Introduction to children's book illustration
The Children’s Book industry is thriving, largely due to rising literacy levels, and a growing awareness of the importance of early childhood education. As a result, Children’s Book creators are in demand.
Our tutors will teach you the many and various skills you’ll need 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.
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VZ123
- Dates: 16/01/25 - 06/03/25
- Time: 18:00 - 21:00
- Taught: Thu, Evening
- Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ciara Flood
Course Code: VZ123
Choose a start date
Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
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.
What is the course about?
This course is an introduction to the practical, as well as conceptual (thinking), skills integral to the discipline of Children’s Book Illustration. You will also be introduced to the key movements and styles which have shaped the evolution of this subject area.
What will we cover?
• 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
• No computer software is taught on this course.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Create a short visual sequence to communicate simple information /narrative.
• Research, develop and realise simple illustrations in response to a brief.
• Discuss the different applications of illustration and the key movements and styles.
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.
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.