Lilla here! I recently shared the first two parts of a FREE three-part warm-up exercise that I’ve created for you ahead of my raved-about online course, Illustrating Children’s Books, which starts NEXT MONDAY, May 20th. If you missed them, you can catch up on Part 1 and 2 here.
How did you enjoy Part 2? I bet you had some fun accessorizing. Are you seeing that the more time and thought you spend on your character, the more interesting it is? An engaging character is so important to a successful children’s book, and that’s why my co-teacher, brilliant children’s book art director and author Zoë Tucker, and I spend so much time focusing on characters in class, and why we share boatloads of hints and tips from our decades in the industry. Want in? Book your place here.
Today, we’re going to move on to the third and final part of this assignment: placing your character in a setting. In Illustrating Children’s Books, you’ll learn tons more about this, and by the end of the course you’ll have a complete pitch presentation that includes everything an art director wants to see, which includes a full page spread. Right now we’re just getting warmed up for class so I just want you to enjoy the assignment and try not to worry too much about it. So here’s Part 3!
Part 3: Put your character in a setting
Photo: Lilla Rogers
Ready for a little more challenge? Today, for your last Mini assignment, I want you to draw your character in any setting. You can do an involved, fully illustrated scene or simply draw a few telling details. I’ve taken a photo for you of some of my vintage postcards to give you some ideas.
Tips from an art agent:
- Again, think about how the setting might add to the story-telling of your character. In this case, unlike the accessories, you can place your character in an unexpected setting. For example, your scene doesn’t have to fit the character. It can be a twist. For example, you can put a cowboy in Paris, a pony in a classroom, a butterfly in a café.
- Can you draw a scene that’s a bit more interesting than expected? Think about the places you’ve visited or want to visit, from your local town to exotic locations. The point is to draw something you’d love to draw, that is interesting to look at, and seems to tell a story.
Note: Even though your character looks like a child, they can have a grown-up job, like they own a cookie shop. Yup, that’s just the way it is in kid books. I don’t make the rules, lol.
You’ll learn loads more about setting and environment in class, like:
- Using distance to create a sense of scale
- Using color to create a mood
- Different layouts and points of view you can try
- How to use fantasy and exaggeration
- Accessorizing your setting
… and lots more!
Art from Illustrating Children’s Books by Make Art That Sells student Clary Huang.
I can’t wait to see what you do! Don’t forget to share what you do on social media with the tag #MATSprep so that I can see it!
Want more goodness? Want to learn all there is to know about illustrating children’s books? Then hurry and sign up for class which starts NEXT MONDAY, May 20th.
- Monday, May 20th: Join me and my wonderful co-teacher, brilliant children’s book art director and author Zoë, for Illustrating Children’s Books 2024 and learn everything you need to know to boost your picture book illustration career. This course won’t run again until 2025! Sign up here.
- Monday, May 20th: Join me and Zoë for a FREE live Zoom event on the first day of Illustrating Children’s Books. We’ll be answering your questions and giving away a FREE place in class! Set a reminder now!
- Available now: Get The Children’s Book bundle and save a huge 20% off three of Lilla’s powerful children’s book courses: Illustrating Children’s Books, Illustrating Children’s Books PLUS and My Kid Book Pitch. HURRY! This bundle is only available until the start of Illustrating Children’s Books!
- Next newsletter: Join us for a fab FREE live Zoom event and you could win a FREE place on Illustrating Children’s Books 2024!
Lots of love
P.S. Don’t forget to join me and Zoë for a fab FREE live Zoom event on the first day of class, Monday, May 20th at 12 noon ET/5 pm BST. We’ll be discussing children’s book illustration, sharing tips and advice, answering your questions, and giving away a FREE place in class. Don’t miss it!
