How to illustrate a book?

Question

I’m illustrating my first children’s book and I don’t know where to start, please help. I don’t now if I should paint it, draw it or anything. I know once I start on it, it would be easier once I get the hang of it… that’s usually how it is whenever I do something new.

Answer 1

When I went to art school and the students were presented with a project, one thing that people tended to do without realizing it to the detriment of their work is focusing too much on the end product and not enough at the problem or question at hand. The end result may work at times but more often than not does not address the question given. So my point is basically to really look at what you have, which is the story, and REALLY let that tell you where your illustrations will go. I know how it is when you get caught up on minute aesthetic details or ideas that you wanna use first but if it does nothing to help your main objective, then it doesn't need to be there. If you really just think about how best to solve the problem at hand, such details will take care of itself. Not to say this may be your problem but it's something to think about when you're stuck.

So read and re-read the story and write ideas as you go and highlight key events that you think need to be illustrated. Talk to the author about their inspiration and how they picture the characters. Take notes on each character and environment/set and sketch each part and idea you have for it. Here's some practical questions to get your ideas going: Who is telling the story? How does their world look through their eyes? Where and when is this set? How can you draw the characters and environments so that it can really evoke that and the narrator's or main character's point of view? And constantly ask yourself as you make decisions: Does this help or hinder in telling the story?

You basically have the answers in front of you--you just have to let it speak to you.

Hope that helps in a way.

Answer 2

There are some wonderful books on writing and illustrating childrens books with a wealth of ideas and techniques and all that one needs to know to do the mock ups of it etc. They also tell the dos and don'ts. It is not as easy as it sounds, but with a lot of knowledge under your belt from the books, you should do great. One of the books is Writing and Illustrating Childrens books. If books are out of print you can often get them used on Amazon. To find a list of 659 books to get you started - go to Amazon .com and type in illustrating children's books" under the category books. Viola ! a wealth of wonderful information on your new project. You will be a pro in no time.

Answer 3

As simple as this may sound as well as a smart *** answer , just go page by page.

Look at it this way, If you have the layout for what type will be on what page read what's there and let that be you guide. It will tell you what's there. I would start with the first page, the reason for this is it can give you a feel for everything else. How the rest of the book will look. After that if you get stuck on a page you can jump over it and come back later. Don't do finals for anything lay the whole thing out as drafts.

Once you have everything drafted out. Lay everything out in order and look at what you've done. Is everything looking consistant? Is there anything you need to change anywhere? (It will also at this point give you a chance to stand there and think "What have I gotten myself into? Me and my brilliant ideas!") Does everything flow from page to page? This is your last chance to make changes before doing final drafts so now is the time. Sure you can change things later but that's just doing more than what's needed. Work smart, not hard. Also make sure the type won't interfear with the images be sure to give yourself enough room for type.

If you haven't done it yet before you draw anything try just drawing your charters and get them the way you want them first. You will be surprised how having the character there as a reference can help with drawing their actions. It will also give you a chance to experiment with different angles and movements. Also, it will give you a chance to see what kind of media will look best for what you're doing and what you'll be more comfy with. Let the look of the character define the look of the book. The reason I say this is because your characters have to pop off the page and really grab the kid reading it. Do it in a few different things and show them to some kids in the age bracket you're shooting for and see what they like. It can't hurt and you get some instant feedback if they like it or not. (Be prepared kids can be brutal in what they like.)

Now do your finals and go page by page always check your consistancy in your color when you mix and if you have to mix what you think you'll need for the whole thing then add some more to that. (If you're using paint that is.) Again lay everything out when done and check everything like before. If everythings cool, pat yourself on the back and let Calgone (Sp?) take you away. If not get back to work and fix it!

Like I said I know it sounded like a smart *** answer but going page by page will help in a lot of ways mentaly also. It will give you a goal to work towards. Instead of I have this one huge thing to do, think of it as I have twelve small things to do. (Or whatever the page count is.) It can actually help in the burn out department because it can trick your brain into thinking it has less to worry about. One big task can be overwhelming while many smaller tasks can seem managable.

Good luck and "May the Swartz be with you!"

Answer 4

I would start out with some basic sketches and then work your way up. I really like the children's books that have the illustrations that look like they are done using watercolors.

Answer 5

for the children collage always been a good method ,
because you can have a big colored surface without details and you can edit it very easy , just create a nice character and then try to make the spaces with colored papers or gift papers and bottoms or ribbons i dont know depends on theme of the story ...
best wishes .