Welcome to our video series on ‘Illustrating Children’s Books.
Gather insight from Lilla Rogers, Art Agent and Zoe Tucker, Children’s Book Art Director. There is also a mini assignment 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 for our Illustrating Children’s Books Plus course for instant access to assignments to expand your portfolio in this fun and profitable market. Sign up here
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 isn’t enough to woo an art director
Your mini assignment for today is:
At the end of this short video, I’ll give you an assignment to help you get started. Be sure to listen to the end. You probably already have what you need in your portfolio to take the first steps!
If you’re having problems viewing this video or want to download it please click here.
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.
PART 3: How to do a vintage children’s book look
What you’ll learn in this video:
- How to use a light box and tracing paper to make the flat layers
- How to make digital art have warmth
- How to add drama with only three colors
- Why a retro look is popular
Your mini assignment for today is: Draw a pencil in only three flat colors. Think about including the eraser, metal bit, typography, wood, graphite, shadow. #matskidbook
If you’re having problems viewing this video or want to download it please click here.
PART 4: See how a children’s book art director makes your book spectacular
What you’ll learn in this video:
- What is pacing and why it’s so important
- How the art director uses a book dummy to lay out dramatic flow for the illustrator
- How Zoe improved upon the illustrator’s pacing in an actual book dummy
At the end of the short video, I’ll give you a fun mini assignment to improve your illustration skills. Be sure to listen to the end. #matskidbook
If you’re having problems viewing this video or want to download it please click here.
PART 5: Lilla reads one of her favorite children’s books
What you’ll learn in this video:
- See how an agent and art director analyze a winning children’s book
- How to create wit by contradicting the text
- How to vary the size of your characters to create drama
- How you can actually illustrate a page without any text whatsoever
- See Lilla’s and Zoe’s favorite pages and why
Your mini assignment for today is:
Share your favorite children’s book with us! Take a photo of the cover and upload it to Instagram using #matskidbook
If you’re having problems viewing this video or want to download it please click here.
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Why not dive in and make a commitment to your success as a children’s book illustrator? Sign up for our Illustrating Children’s Books Plus course for instant access to assignments to expand your portfolio in this fun and profitable market. Sign up here