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Illustrating Children’s Books Student Showcase part 9 {Oct 2016 class}

studentshowcase

We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase a series of gorgeous student work that was produced in our first session of Illustrating Children’s Books. Here is part 9 in the showcase series.

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Lynne Pritchard | Gingermog

LynnePritchard_FantasyLandscape_card

LynnePritchard_prfileMy illustration “Lost in the Woods” was inspired the fantasy landscape imagined outside of my tiny attic window, In reality I live in the middle of urban London and the view outside my window is a brick and slate tangle of roofs, chimneys, drainpipes and historical TV aerials, which became in my imagination a magical wood my little black escapes to explore every night.

It was my favourite exercise because it helped me explore and become braver with texture and colours. I began to loosen up.

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?

I became braver with texture and colour.

What did you discover about yourself?

Freedom to really do my own thing and explore my imagination without heavy self criticism similar to the joy of creating and unlimited imagination when drawing as a child.

How would you describe the course to a friend?

An in depth, energetic and multi coloured boost to kick start your children’s illustrations portfolio and begin pursuing your dreams to getting published.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

 

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Katie Mazeika

KatieMazeikaAdaspread

The image is from the environment week. It was my favorite week because that was the week we put it all together. The thinking about our character’s expressions, poses and accessories all come together when we created a two page spread. My image shows Ada Lovelace analyzing a bird while dreaming about making her own wings and flying.

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?

I learned not to throw away any part of an expression or pose. Every little thing can point to who your character is.

What did you discover about yourself?

That I can drop the nitpicking over little stuff and work faster.

How would you describe the course to a friend?

Intense, I felt like I needed several weeks to go back and digest the material. There is so much information, but it’s all great stuff. Even listening to Lilla and Zoe rehash things I thought I knew was enlightening.

See more work here: Website | Facebook

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Frederika Kluiwstra

Frederika_Kluiwstra_Adaenvironment_ICB1_WK4_web
This is from the story of Ada Lovelace. Text to be illustrated: When Ada was 17 years old she met Mr. Charles Babbage. Charles was an inventor, and he was very, very good at maths. He spent his days locked away in his study at Cambridge University, creating weird and wonderful mathematical machines.

The assignment was about drawing environments, a scene from a chosen text on a double page spread. The main character had to be included in the illustration. I loved this week about environments. It really challenged me to think about composition and how to draw an interesting and storytelling illustration, like which scene items you chose. It was also fun to add something extra to the story – the cat is not in the provided text for example.

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
It challenged me to draw more and more. Try new things. And not to compare myself with others.

What did you discover about yourself?
That I am on my way and that I love to draw.

How would you describe the course to a friend?
This is a very challenging and fun course about illustrating children’s books. You will get great assignments and a lot of valuable information about topics like analyzing the text that you are going to work from, building a character, including accessories and the environment, cover design and how to build a career.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Jenny Stocker

Jenny Stocker

JennyStockerArtistPhotoHow did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?

“Illustrating Children’s Books” was such a challenging course for me! I draw everyday, but I’m primarily a printmaker, who’s always been interested in illustration. Listening to Lilla , Zoe, and the amazing guests who discussed not just technique, but the business of being an artist in this field was really eye-opening…although I work with sales in mind, it was very different for me to address appealing to a broader audience, (children first, then publishers and even parents!) Making that mental shift to being an illustrator and working with a brief is an interesting journey that I’m just beginning.

What did you discover about yourself?

I learned so much in this course, not only from doing my own work, but from the excellent reviews each week. I did most of the coursework in black and white, staying in my comfort zone…and I realized by the end, that I needed to take more risks with color. Also, I’m very “old school”, using traditional techniques then scanning and using minimal digital work (mainly darkening pencil lines to show up on the screen.) As I continue with MATS courses, it’s my goal to learn more computer skills to enhance my illustrations.

How would you describe the course to a friend?

I have already recommended this course to several friends! I have also told them to be prepared to work hard, to be open to change, and to take advantage of all the course offers with the daily prompts, Facebook group, and the weekly assignments…

See more work here: Website

 

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Mara Penny

Mara-Penny_Character_ICB1_Wk1
The main character, Ada Lovelace, as a child.

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?

This class really made me analyze every aspect of my illustration process.

What did you discover about yourself?

I was surprised that I liked researching the charter so much. I loved digging into the time period to get the details right… Ada’s dress has a Fano Plane pattern. Look it up ;)

How would you describe the course to a friend?

This course was chock-full of valuable information! It covers every single aspect of illustrating children’s book. It truly is a step-by-step guide.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Do you dream of illustrating a children’s book?  Would you love to create a magical world with characters that you’ve designed? Do you love the magic of children’s books and feel that you have something to offer? Then this course is for you.matsD-banner-h02650

In five weeks, you’ll create a brilliant children’s book pitch to help you land your dream children’s book gig. You’ll get over 20 videos, weekly assignments, live weekly video reviews, interviews with publishers and illustrators and more. Co-taught by top art agent Lilla Rogers and highly-respected children’s book art director Zoe Tucker.

Spaces are limited! Don’t miss out. REGISTER HERE

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