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 4 in the showcase series.
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The image is all the different poses for the farmer. The colored painting was done with watercolor and the rest of them were digital sketches. Week 3 was a nice culmination into exploration of the characters. It was a good exercise to get acquainted with the characters, and to draw them consistently. Which I haven’t really done before.
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
The class helped me grow in so many ways. I have better tools to draw characters more consistently, and it gave me the confidence to put together an illustration portfolio, and start looking for work illustrating children’s books. Which I had no idea how to do before.
What did you discover about yourself?
I discovered that I can draw people comfortably, and a whole new world of book illustration that had been a mystery before.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
The course was so much fun. The Facebook group was so supportive and the whole class was packaged in a way that it was not threatening, and really gave me tools to further my career. Lilla and Zoe were awesome teachers, and I enjoyed the class videos and interviews.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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Double page spreads are my favorite because you can show a larger glimpse into the world you are creating. The Owl and the Pussycat became an elegant theme to pursue.
Your answers to the following:
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
I broke my wrist shortly before the course began, so I couldn’t use my dominant hand, I continued to read the material and do most of the assignments with my left hand, learning a great deal about the market, styles, and character development.
What did you discover about yourself?
I am not afraid to try new things and create artwork even if it’s with my non-dominant hand. I learned a great deal about tenacity and persistence.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
The course is an intense, but exhilarating ride into the realm of children’s book illustration. It is overflowing with outstanding information and materials to help learn the craft of illustrating for kids. I highly recommend the course to any illustrator or artist who would like to dip their toe into these creative waters.
See more work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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This image is from week 4-Environment- it was my favorite because it was very satisfying to design my version of the Owl and the Cat and then to take them and place them into their world!
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
This class helped me grow by breaking down the pieces of a book pitch into manageable units – I loved spending 3 weeks on developing the character and really getting to “know” them – this taught me to slow down and explore before launching into environments. It also stressed to me to maintain continuity from one piece to the next so all 5 together make a cohesive statement.
What did you discover about yourself?
I have learned I don’t have to be afraid of the massiveness of a project- I just need to dive in and break in into chunks and GO FOR IT!- I also confirmed that I LOVE characters and I can’t wait to develop more of them for classic stories and my own.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
This course is way more fun than a college class and more relevant also- the instruction, reference materials, and especially the video teaching of Lilla and Zoe are priceless! It is great to get the info straight from practicing professionals and the visual stimuli is incredible-i can’t thank MATS, Lilla and Zoe enough! I have added MANY books to my library because of this class.
P.S. the sense of community and support you get from the Facebook group is the best- i have made many new friends and seen the most beautiful art because of this class !! Very inspiring!
See more work here: Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Allistair Burt | Hole in my Pocket
This is the opening page of my story and I managed to develop a composition that leads your eye around the page and introduced all the characters.
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
The class gave me the confidence to experiment with a completely new style with wonderful feedback from not just the brilliant teachers but the warm and collaborative comments from my class mates.
What did you discover about yourself?
I discovered I enjoy working in a new style and that I really need to brush up on my poses and physical movement.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
A great little spur to get the creative juices flowing.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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They danced by the light of the moon for the week devoted to “environment.”
I enjoyed the feel and play with this image. The owl as with a bit of Elvis in him and the Pussycat a wee bit naughty sipping what looks to be wine – we will say it’s kool aid (it’s a kid’s book:) and shaking her hula hoops. This week allowed me to think more about the location they were in as well as colors and what they would be doing that might be unique to me.
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
I learned so much about how important is is to understand and produce a range of emotions and poses using your character.
What did you discover about yourself?
I need to work on character development including a range of emotions and develop them in different poses to go match the story. I also learned the importance of pacing.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
It’s a great introduction to the children’s book market. There is so much material provided from two great teachers. They take you through 5 intensive weeks, breaking it down each week. You progress from character to finally creating a cover assignment. Included are many pdf’s, web links and videos as well as a shared FB group.
See more work here: Website | Instagram | Blog
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Jane Moore Houghton| Phygment Studio
This image is from the Cover Art week in the course. It features my concept of the Gigantic Turnip story, which I set in a seaside scene; the Grandfather is a fisherman, the Grandmother is a mermaid. I set my story in the 1930’s and took my inspiration from the obsession with Nautical fashion at this time. The back story which happens in the illustrations rather than the text, is that the whale is seen swimming closer and closer to the shore, catching the turnip in it’s mouth in the climax of the story. This was my favorite week because I could distill my concept into a focused image. My biggest learning was around distilling my imagery to what is really important.
How did the ‘Illustrating Children’s Book’ class help you grow?
The course helped me focus my imagery to bring power into my characters through subtle nuances and drama through contrasting color, scale and including the unexpected.
What did you discover about yourself?
I discovered that I have come a long way in my own personal path in illustration. I was able to really push myself through areas that I had previously taken an easy way “out”. My work was never chosen as an example of what went “right” but I was able to adapt the critique to my own work and tweak where I needed to and pat myself on the back where I felt I had done well. I learned to trust myself and my voice.
How would you describe the course to a friend?
I would describe the course as a game changing opportunity to further your own path in illustration, no matter where you are on that path. Lilla and Zoe share so generously and their insight is priceless. It’s a ton of work but so worth every sleepless night, every dirty dish left undone, every sacrifice made to get closer to your dream jobs.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
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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
