Lilla here. I’m going to make you flip out today, literally.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing some FREE assignments that I created for you to get ready for my online course, Illustrating Children’s Books. I hope you’ll join us: class starts in less than two weeks, so book your spot now!
Today I’m eager to help you make some magic that will give your picture book illustrations more visual impact. Think about your audience. Children are so in touch with their imaginations: they even live in fantasy land a great deal of the time! They are going to love the imaginative worlds that you create: whether it’s dreamy, moody, whimsical or witty, digging deep into a manuscript and creating all those little details is one of the most rewarding parts of children’s book illustration. Do you want a career in kids’ picture books? Register for Illustrating Children’s Books now.
Art by Make Art That Sells student Bambi Ramsey, who is now represented by Lilla Rogers Studio after Lilla spotted her in class. Want to get your art in front of an art agent? Book your place here!
Here’s today’s assignment …
I want you to take the drawing you did of the view out of your bedroom window last week (or if you didn’t do it yet, no worries: you can dive right in today). Now, flip the proportions of things.
For example:
- Make huge buildings tiny.
- Make little insects huge.
- If the people were big, make them small. If they were small (like you’re looking down at the from the top floor of a building), then draw them huge.
You get the idea. It’s going to be crazy!
Little people and huge plants in my terrarium. Photo by Lilla Rogers.
This is a powerful tool that you can use to make your scenes pop. Play around with it. Experiment. Stay loose. Don’t worry too much about the end result. Find the joy in it.
Show us your art!
When you’re done, share your art on social media so I can see it. Make sure you tag us in @makeartthatsells and use the tags #MATSprep and #matskidbook. I cannot wait to enjoy what you’ve done!
I’ve been obsessing over your incredible art on Instagram this week. Check the hashtag #matsprep to see the vast array of terrific art that has been created so far!
Lilla’s Tip of the Day: To be a great artist, you need to take risks and let people see your mind. You need to be willing to try new things, and try what you feel like drawing. Sometimes it’s baby steps, but keep pushing forward.
You’ll be creating some more scene magic next week. I’ll be sharing a free mini art class all about how you can create depth or distance in your artwork and take it to the next level. Until then …
Lots of love
Lilla xxx
P.S. Join me and my special guest, acclaimed children’s book illustrator and former Make Art That Sells student, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, for a FREE live event on Monday, 20th July at 12 noon ET/5 pm GMT. Vanessa is passionate about diversity in children’s picture books and I can’t wait to hear what she has to say. I hope you’ll join us.
