This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course is for experienced learners to apply their practical and conceptual skills to develop and progress with their creative practice, in a self-directed and supportive environment. It would be recommended for those who have completed an Introduction and Developing course in a relevant subject or have equivalent industry experience.
The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. They will choose how to apply their practical skills, conceptual skills, and contextual knowledge, to advance their projects.
Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use - or bring in specialist items.
Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance, when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Work on an independent brief by:
Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively
Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively
Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements in your field, to enhance your project
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least An Introduction and Developing course, or several courses in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject - or have equivalent industry experience.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentations
Demonstrations
Practical work
Individual and group tutoring
Group discussion
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course.
We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our programme of Children’s Book Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes; in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject. City Lit Advanced practice courses
Tim is passionate about illustration, books and storytelling and loves teaching at City Lit. He runs a number of courses in children’s book illustration and illustration. He’s thrilled that a some of his past students from his courses have gone on to gain recognition in the highly esteemed Macmillan Prize competition, including a second place win for Harriet Lynas in 2016. Tim’s past students have also gone on to get artists agents (United Agents, Bright Agency, Plum Pudding, Advocate) and have had picture books, early readers and non-fiction books published (Nosy Crow, Andersen Press, Oxford University Press, Hodder Children's Books, John Lewis, Caterpillar Books, Child’s Play Library, Orangutang Books, Sky Pony Press, New Frontier Publishing and Little Simon). Tim studied illustration at Anglia Ruskin University and Central Saint Martins. Since graduating, Tim been working as an illustrator and teaching, with commissions across editorial, design and advertising. Select clients include The Guardian, The Financial Times, Penguin Books, Make a Wish Foundation, BBC, BT, Orange Mobile, and Honda. Tim’s illustrated debut novel Harklights will be published by Usborne Books this autumn.
Dee studied English at York University, and Illustration at Harrow School of Art, and has worked as a writer and illustrator ever since – from book-jackets, theatre posters, magazine illustration, graphic novels, to Young Adult and children’s books. She has written and/or illustrated over 50 books ranging from board books to Young Adult. She is published in the UK by Penguin, Random House, Harper Collins, OUP, Barrington Stoke, Heinemann & A & C Black, with co-editions in Germany, Russia, China, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Serbia, Poland, France, Finland, Italy, Holland, Korea, USA, and Japan. Dee has exhibited at the Illustration Cupboard London; Royal National Theatre; Barbican Centre; AOI Gallery; Lyric Theatre Hammersmith; Arnolfini; Ulster Museum; Nottingham Museum; Stirling Gallery; Rochdale Gallery; McRoberts Gallery; and Citylit Gallery. Dee loves tutoring at Citylit, and runs courses on Children’s Book Illustration, Drawing for Graphic Novel and Illustration. It is her mission to create a warm, supportive and creative workplace to help students explore and develop their skills, imagination and potential.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/children-s-book-illustration-studio1174114Children's book illustration studiohttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_studio_web.jpg399399GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Children's book illustration22851132116317251228511321163<p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p>353068464Children's book illustration studio399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_studio_web_2.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-29T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedJan 2027Art & designVZ560399399Children's book illustration studio319259399Tim Ellischildren-s-book-illustration-studio/vz560-2627<p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p>0000-Available|2027-01-29 00:00:00<p>This course is for experienced learners to apply their practical and conceptual skills to develop and progress with their creative practice, in a self-directed and supportive environment. It would be recommended for those who have completed an Introduction and Developing course in a relevant subject or have equivalent industry experience.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p><ul><li>Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. They will choose how to apply their practical skills, conceptual skills, and contextual knowledge, to advance their projects. </li><li>Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use - or bring in specialist items. </li><li>Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance, when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated. <br> </li></ul><p>Work on an independent brief by:</p><ul><li>Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively</li><li>Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively</li><li>Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements in your field, to enhance your project</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least An Introduction and Developing course, or several courses in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject - or have equivalent industry experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><br><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. </p><p>We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our programme of Children’s Book Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br> <br>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes; in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit Advanced practice courses</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual3030265Children's book illustration studio399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_studio_web_1.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedOct 2026Art & designVZ379399399Children's book illustration studio319259399Tim Ellischildren-s-book-illustration-studio/vz379-2627<p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-23 00:00:00<p>This course is for experienced learners to apply their practical and conceptual skills to develop and progress with their creative practice, in a self-directed and supportive environment. It would be recommended for those who have completed an Introduction and Developing course in a relevant subject or have equivalent industry experience.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p><ul><li>Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. They will choose how to apply their practical skills, conceptual skills, and contextual knowledge, to advance their projects. </li><li>Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use - or bring in specialist items. </li><li>Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance, when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated. <br> </li></ul><p>Work on an independent brief by:</p><ul><li>Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively</li><li>Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively</li><li>Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements in your field, to enhance your project</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least An Introduction and Developing course, or several courses in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject - or have equivalent industry experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><br><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. </p><p>We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our programme of Children’s Book Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br> <br>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes; in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit Advanced practice courses</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual3112783Children's book illustration studio239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_studio_web_10.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-11-10T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026Art & designVZ599239239Children's book illustration studio191155239Dee Shulmanchildren-s-book-illustration-studio/vz599-2627<p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-10 00:00:00<p>This course is for experienced learners to apply their practical and conceptual skills to develop and progress with their creative practice, in a self-directed and supportive environment. It would be recommended for those who have completed an Introduction and Developing course in a relevant subject or have equivalent industry experience.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p><ul><li>Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. They will choose how to apply their practical skills, conceptual skills, and contextual knowledge, to advance their projects. </li><li>Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use - or bring in specialist items. </li><li>Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance, when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated. <br> </li></ul><p>Work on an independent brief by:</p><ul><li>Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively</li><li>Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively</li><li>Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements in your field, to enhance your project</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least An Introduction and Developing course, or several courses in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject - or have equivalent industry experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><br><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. </p><p>We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our programme of Children’s Book Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br> <br>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes; in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit Advanced practice courses</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual319,191399,239259,155VZ560,VZ379,VZ599NONEFri,Tue23/10/26 - 11/12/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksEvening,DaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetTim Ellis,Dee ShulmanAvailable courses2027-01-29T00:00:00+00:00,2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00,2026-11-10T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027,Oct 2026,Nov 2026Art & design239399,239Children's book illustration studiochildren-s-book-illustration-studio/vz560-2627,children-s-book-illustration-studio/vz379-2627,children-s-book-illustration-studio/vz599-2627<p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-23 00:00:00<p>This course is for experienced learners to apply their practical and conceptual skills to develop and progress with their creative practice, in a self-directed and supportive environment. It would be recommended for those who have completed an Introduction and Developing course in a relevant subject or have equivalent industry experience.</p><p>The course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>This course will provide time and space each week for you to commit to working on a personal project or portfolio, alongside your peers. A tutor will be on-hand to provide support and guidance, as and when you need it.</p><ul><li>Learners will work semi-independently on projects of their choosing. They will choose how to apply their practical skills, conceptual skills, and contextual knowledge, to advance their projects. </li><li>Learners can choose which of the available materials and media they wish to use - or bring in specialist items. </li><li>Briefs will be self-determined; tutors will be on-hand to provide insights and guidance, when needed. Supportive peer-to-peer feedback will be regularly facilitated. <br> </li></ul><p>Work on an independent brief by:</p><ul><li>Manipulating materials and media to communicate effectively</li><li>Drawing upon tutor and peer support, at relevant times, and applying it effectively</li><li>Drawing upon prior knowledge, and conducting new research, of historical and contemporary movements in your field, to enhance your project</li></ul><p>This course is suitable for experienced learners: those who have completed at least An Introduction and Developing course, or several courses in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject - or have equivalent industry experience. </p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p>Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.</p><p><br><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. </p><p>We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive, to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required. <br> <br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our programme of Children’s Book Illustration courses as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br> <br>You may wish to consider applying to one of our Advanced Programmes; in Children’s Book Illustration or a related subject. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">City Lit Advanced practice courses</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationconfigurable
17251163Children's book illustrationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/visual-communication/children-s-book-illustration1/2/285/1132/1163/17251/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Children's book illustration
