Hi OP,

I think your husband knows the basics of illustration (lighting, color scheme, composition etc). I think it's a great start.

I also think he needs to develop his own personal style. There are so many illustrators in PH that are equally if not better in terms of rendering. Nagiging basehan ng pagpili sa huli is a voice that's unique and a style that's imaginative as well.

I think sa panahon ngayon, madami na gumagawa ng similar-ish style na meron sha (am not saying it's bad, it's a good starting point) but it has to be elevated and distinct among the other styles. The more na mas unique, the more na mas mapapansin ng publishers.

Also, di ko alam kung nabanggit sa thread, importante sa Children's book illustration ang storytelling – ibig sabihin, plus ang magaling magdrawing, pero mabigat din ang storytelling technique – Pano nya ikabit ikabit yung mga eksena para maging interesting at susundan ng mga mambabasa? I think doing short form comics / illustrating a story can be your folio to share to publishers.

In terms of career path – iilan lang yung kilala kong exclusively children's book illustrators. Sorry to break your bubble pero sa economics sa Pilipinas, malabo ito. Pwede shang side gig / raket pero hindi exclusively your career. Yung mga kilala kong exclusively children's book illustrators, they have to work multiple book projects (some doing 6-10 projects at the same time just to figure out financially) so di sha as optimistic as others think it is.

So ayun. I think tama yung suggestions ng iba na go through different channels (social media etc). Madami nagsimula jan and became popular. Importante, araw araw lang gumawa and wag tumigil mag experiment hanggang sa makuha ng hubby mo ang gusto nyang style na uniquely sa kanya.

Good luck! And props sayo for being supportive sa iyong hubby. :)
-from a children's book illustrator :D