Children's Book Illustration

In this course you will explore a variety of techniques used to create images for picture books. You will be introduced to methods of communicating narratives through image making alone. By working through a series of exercises you will be acquainted with the roles that storyboarding, roughs, layouts, text placement and final artwork all play in the creation of illustrated picture books.

Topics covered

• You will create a character in clay that can be manipulated into any position and viewed from any angle.
• Facial expressions reflecting emotions are discussed and drawn using these models. This is aimed to help you to achieve better character continuity in your drawings.
• Pop-up books are explored through the making of simple mechanisms, and the role of the illustrator in tackling these special books will be explained.
• Colour media is investigated through creating a book of colour for young readers, and black and white media is tried out using ink and bleach painting as well as scraper boards.
• In each session there will be a variety of picture books for you to examine and ample opportunity for you to ask questions.
• We end the course with a story-generating exercise working in pairs.

Through student-led work, paired projects and class workshops, the aim will be to increase both experimentation and professionalism, encouraging you to develop your own individuality and imagination.

Who should take this course?
This course will appeal to people who enjoy picture making and have an interest in storytelling through drawing.

Entry requirements: It is important to feel comfortable with drawing, as this is our chief means of communicating when working through the class exercises and briefs.

Level: Beginners

Related courses: Those who want to develop their skills further should follow this course up with our Children’s Book Illustration Advanced short course.

Please note: This course is for students aged 18 and older