Working on our new course, Illustrating Children’s Books, has made me even more in love with kid books. But writing and filming the course with highly regarded art director Zoe Tucker, I have come to more fully understand what make the great books great.
I’ve chosen a book that beautifully illustrates 4 key points that art directors look for in artwork:
- Is there a strong character?
- Can you easily identify the emotions of the characters?
- Is the story being told clearly?
- Is the style fabulous and fresh?
Let’s take a look at a book that I adore.
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, by David Roberts
This book cover hits all the notes:
Is there a strong main character?
Yes. The boy is really appealing. His hair and sweater are nice touches. Remember, your main character is the star of the book. You are going to be drawing him/her throughout, and we want to connect with the character.
Can you easily identify the emotions?
Totally. The boy is sweet and slightly mischievous. Look at the woman on the upper right. She is slightly aghast. How does the illustrator, David Roberts, do that? He draws the woman’s face with a single raised eyebrow, and eyes open wide.
Is the “story” being told clearly?
Yes. As an illustrator, your job is to tell a story through pictures, and the cover needs to communicate the spirit of the book.
The boy is mischievous. How do we know that? He’s standing precariously on tippy toes on the letter “I”, and we can see the woman’s reaction.
It’s obviously a story about architecture. How do we know that? Of course we know that from the title and by loads of buildings gracing the cover. But bits like the measuring tapes and the rulers are cool ways to emphasize that theme, and are unexpected.
Is the style fabulous and fresh?
Definitely. I always say, “People buy your joy”. And here, I get the feeling that the illustrator had fun with this. Yes, he has the chops to be able to draw well, but drawing on graph paper, for example, add freshness and charm, in addition to adding to the architectural theme.
And let’s face it, that woman—who is actually the boy’s teacher—is the most fabulous.
Why don’t you try it? Here’s another cover I adore. See if it hits all the points.
Cloth Lullaby—The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois by Amy Novesky and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
I’d love to have you in my newest course. It’s crammed full of tons of information and inspiration for you. We are going to make some amazing art together.
Take a photo of one of your favorite children’s book illustration and upload it to Instagram, with #matskidbook and #makeartthatsells so we can see what you post!
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.
Hurry, this course will sell out. I hope you’ll join me, and allow me to help you do your very best.
Xo
Lilla
I bought Iggy Peck for my son in honor of his grandfather who is an architect. It’s written and illustrated SUPERBLY and I heartily agree with you. It’s both simple and intricate, which is no small feat!