

  • Insert your AI-generated image

  • Adjust for balance and readability

📌 I used Canva for both the illustration and layout process — no extra tools needed!


🎨 Step 6: Stay Consistent With Theme

To make your book feel cohesive:

  • Use the same characters throughout (regenerate until you get the look!)

  • Stick to a color palette

  • Match the illustration style every time


You can even save your character’s look in a folder so you can regenerate them in future scenes.

Taylor The Creator Ai Image

📤 Step 7: Export + Publish

Once your book is done:


❤️ Final Thoughts

You don’t need a design degree or thousands of dollars to create a powerful, beautiful children’s book.

You just need:

  • A clear idea

  • A Canva Pro account

  • And a whole lot of heart


🎙️ And remember: your story deserves to be told. Whether you’re writing about robots, animals, space, or family — your perspective is unique and needed.


I’m sharing this guide not because I have it all figured out, but because I believe in lifting as I climb. We’re in a new era where creativity, accessibility, and AI can work with us — and there’s no limit to what we can create.


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