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Illustrating Children’s Books Student Showcase part 3 {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 3 in the showcase series.

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Emma McGowan

 

EmmaMcGowan illustrating childrens, books make art that sells

EmmaMcGowan_BIO_PICMy favourite image is from week 2 when we worked on emotions. It came across very clearly how important it is for your characters to show a range of strong emotions that the reader can understand and relate to. Although I was pushed for time in week 2 and only managed to submit three different emotions, it was the week I felt my main character really came alive and I thought, I can do this!

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
The course took me from thinking ‘one day I’d like to illustrate a children’s book’ to ‘I want to do this now’. I learned so much about character development, what makes a great children’s book illustration, and the business generally. But I also gained huge amounts of confidence.

What did you discover about yourself?
I discovered that I can make a character move and express emotions and still look like the same character! I genuinely didn’t think I’d be able to do it. I also discovered that it is my number one goal for 2017, to get my first children’s book deal.

How would you describe the course to a friend?
It’s intense, challenging, fun, emotional and inspiring. Throw yourself into it, embrace every lesson, submit for every assignment, even if you think you can’t. You won’t be able to believe the improvement in your work and your confidence.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Christine Roos | Urbanrabbit

CHRISTINA_ROOS_illustrating childrens books make art that sells

 

I love the assignment “poses”. I like the colors and the sweetness between my main characters. The cat-girl and her fantasy friend the toy owl. They build a story together. Week 3 was fun and joyful with lots of warm up assignments. I found my style and character look and had an exciting time with my cat and owl.

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

I found my style and pushed the limit as far as I could at the moment.

What did you discover about yourself?

I learned that I had to put up goals, simplify and slow down.

How would you describe the course to a friend?

The best course ever. A course to find a way to do your illustrations in the best possible way, accurately and thoughtfully.

See more work here: Website | Blog

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Evie Barrow

EVIE_BARROW_illustrating childrens books make art that sells

Week 4, Environments was the most challenging for me. I was proud to complete the challenge and create an environment for a two-page spread that I liked. This is one half of my spread for a story about Ada Lovelace. I really enjoyed researching and piecing this image together.

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
The ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class helped me grow confidence in my work process. It taught me the importance of breaking down assignments into small steps and I now have the tools to work through bigger projects that may have previously felt overwhelming.

What did you discover about yourself?
For me this course reconfirmed my love for illustration, I have a long way to go and a lot to learn however this is a path I’m going to continue pursuing. I also discovered that I don’t mind structure, pressure and a tight deadline.

How would you describe the course to a friend?
This course is full to the brim with information it will overwhelm you at times but if you have 5 weeks to dedicate to it you’ll learn ins and outs of illustrating for the children’s book industry. You’ll learn if you’re cut out for the pressure of tight deadlines and if you enjoy repetitive character drawing and creating narratives. With the amount of work you create in those 5 short weeks you’ll inevitably grow as an artist. This course was so instructional and informative it went above and beyond any expectations I had for an online course. And on top of that you’ll meet, learn from and make friends with incredibly talented illustrators.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Ellen Rooney | Ellen Rooney Design

ELLEN_ROONEY_illustrating childrens, books make art that sells

My image is from Week 5, the cover design. This one is special to me because I was such a newbie to creating characters when I started the course, and by week 5 I managed to produce a strong piece that was included in the Week 5 review. My earlier weeks were not as strong. I really worked to practice what I was learning in class find a style to portray the main character of this story. I had a blast working on the hand lettering for this piece as well.

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

I learned so much about the importance of characterization. It changed my approach to picture book illustration. Now I start with the characters, giving them a lot of time and attention and making sure they are at the core of the visual story.

What did you discover about yourself?

I learned that I love the process of creating picture books and that I can improve if I work at it!

How would you describe the course to a friend?

If you are interested in illustration for children’s books, the class is a great growth and learning opportunity. Wherever you start out, you will find support, feedback, and lots of great information and tools. If you can put in the time and effort, you will come out of it a better artist.

See more work here: Website | Instagram

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Rachel Katstaller

AdaLovelace_Katstaller illustrating childrens, books make art that sells
Rachel_PastelI was extremely nervous about this assignment, since I have very little experience with illustrating backgrounds. The approach that the course took into the development of backgrounds helped me a lot to find a bit of confidence into thinking outside of the box by considering wonky perspectives that could add some interest to the final image. Even though I was nervous about trying new things out, I’m really glad I took all the advice given by Lilla and Zoë!

How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
It helped me develop confidence in my approach and decision making regarding my work. Due to a little mishap at the beginning of the course (my cat eating my MacBooks charging cable), I had to make a last minute decision regarding the medium I would hand in the first project (I mainly work digitally) and seeing that I had no other option, I decided to do it all by hand and in the end it luckily paid off! My creation process and art grew in those five weeks like it hadn’t had all year!

What did you discover about yourself?
That I can trust myself into taking the right decisions at the right moments and to have a bit more confidence in my work. Also, to be kind to myself and not put myself down, because after all: illustration is all about creating with joy!

How would you describe the course to a friend?
An intensive five weeks that include a lot of information for personal development and in depth industry information on how to develop a children’s book. It may seem overwhelming at times but the results are totally worth it!

See more work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Alison Day

AlisonDay_AdaLovelace illustrating childrens, books make art that sells

AlisonDayI find it hard to single out one week as a favourite, but when I look at my character submission for the end of week one, it makes me smile to see how quickly Ada was beginning to emerge.

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

During the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class I saw an improvement in my figures and facial expressions – something I’ve always found difficult.

What did you discover about yourself?

I discovered that I’m highly motivated by regular creative challenges and courses and enjoy seeing my style develop along the way.

How would you describe the course to a friend?

MATS ICB is a great way to take your illustrative skills to a new level, a valuable career investment and it’s fun! The combined knowledge that Lilla and Zoë share, about the children’s book market, is invaluable.

See more work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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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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