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.
On this children’s book illustration course, you will explore some of the many and various skills required to illustrate books for children - from drawing and painting (analogue and digital) to sequencing and pacing visual narratives.
You'll learn about the children’s publishing sector; gaining a sense of the different genres and markets for children's books, and where your illustration style might fit.
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?
The key elements of children’s book illustration: character development; image-creation; visual sequencing and pacing and interplay of image-and-text
Experiment with 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 teen fiction.
Please note that computer software is not taught on this course.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Create an accessible children's book character.
Design a short visual sequence to communicate narrative.
Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.
Understand the different target ages and demographics in children's books
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners.
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.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
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.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our Developing Children’s Book Illustration course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
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.
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/introduction-to-children-s-book-illustration220829Introduction to children's book illustrationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_illustration_studio01.jpg389389GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Children's book illustration/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design/Courses/Last available places228511321163172513608174212285113211631653<p>This course is an introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p>25https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/introduction_childrens_book01.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/e/developing_cbi03.jpeghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/n/intro_cbi.jpg2540590Introduction to children's book illustration389389https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_illustration_studio01_9.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-02-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2026Art & designVZ123389389Introduction to children's book illustration311253389Tim Ellis, Ciara Floodintroduction-to-children-s-book-illustration/vz123-2526<p>This course is an introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-12 00:00:00<p>On this children’s book illustration course, you will explore some of the many and various skills required to illustrate books for children - from drawing and painting (analogue and digital) to sequencing and pacing visual narratives.</p><p>You'll learn about the children’s publishing sector; gaining a sense of the different genres and markets for children's books, and where your illustration style might fit.</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 introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: character development; image-creation; visual sequencing and pacing and interplay of image-and-text</li><li>Experiment with 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 teen fiction.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. <br/> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Create an accessible children's book character.</li><li>Design a short visual sequence to communicate narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Understand the different target ages and demographics in children's books<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>- Presentations<br/>- Demonstrations<br/>- Practical work<br/>- Individual and group tutoring<br/>- Group discussion</p><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>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</p><p>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).<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/>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off. <br/> <br/>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/ <br/> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Children’s Book Illustration course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br/> <br/>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br/> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual2540593Introduction to children's book illustration389389https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/b/cbi_illustration_studio01_10.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Art & designVZ604389389Introduction to children's book illustration311253389Tim Ellis, Dee Shulmanintroduction-to-children-s-book-illustration/vz604-2526<p>This course is an introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00<p>On this children’s book illustration course, you will explore some of the many and various skills required to illustrate books for children - from drawing and painting (analogue and digital) to sequencing and pacing visual narratives.</p><p>You'll learn about the children’s publishing sector; gaining a sense of the different genres and markets for children's books, and where your illustration style might fit.</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 introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: character development; image-creation; visual sequencing and pacing and interplay of image-and-text</li><li>Experiment with 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 teen fiction.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. <br/> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Create an accessible children's book character.</li><li>Design a short visual sequence to communicate narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Understand the different target ages and demographics in children's books<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>- Presentations<br/>- Demonstrations<br/>- Practical work<br/>- Individual and group tutoring<br/>- Group discussion</p><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>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</p><p>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).<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/>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off. <br/> <br/>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/ <br/> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Children’s Book Illustration course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br/> <br/>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br/> </p>Graphic design & illustrationChildren's book illustrationvirtual311389253VZ123,VZ604NONEThu12/02/26 - 02/04/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetTim Ellis, Ciara Flood,Tim Ellis, Dee ShulmanBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-02-12T00:00:00+00:00,2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeFeb 2026,Jun 2026Art & design389389Introduction to children's book illustrationintroduction-to-children-s-book-illustration/vz123-2526,introduction-to-children-s-book-illustration/vz604-2526<p>This course is an introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-12 00:00:00<p>On this children’s book illustration course, you will explore some of the many and various skills required to illustrate books for children - from drawing and painting (analogue and digital) to sequencing and pacing visual narratives.</p><p>You'll learn about the children’s publishing sector; gaining a sense of the different genres and markets for children's books, and where your illustration style might fit.</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 introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration.</p><ul><li>The key elements of children’s book illustration: character development; image-creation; visual sequencing and pacing and interplay of image-and-text</li><li>Experiment with 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 teen fiction.</li></ul><p>Please note that computer software is not taught on this course. <br/> </p><p> </p><ul><li>Create an accessible children's book character.</li><li>Design a short visual sequence to communicate narrative.</li><li>Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.</li><li>Understand the different target ages and demographics in children's books<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable for beginners.</p><p>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.<br/> </p><p>- Presentations<br/>- Demonstrations<br/>- Practical work<br/>- Individual and group tutoring<br/>- Group discussion</p><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>This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.</p><p>Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).<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/>Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off. <br/> <br/>To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/ <br/> </p><p>We recommend looking at our Developing Children’s Book Illustration course as a next step in your progression. In addition, we offer a range of courses and specialist workshops within graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels. <br/> <br/>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website. </p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk">www.citylit.ac.uk</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
