We are pretending all week that you have just been commissioned to illustrate a children’s book.
Yesterday, you played around with drawing a character called Birdie. Now, you’re going to play with the setting. The environment, or setting, is one of the most exciting parts of a children’s book.
Why? Illustrators love settings because it’s their opportunity to create an imaginative world that adds to the text.
I’d love to see what you do so be sure to share it on social media! Share your images on Instagram: Tag us @makeartthatsells and use hashtags #mymatsprep and #matskidbook
What’s the view out of your window? Maybe you’d like to zoom in on your view.
All photos by Lilla Rogers
For today, you’re going to make a setting exploration drawing. Go to any window and draw what you see outside.
You can draw from:
- A car window
- Looking out your office window
- Gazing out of your studio window
- Sitting in a café and drawing what you see out the windows
Etc.
Do your visual research. Look up at the sky, look down below, look for people, cars, trees, things on the sidewalk, things in the distance. I can’t wait to see what you see!
What’s the view out of your window?
Here, I’ve zoomed in on the part I like best. I like how one side of the building is in shadow. That would be fun to paint.
“But Lilla, the view out of my window is really ugly. Or boring. Or lame.” First of all, I doubt that. You may be tired of it but we’re not.
Here’s what I say to you: Use anything as an opportunity to be creative. Look and look and look. Space out. Daydream. See what comes. You are a creative person! To be a success, you must be able to make magic out of any assignment! That’s why the client will come to you! Just because it might now come easily right off the doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
When I was an illustrator, I realized that any assignment had the potential to be an award-winning piece. I thought, “What would my art heroes do with this? They would do something amazing, so maybe I could if I open my mind and visualize. (Deep breath!) I just need to imagine something marvelous.” And so can you. Maybe not right away, but bit-by-bit you will delight yourself as your work becomes more consistently beautiful. So think about that as you take on this MATS Prep today.
Part of what makes a children’s book so appealing is a magical environment. Whether you draw realistically, or paint in a moody style, or design in a witty way, it’s the well-observed details that matter.
You can label your drawing with the name of your town/city so we can enjoy the huge variety of MATS Prep participants. It’s going to be remarkable to see the variety of life out there: city streets, country living, who knows? Personally, I can’t wait to learn more about you!
Of course draw in your own style, or any style you like.
Tomorrow, you’ll use the information you gathered today.
Share your images on Instagram: Tag us @makeartthatsells and use hashtags #mymatsprep and #matskidbook
Are you ready to dive in and make a commitment to your success as a Children’s Book Illustrator?
Sign up HERE. Hurry! The last remaining spots are going fast!
