Children's book illustration: inspiration and practice

An highly focussed follow-up course to develop design, drawing, imaginative, characterisation and narrative skills - an ideal course for students planning to prepare a portfolio for presentation to publishers or wishing to enter the Macmillen Children's Book Prize Competition in April 2011. Please note: This is not a computer based course but there will be limited access to computer equipment for tasks such as scanning and printing.

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Key course information

Dates
21/11/11 - 12/12/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
4 weeks

Time
14:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £201
Senior fee: £137
Concession: £101

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VK400

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is a follow-up to the introductory course on illustrating children’s books. You will experiment with different approaches and styles of illustration, using a variety of media, to further develop ideas, character, technique and narrative. You will continue to explore the relationship between illustration and text, and improve research strategies, in the development of your own personal visual language. Discussions will offer a perspective on current publishing demands and global markets, agents, portfolio management and self-promotion.

What topics will we cover?

Over the course, you will have the opportunity to work on your drawing and design skills, and research and develop ideas in response to a personally designed industry-defined brief. The workshops will cover character development, black and white, colour, design and layout, narrative, relationship of illustration to text, target age ranges and differing markets.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- understand the relationship between illustration and text more broadly
- imaginatively explore and develop character, narrative, and research strategies
- generate ideas in response to a given brief
- experiment with colour and black and white
- be familiar with the varying demands of publishers in relation to age range, gender and markets.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to those who have completed the introductory course (Children's Book Illustration), or equivalent.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will combine demonstration, group discussion and critique, and individual tuition. You will be encouraged to contribute ideas and present your work. Homework will include research and image development.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please see the course guide, or browse the website, for details of our other children's book illustration and other graphic design courses.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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