When you open a fantasy novel and see a map, you know you’re in for an adventure. Illustrator Anna Leitensdorfer understands that excitement and she’s dedicated her career to helping authors bring their worlds to life visually.

Anna joined me on the Project Seed Money Podcast to share her journey from studying animation to becoming a sought-after illustrator for authors. What started as a pivot when animation jobs were scarce became a thriving creative business designing maps, characters, and scenes that help readers connect instantly with stories.

Why Maps and Illustrations Matter

Anna explained that maps aren’t just for fantasy. She’s even created town maps for contemporary romance series helping readers picture the story’s world in detail. Character art and scene illustrations work the same way: they stop a reader mid-scroll, spark curiosity, and draw people into the book’s universe.

“Pretty art makes me stop,” Anna said. “If I see it while scrolling, I want to know where it came from — and if it’s from a book, I’ll read the blurb.”

A Seamless Collaboration Process

Working with Anna isn’t just about the art — it’s about communication. She walks authors through every stage: contracts, scope, revisions, and licensing. Authors send sketches, outlines, or even messy notes describing their world, and Anna translates them into visual concepts.

She builds in three revisions, ensuring authors can tweak the shape of continents, city placements, or background textures without stress. By the end, authors receive a complete package: print-ready files, web versions, grayscale backups, and even the Photoshop file for their book designer.

Her timeline? On average, three weeks to a month for a fully illustrated map with add-ons like icons, borders, and textured backgrounds. That’s why Anna advises authors to reach out early — ideally during or just after the first draft. “You want it ready before formatting so your book designer isn’t scrambling.”

Red Flags and AI Concerns

Anna also shared important advice about hiring illustrators safely. Red flags include unsolicited DMs, missing portfolios, no pricing transparency, and no process videos.

Her biggest warning: beware of AI art. Inconsistent styles, suspiciously fast turnarounds, and a lack of progress shots are giveaways. Real illustrators evolve steadily over time, and they can provide work-in-progress screenshots or videos to prove their process.

“I record myself while working so I always have proof,” Anna said. “Authors deserve to know their art is original.”

Encouragement for Authors

Beyond the technical side, Anna offered heartfelt encouragement to writers who feel afraid to share their work.

“I was terrified going freelance,” she admitted. “But I remembered the people who loved my art, and that kept me going. If five people like your work, that’s enough to keep moving forward. The cheerleaders will find you.”

For Anna, storytelling — whether through animation, illustration, or books — is about connection. And she wants authors to know their words inspire artists like her to keep creating.