Illustrative Agency Reviews | Check if illustrativeagency.com is legit or scam?

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Illustration Commences
After you’ve finalized your favourite illustration design, our expert illustrators commence the work right away on your custom illustration. Each illustration can take some time to prepare as they try to create something unique and charming.

Final Delivery
After we’ve finalized the design and got the designed approved by you, we then commence our final phase to provide you with the print-ready professional PDF files and finally, send you the complete formats and high-quality final files.

Why Choose Us?
illustrativeagency.com has been empowering clients to share their ideas into excellent quality illustrations at extremely competitive rates. Our team possesses the required level of expertise and creativity to deliver pragmatic designs and evoke an emotional response.

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illustrativeagencyUser Experience
We provide the best user experience to all our clients and ensure they are handled with respect.

illustrativeagencyCreative Elements
We make sure to present you with new innovative ideas to improve your illustration ideas.

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We make our illustrations customizable for you so that you can implement your creativity.

illustrativeagencyLoads of Layouts
Our expert designers provide you with multiple illustrations for your satisfaction.

See the reviews of client for this website


Name of client: Mandie

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Book Services are Okay, DO NOT use their “marketing” scam

I worked with this agency to publish my first children’s book. While I’m somewhat happy with the final book, the process was far more frustrating and complicated than I expected, and I want to share my experience so others can make an informed decision.

The positives:

The team can produce a finished book for first-time authors.

They do offer guidance throughout the process, which can be helpful if you have no prior experience.

The negatives (important to know):

Communication issues: They were often poor listeners. I had to repeat my requested edits multiple times — sometimes up to four emails — before changes were actually made. I would provide detailed numbered or bulleted lists, but they often only addressed one or two points, ignored others, or even made changes I never asked for.

Slow and frustrating revision process: The back-and-forth was exhausting and unnecessarily long.

Marketing problems and broken promises: They talked me into their marketing service with a “money-back guarantee” if I didn’t make $9,000 in sales within six months.

June 30, 2025: I formally requested the refund after sales revenue was far below the guaranteed amount (I made about $20 in sales from my own friends/family).

July 1, 2025: I was offered a three-month extension as they’d failed to previously inform me that supposedly their social media accounts hadn’t been working the last three months. I declined as they’d made me so little in sales and I had been the one reaching out to them instead of the other way around. I requested the refund immediately.

August 1–26, 2025: The agency gave multiple excuses for delays, including “technical issues” and supposed problems with their billing/merchant systems, then tried to say it was because my card expired. I repeatedly confirmed that my card was valid and offered safe alternatives (signature required check, online safe offerings-they wanted me to EMAIL them my banking account details HUGE red flag), yet the refund still did not,and has not, appeared.

September 10, 2025: They sent a “screenshot” of a supposed refund receipt, but my card issuer did not show any pending or completed transaction.

September 23, 2025: I again confirmed with my card issuer that the refund was not issued. Illustrative Agency proposed paying the $2800 refund in $500 installments, now claiming a merchant hold due to customer disputes. I declined because the contract clearly required the full refund and I was not about to change the contract agreement after going back and forth with them for MONTHS.

Overall, while I appreciated finally having my book published, the communication issues, repeated delays, and then numerous difficulties with the guaranteed marketing refund made the experience very frustrating.

I cannot recommend the agency for marketing or for authors who expect responsive, detail-oriented support. If you are primarily looking for a first book published and are prepared for extensive back-and-forth, you may find some value, but proceed with EXTREME caution regarding their marketing promises as so far it appears it’s a MASSIVE scam.


Name of client: Dionna C

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

These people are SCAMMERS

These people are SCAMMERS. They trick you and act like their publishing your book for months then will have you make a good review when it’s “almost done”. Then you will never recieve the book or illustrations. They will mislead you for MONTHS. Schedule zoom calls, trying to seem legit then you will never recieve your things. I learned the hard way. Worst experience of my life. Pleaseeee do not fall for it.


Name of client: Carrie Tyus-Brooks

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I wish could give them a zero

I wish could give them a zero. I paid for illustrations and book formatting. It’s been a painful process. Illustrations would have too many fingers or chopped off hands. The book formatting for my chapter book was centered and all out of wack. When I read over it, there were whole pages of my narrative missing. Now they are not taking my calls and aren’t responding to my texts and emails. **STAY AWAY FROM THEM!**


Name of client: Art

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This experience was extremely well and…

This experience was extremely well and I appreciated the professionalism throughout this process. My first book was great and I will be writing another!


Name of client: Bailey’s Mom 🐾

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently worked with John Albert and…

I recently worked with John Albert and his team, and I found the experience to be professional and efficient. John was responsive and attentive throughout the process, which made communication easy. The team demonstrated a clear commitment to the author’s vision, making adjustments when the illustrations didn’t align with my expectations.

The process is entirely online and conducted via email, which is convenient, but I do wish their “Zoom” calls allowed for video on their end. It would have been nice to put a face to the names and feel a bit more connected.

Overall, I’m happy with the illustrations and the team’s effort to bring my project to life. I’d recommend their services to anyone looking for a professional and accommodating illustration team.


Name of client: Alicia Russ

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I worked with this agency to illustrate…

I worked with this agency to illustrate my first book. They were accommodating to me throughout the process. Made adjustments and listened carefully to my vision. I am thrilled with the book.


Name of client: Julia

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Steven Smith and his team were a…

Steven Smith and his team were a pleasure to work with! I would recommend them!


Name of client: Michelle Scott

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellence at its Best!

My dream transformed beautifully from a couple of thoughts to reality. THAT MADE ME CRY HAPPY TEARS. May Green and her supportive Digital Team blew my mind. The illustrations exceeded by expectations. The company accommodated my endless questions and I am EXTREMELY impressed with the professionalism and hardwork of the digital team!!!!!!


Name of client: Cindy DeFuria

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steven Smith and his talented team of…

Steven Smith and his talented team of Illustrators made the visions for my story come to life so much more than I could expect. They were patient and quick to make any changes that I requested. They are very professional. I will be using them again for my next book! I highly recommend this business.


Name of client: Alice B

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

this company is a scam

this company is a scam! do not send any money to them – look at their google reviews because the ones on this site must be fraudulent.


Name of client: Stacy Faust

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Sergio and team were great overall

Sergio and team were great overall. My only feedback is be honest with how long the proces takes. Was told 6-8 weeks and it’s been 10 months. However, the end results were worth the wait!! I am so happy with my illustrations and final book copy! The mini movie trailer that was created for my book turned out fantastic as well and was a quick turnaround. I will definitely use them again when I write my sequel!


Name of client: Arthur Clancy

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steven Smith and his team is just amazing!

I will be using Illustrative Agency for my next books since they took my idea and made it come to life with beautiful illustrations and then published my book in a great manner. Steven Smith and his team is great! They were professional, accurate qnd flexible througgout the entire process.


Name of client: Steve Z

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic work by…

Absolutely fantastic work by Illustrative Agency! A BIG thank you to Steven Smith, Sr Brand Consultant and his team for a fantastic job on my newest children’s book series, “Mr. Mau Adventure’s with more to follow soon! As a new author had more than many questions, worries and concerns about how things were and are done! Your in good hands with Steven Smith as he walked me through the process in every way, he was very timely and informative with everything! For sure my worries had vanished completely! Then making everything ready for my publisher again was there in every way walking me through the process and making sure all my questions were answered, with the needed publisher’s format went perfectly! I will continue to work with Steven Smith and his team! My children’s book series “Mr. Mau Adventure’s”, is full of amazing illustrations and characters we created together. Wow! A BIG Thank You Steven! Working on my third book of the series now and can’t wait to work together again! I highly recommend, Illustrative Agency, Steven Smith, Sr Brand Consultant along with his remarkable team.
Rest easy, give them a call today!


Name of client: Trista Prater

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The comic illustrations were amazing

The comic illustrations were amazing! The characters and scenes were so dynamic and detailed, perfectly complementing the narrative. The artist’s ability to convey emotion and action through their illustrations made the comic truly immersive and enjoyable to read. Their work has been praised by readers and critics alike. Excellent jobs!


Name of client: Rita Graham

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The children’s book illustrations…

The children’s book illustrations brought my story to life! The colorful and imaginative artwork captivated my young readers and made the storytelling experience magical. Each page was filled with intricate details that kept children engaged and excited. Thank you for making my book a visual delight that both kids and present adore.


Name of client: Hana Baloh

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

These people will scam you

These people will scam you! I tried working with them for months on my children’s book with no progress. I would tell them my edits and they would change everything BUT the edit. Countless emails, texts, and calls and I finally realized they were not a good fit.
They say 100% back money guaranteed all over their website and in the contract. When I went to pull the project, they all of a sudden couldn’t give me my money back or call/email me back. Bunch of scammers…don’t waste your time or money.

It is currently September 12, 2024. I finally heard back from the company and it is only because of this review… Which I guess is great! They said they would issue a refund which I was sent a “Receipt” That it had been processed. However, when I went to call the number on the receipt It was a disconnected number and when I looked up the address, it was to a home.

They have asked me to take down this review and I said once the money has been refunded, I will do so. So waiting for that to go through.

Still believe my first opinion about them that this company is a scam.


Name of client: Juanita Forrest

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was self-publishing my first…

I was self-publishing my first children’s book and needed an illustrator who cloud create engaging and page-appropriate illustrations. Illustrative Agency was the perfect fit. They were able to create colorful and whimsical illustrations that brought my character to life and helped make my book a success.

(*) All reviews above are from Trustpilot

Our assessment after analyzing reviews


Below are the analyze and conclusion of us about above reviews

Review 1: Written by the website’s owner

This is not a review by a customer but rather a promotional piece written by the company itself. Therefore, it lacks objectivity and should be regarded as marketing material rather than a genuine customer review. It highlights positive aspects such as outstanding quality, affordable prices, and a smooth three-step process. Claims of “best user experience,” “creative elements,” “customizable” illustrations, and “loads of layouts” are generic and lack specific examples. The content aims to attract potential clients but offers no verifiable evidence of their claims. It’s typical for businesses to present themselves in a favorable light, so this content is inherently biased and should not be considered a reliable source for assessing the agency’s credibility.

Review 2: Mandie – 1 Star

Mandie’s review is highly critical, detailing a frustrating experience with Illustrative Agency. While she acknowledges the agency can produce a finished book, she outlines significant communication issues, a slow revision process, and marketing problems. The most serious allegation is the “marketing scam” involving a money-back guarantee that was not honored. She describes a series of delays, excuses, and ultimately, the failure to receive the promised refund, despite providing valid card information. The agency even requested banking details via email, which she rightly flagged as a huge red flag. Mandie’s detailed account of the refund process, including dates and communications, lends credibility to her claims. She strongly advises caution, especially regarding their marketing promises.

Review 3: Dionna C – 1 Star

Dionna C’s review is blunt and accusatory, labeling Illustrative Agency as “SCAMMERS.” She alleges they mislead clients for months, pretending to publish their book, and even soliciting a positive review before disappearing with the client’s money and without delivering the promised book or illustrations. The reviewer emphasizes the deceptive nature of the agency, including scheduled Zoom calls to appear legitimate before ceasing communication. This review is a strong warning to potential clients, highlighting a complete failure to deliver services and potential fraudulent behavior.

Review 4: Carrie Tyus-Brooks – 1 Star

Carrie Tyus-Brooks expresses extreme dissatisfaction, wishing she could give a zero rating. Her complaints center on poor quality illustrations (too many fingers, chopped off hands) and flawed book formatting (centered text, missing narrative pages). She also alleges that the agency stopped responding to her calls, texts, and emails, effectively abandoning the project after receiving payment. This review points to serious quality control issues and a lack of customer service, suggesting a company that does not deliver on its promises and is unresponsive to client concerns.

Review 5: Art – 5 Stars

Art’s review is brief and positive, praising the professionalism of the agency and expressing satisfaction with the first book produced. This positive feedback contrasts sharply with the negative reviews. Its brevity and lack of specific details make it less impactful than the detailed negative reviews. It suggests a positive experience but offers little concrete evidence to support the claim.

Review 6: Bailey’s Mom 🐾 – 5 Stars

Bailey’s Mom provides a more detailed positive review, specifically mentioning John Albert and his team. She highlights their responsiveness and attentiveness, as well as their commitment to the author’s vision. She also mentions that adjustments were made when the illustrations didn’t align with her expectations. The only criticism is the lack of video on their end during Zoom calls. Overall, this review paints a picture of a professional and accommodating team, contributing to a positive perception of the agency.

Review 7: Alicia Russ – 5 Stars

Alicia Russ’s review is concise and positive, stating that the agency was accommodating and listened carefully to her vision. She expresses being thrilled with the book. Like Art’s review, this one lacks specific details, but the overall sentiment is favorable.

Review 8: Julia – 4 Stars

Julia’s review is short and simply recommends Steven Smith and his team. The four-star rating suggests a positive experience, though without more information, it is difficult to assess the specific strengths or weaknesses of the service.

Review 9: Michelle Scott – 5 Stars

Michelle Scott’s review is enthusiastic and emotional, describing how her dream transformed into reality and brought her to tears. She praises May Green and the Digital Team, highlighting their professionalism and hard work. The review lacks specific details about the project but emphasizes the exceeding of expectations and the supportive nature of the team.

Review 10: Cindy DeFuria – 5 Stars

Cindy DeFuria commends Steven Smith and his team of Illustrators for bringing her story to life beyond her expectations. She highlights their patience and quickness in making requested changes, as well as their professionalism. She concludes by highly recommending the business and stating her intention to use them again for her next book.

Review 11: Alice B – 1 Star

Alice B.’s review is a direct warning, stating “this company is a scam!” and advising against sending them money. She suggests looking at Google reviews, implying that the positive reviews on the current site are fraudulent. This strongly negative review adds to the growing concern about the legitimacy of the agency.

Review 12: Stacy Faust – 4 Stars

Stacy Faust reports that Sergio and team were great overall, but provides the important negative feedback about timeline management. While she’s happy with the end results (illustrations and final book), she states that the process took 10 months when she was originally told it would take 6-8 weeks. Despite the delayed process, the reviewer is ultimately happy with the product and says they will use them again.

Review 13: Arthur Clancy – 5 Stars

Arthur Clancy says Steven Smith and his team are amazing and will be using Illustrative Agency again for future books. He specifies they were professional, accurate, and flexible.

Review 14: Steve Z – 5 Stars

Steve Z gives “Illustrative Agency” and Steven Smith and his team a glowing review. He is a new author and describes Steven Smith walking him through the process and answering all of his questions. He expresses feeling secure and satisfied with the illustrations and the way his publisher’s formatting was handled. He also says he is working on his third book with them and highly recommends them.

Review 15: Trista Prater – 5 Stars

Trista Prater’s review is centered only on the illustrations for a comic, and describes them as amazing with dynamic characters and scenes, and praised by readers and critics.

Review 16: Rita Graham – 5 Stars

Rita Graham speaks about children’s book illustrations and praises the colorful and imaginative artwork that captivated young readers. She commends them for making her book a visual delight.

Review 17: Hana Baloh – 1 Star

Hana Baloh describes a scam and says she tried working with them for months with no progress. She claims that the agency does not fulfill edits. Despite the money back guarantee she could not get her money back. She also says that she has been told she will get a receipt, but she called the number on the receipt and it was disconnected and the address was to a home.

Review 18: Juanita Forrest – 5 Stars

Juanita Forrest says Illustrative Agency was the perfect fit for self-publishing her children’s book and needed illustrations. She describes the illustrations as colorful and whimsical, and they were able to make her book a success.

illustrativeagency.com likely a scam

Note: The above statement is just my personal opinion, you should check carefully at the sources and make the right decision for yourself.

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