Illustrating Picture Books, an Introduction

I am Odd, I an New
Illustrated by Roz, Maclean

Levels: Beginner - Intermediate
Ages: Youth - Adult

Have you ever wanted to illustrate a picture book? In this workshop we will begin to learn about the basics of picture book illustration, including the necessary elements for conveying story through images, creating interesting characters in an engaging environment, design, publishing standards, & finding the sweet spot for your style.

This 4 session workshop will be taking place over Zoom. Each session will cover a new aspect of illustrating a picture book, building off the previous session.

Materials:

• Sketchbook or drawing paper
• Materials of your choice for illustration (traditional or digital)
• Drawing materials (pencil, eraser)
• Pencil crayons (optional)
• Watercolour paint and paper, brushes
• Sample story to illustrate (your own or re-imagining a fairy tale or existing story)
• *Optional preparation: look at children’s picture books (libraries, book stores) published in the past five years.

Artist/Instructor Bio

Roz MacLean is an award winning visual artist, children’s book author/illustrator, and educator living & working on the traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation in Comox Valley, British Columbia. She has illustrated multiple children’s books & her work has been shown in select galleries, including The Silk Purse Gallery in 2019. In her practice she “investigate(s) ideas of human nature & relationship, community, mental health, interconnection, & the natural world through an anti-oppressive and LGBTQI + inclusive feminist lens.”