Lilla here! Today I’m sharing the final part of your FREE children’s book illustration assignment! 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 THIS MONDAY, April 12th. If you missed them, you can catch up on Part 1 here and Part 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 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, but 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!
Get your FREE children’s book illustration assignment!
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 art agent Lilla:
- 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.
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!
Get your free copy of our fabulous Sale Guide here but HURRY: sale ends TOMORROW, Friday, April 9th!
Want more goodness? Want to learn all there is to know about illustrating a children’s book? Then hurry and sign up for class which starts THIS MONDAY, April 12th. Right now it’s 20% off in our big Spring Sale, or save even more when you buy as part of a bundle (hurry! Sale ends tomorrow!). Can’t wait to see you in class!
Lots of love
Lilla xoxo
P.S. Join me and my brilliant Make Art That Sells co-teachers in a FREE live Zoom event TOMORROW at 12 noon ET/5 pm BST. We’ll be answering your questions, sharing tips and advice, and more!
