This course is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.
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 will help develop your children’s book illustration practice by enabling you to further explore the practical skills and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. You will also begin to consider which of the many genres of children's book illustration your developing personal style might lend itself to; for example, board-books, picture books, or non-fiction for older children.
You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your practice.
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?
Intermediate level teaching of:
The key elements of children’s book illustration: image-creation and character development, visual sequencing and pacing, interplay of image-and-text
A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc.
Researching, developing and realising simple visual sequences in response to a brief
The different applications of children’s book illustration, from board-books to illustrated fiction
The key movements and styles within the subject area
Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice.
Introduction to scanning your illustrations and working digitally.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Create a visual sequence to communicate more complex information/narratives.
Research, develop and realise more complex illustrations in response to a brief.
Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.
Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed a beginners’ course in children’s book illustration or have equivalent knowledge and 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 may need 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?
At City Lit, 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 Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist 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 Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice
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.
Ciara FloodSee moreSee less
Ciara Flood studied Visual Communications at Technological University Dublin and has over 20 years industry experience working as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director. She has worked for a wide range of clients and in different working environments; small design studios, corporate offices, fast-paced advertising agencies and also her kitchen table. Ciara has always been passionate about children’s books and her first author/illustrator picture book, Those Pesky Rabbits, was published by Temper Books in 2015. She has gone on to illustrate and/or write more children’s books published in the UK by Bonnier Books, Andersen Press, Farshore and Guppy Books. Her books have been translated into many co-editions around the world. Ciara has taught workshops in schools, libraries and various literary festivals. Most recently she has been working with The Hampshire School Chelsea as their artist in residence. Ciara believes strongly in adult education and encouraging students to develop and enjoy their creative abilities.
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/developing-children-s-book-illustration304691Developing children's book illustrationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/i/birds_cbi.jpg399399GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Children's book illustration22851132116317251228511321163<p>This course is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p>253068107Developing children's book illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/i/birds_cbi_9.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-07T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVZ120399399Developing children's book illustration319259399Tim Ellis, Ciara Flooddeveloping-children-s-book-illustration/vz120-2627<p>This course is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p>0000-Available|2027-01-07 00:00:00<p>This course will help develop your children’s book illustration practice by enabling you to further explore the practical skills and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. You will also begin to consider which of the many genres of children's book illustration your developing personal style might lend itself to; for example, board-books, picture books, or non-fiction for older children.</p><p>You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your practice. </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 is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: image-creation and character development, visual sequencing and pacing, interplay of image-and-text</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple visual sequences in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of children’s book illustration, from board-books to illustrated fiction</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice. </li><li>Introduction to scanning your illustrations and working digitally. <br> </li></ul><ul><li>Create a visual sequence to communicate more complex information/narratives. </li><li>Research, develop and realise more complex illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles. </li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice.<br> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed a beginners’ course in children’s book illustration or have equivalent knowledge and 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 may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p><em>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.</em></p><p><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><br> </p><p>At City Lit, 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.<br> <br><br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist 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 Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual3068113Developing children's book illustration399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/b/i/birds_cbi_8.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-08T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceApr 2027Art & designVZ342399399Developing children's book illustration319259399Tim Ellis, Ciara Flooddeveloping-children-s-book-illustration/vz342-2627<p>This course is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p>0000-Available|2027-04-08 00:00:00<p>This course will help develop your children’s book illustration practice by enabling you to further explore the practical skills and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. You will also begin to consider which of the many genres of children's book illustration your developing personal style might lend itself to; for example, board-books, picture books, or non-fiction for older children.</p><p>You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your practice. </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 is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: image-creation and character development, visual sequencing and pacing, interplay of image-and-text</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple visual sequences in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of children’s book illustration, from board-books to illustrated fiction</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice. </li><li>Introduction to scanning your illustrations and working digitally. <br> </li></ul><ul><li>Create a visual sequence to communicate more complex information/narratives. </li><li>Research, develop and realise more complex illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles. </li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice.<br> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed a beginners’ course in children’s book illustration or have equivalent knowledge and 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 may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p><em>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.</em></p><p><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><br> </p><p>At City Lit, 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.<br> <br><br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist 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 Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual319399259VZ120,VZ342NONEThu07/01/27 - 25/02/2714:00 - 17:0014:0017:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetTim Ellis, Ciara FloodSome experienceAvailable courses2027-01-07T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-08T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2027,Apr 2027Art & design399399Developing children's book illustrationdeveloping-children-s-book-illustration/vz120-2627,developing-children-s-book-illustration/vz342-2627<p>This course is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p>0000-Available|2027-01-07 00:00:00<p>This course will help develop your children’s book illustration practice by enabling you to further explore the practical skills and conceptual skills integral to the discipline. You will also begin to consider which of the many genres of children's book illustration your developing personal style might lend itself to; for example, board-books, picture books, or non-fiction for older children.</p><p>You will also delve deeper into the key historical and contemporary movements and styles which have shaped its evolution and begin to identify which of them you feel could help shape your practice. </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 is an intermediate and developing course, for learners to develop their practical and conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. </p><p>Intermediate level teaching of:</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: image-creation and character development, visual sequencing and pacing, interplay of image-and-text</li><li>A variety of dry and wet media; pencils, paints, collage, etc. </li><li>Researching, developing and realising simple visual sequences in response to a brief</li><li>The different applications of children’s book illustration, from board-books to illustrated fiction</li><li>The key movements and styles within the subject area</li><li>Identifying which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice. </li><li>Introduction to scanning your illustrations and working digitally. <br> </li></ul><ul><li>Create a visual sequence to communicate more complex information/narratives. </li><li>Research, develop and realise more complex illustrations in response to a brief. </li><li>Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles. </li><li>Identify which of the above are most relevant to your developing practice.<br> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for intermediate learners, e.g. those who have completed a beginners’ course in children’s book illustration or have equivalent knowledge and 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 may need to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em><br> </p><ul><li>Presentations</li><li>Demonstrations</li><li>Practical work</li><li>Individual and group tutoring</li><li>Group discussion</li></ul><p><em>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.</em></p><p><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><br> </p><p>At City Lit, 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.<br> <br><br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Illustration Studio course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist 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 Media and Communications or a related subject: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/advanced-practice<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
