Teaching the Illustrating Children’s Books class,  has made me even more in love with children’s books.By writing and filming the course with highly regarded children’s book art director Zoe Tucker, I have come to more fully understand what makes a children’s book great. A few of the many books I discuss in class 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

Welcome to part 2 of our 5 part video series on ‘Illustrating Children’s Books. Ready to dive in and make a commitment to your success as a children’s book illustrator? Sign up HERE. Hurry! This class will fill! PART 2: Do I need to draw realistically to do a Children’s Book? What you’ll learn in this video: How you can approach drawing for a Children’s book. The different ways other illustrators have drawn characters or subject matter. How you can take an object (not a person or animal) and give it personality. That giving your character or subject matter personality is key. Your mini assignment for today is: Find your favorite children’s book character. Take a photo. (Be sure to credit the artist) Upload it to Instagram with #matskidbook If you’re having problems viewing this video or want to download it please click here. *** Ready to dive in and make

Welcome to our 5 part video series on ‘Illustrating Children’s Books. Each day this week, a video will be published where you can gather insight from Lilla Rogers, Art Agent and Zoe Tucker, Children’s Book Art Director. There will also be mini assignments each day for you to enjoy and share on Instagram. Ready to dive in and make a commitment to your success as a children’s book illustrator? Sign up HERE. Hurry! This class will fill! Part 1: Simple steps to create your own children’s book illustration pitch What you’ll learn in this video: A really easy way to get started with your children’s book illustration pitch How ears of the bunny, for example, can be used to show emotion How an editorial artist can leverage their existing work What Zoe means by having your characters “tell a story” Why all characters should be equally dressed Why a gorgeous setting

Please join me the week of September 4th, to watch our new, free video series. Gather insight from Zoe Tucker, children’s book art director as we share with you: 5 things you must have in a children’s book illustration pitch How you can transition from another art market to children’s book illustration Why you don’t even need to draw realistically What exactly the children’s book art director does to help you to make your book go from good to great On the last day join Zoe and me for storytime. I’ll read one of my favorite children’s books which illustrates many of the points we teach in our new course. It’s a book that breaks many of the rules! Your teachers in our newest course, Illustrating Children’s Books. Lilla on the left, and top children’s book art director Zoe Tucker on the right. All you need to do is check

Today, we are bringing you a rare interview with Riley Wilkinson, Manager of Creative, content development at American Girl! This is an incredible opportunity to get industry insight from one of the biggest toy manufacturers in the world (as American Girl is owned by Mattel). It’s not a market that artists always consider as a potential outlet for their work, but the toy industry actually buys a ton of art every year. Riley has great advice for artists—plus he’s a fellow MATS student! (1) What exactly is your job and how did you come to do it? I’m the Manager of Creative on the Content Development team at American Girl. We imagine and create stories, characters, books, magazines, entertainment, apps, and activity books for girls. I’m responsible for the look and feel of these areas and work with a team of talented art directors, producers, photographers, marketers, and writers. I’ve