Children's book illustration: image, text and writing workshop

What is the course about?

This course examines both the writing and illustration skills required to produce a picture book. As well as learning how to develop story ideas, characters, and writing text you will learn about character sketches, sample illustrations and the relationship between illustration and text.

What will we cover?

- An understanding of Child development in relation to perception and books
- Finding ideas in the familiar world and in fantasy
- Importance of plot-journey
- The twenty four and thirty two page spread
- Structure and using repetition, rhyme and rhythm
- Visual development of characters
- Research and reference
- Storyboards, page design and layout
- Brief discussion on how to contact agents and publishers.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Understand the technical requirements of picture book writing
- Explore and develop character, narrative, and research strategies
- Understand the relationship between illustration and text
- Be familiar with the elements that make a successful picture book story.

The Tutors

Lou Kuenzler is the author of many popular books for children. She writes particularly for newly-fluent and middle grade readers as well as picture books. She has also written for Cbeebies television. She is extremely proud that so many of her past City Lit students have achieved publication success of their own.

Tim Ellis works extensively across a wide range of illustration clients across editorial, design, publishing and advertising. He has also appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice, illustrating one of the team’s picture books. Tim is proud that a number of his students have gone on to achieve success with their own books.

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

No special educational attainments are required, but students should be able to write fluent English.

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

We'll explore picture books:
- The tutors will make short presentations on various aspects of picture book writing and illustration development.
- We will complete exercises in class, both individually and in groups, and share the results with whole class discussion.
- There will be follow up work outside class to further develop stories.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

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

Please bring writing materials with you to class. Basic drawing materials will be provided.

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

You can develop your Illustration skills further in VK560 Children's book illustration intensive. City Lit offer a range of courses in Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to enhance your illustration practice.