How to Be a Children’s Book Illustrator: A Guide to Visual Storytelling

by 3dTotal Publishing (Editor)

In this visually captivating volume, a vibrant selection of loved and revered children’s book illustrators reveals the secrets of their narrative techniques. Divided into a series of enchanting sections each created by individual illustrators, this unique and gift-worthy book tells the story of how to successfully depict narrative and compel an audience through visual art. Marvel at how composition and environment can create suspense, and how color, visual hierarchy, and symbolism can tell a story beyond just the action. Learn how to inject dynamism and emotion into your illustrations to tell a tale that isn’t just engaging, but is memorable and one that transcends generations. Lavishly illustrated and with a luxurious finish, How to Be a Children’s Book Illustrator is ideal for book lovers in general as well as anyone looking to unlock the secrets of children’s book illustration.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Writing, Childrens

232 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Originally a digital artist’s resource website, 3dtotal has grown into an industry-leading art-book publisher. Renowned for creating high-quality, inspirational, and practical tutorial books with some of the best artists working in the movie, games, animation, and publishing industries, 3dtotal Publishing sets the standard for modern art books.

Reviews

[Eman Itani · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Be a Children’s Book Illustrator is simply how to be a children’s book illustrator. I would consider it to be a very good starting manual for anyone not sure how to start or would like to get a more organised understanding of the process of creating a children’s book.

The book depicts topics such as:
-Audience vs respective style and character designs
-Tone
-Illustrating an ongoing narrative
-Planning a picture book
-Key narrative devices
-What makes a reader turn the page
-Environments
-Use of colour
-Typography
-Building a portfolio
-Marketing for children’s books
-Working with publishers
And more

Also, it includes children’s picture books as case studies with dissection of the process of creating them.

[Laura Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book with so much care, detail and interaction to help you develop and grow as an artist, not to mention how beautifully illustrated it throughout! ❤️😁

[Lavinia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what I am talking about. A book with valuable insights on the subject of illustrations

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving it a 5 because it was GREAT; however, I do think that including a small section on formatting for printing a children's book (if you are self publishing or planning on sending completed author-illustrated books to publishers) would have been helpful, especially in regards to standard sizes, and allowing space for the trim, bleed and the gutter.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and I loved the illustrations. The notes from each illustrator on why they made certain decisions was interesting. Definitely learned some things.

[Vanya Prodanova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Не съм чела други книги насочени към илюстратори на детски книжки, та няма как да сравнявам, но за мен подобни книги трябва да са самодостатъчни и да те надъхват, а не да си тотално meh след прочита им или дори леко раздразнен.

Първо, размерът на книгата беше адски неудобен за четене. Вярно, че чудесно кореспондира с размерите на илюстрованите детски книжки, но те са по 32 страници максимално и това ги прави лесни за четене. Докато това книжно чудовище е 200 страници с дебели корици и тежи много, което прави четенето на тази книга мъчение. В крайна сметка книгата е насочена към тези, които илюстрират детски книжки, не е ли добре да е подходяща за тях?! Може би греша, но за мен се чувстваше неудобно и излишно мъчение.

Второ, интересното и може би различното в книгата е, че имаше истински picture books вътре, последвани от скици и анализ от самите илюстратори, което се оказа доста интересно. Уви, техните бележки и скици ми бяха по-интересни от самите picture books. Не съм идеалната аудитория на детски книжки, така че обяснимо, че не бях впечатлена, но с приказките, че илюстрованите детски книжки трябва да са привлекателни и за възрастните, защото те са хората, които ги купуват и в това число и хора, които нямат деца, то как стана така, че нито една не ми хареса, не знам. По-голямо разнообразие на стилове щеше да е къде-къде по-полезно и надъхващо.

Трето, истинската информация, отговаряща на заглавието беше само 50 страници с доста илюстрации отстрани. Крайно недостатъчно и повърхностно. Нямаше почти нищо като насоки и идеи накъде един обикновен илюстратор да тръгне, за да навлезе в тези среди. Заглавието е подвеждащо, няма спор и от там за мен тръгна цялото ми разочарование.

Книгата не е лоша като цяло, но просто е някак непълна, не е за желаещи да се насочат към света на илюстрованите детски книжки или хора, които проста са любопитни. По-скоро е за тези, които вече работят в индустрията, в зората на своята кариера като такива и няма да откажат надъхване. Липсва й много, адски много на книгата, за да си оправдае парите и пространството, което заема. :/

[Daniela Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL the stars. 10/10 no notes.

I loved this!! It was so clear, informative, detailed, and just plain beautiful to be honest.

I appreciated all of the visual examples and breakdowns as a teacher and a very visual learned. I LOVED that we got to see eight different stories in beautifully printed pages, as well as an analysis of each of the stories, the creative process, and the thinking behind the artists’ decisions. I also enjoyed that they were different styles, age groups, themes, and approaches. The diversity of knowledge in here was downright impressive, and I learned so much from the experience.

All of the cogs in my brain are now spinning, and I am feeling much more confident and inspired.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very large and it looks real pretty but it doesn't offer content that is any different to any of the other books on this topic. The second, larger part of the book, where stories and thier illustrators are presented, and the artists discuss thier process, was a novel concept. But an aspiring illusrator would be far better served by reading really good, award-winning picture books than the lame offerings that constitute the bulk of this tome.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book! It covers a lot of concepts about publishing, designing narratives, and working with different age groups. The “real-life” examples shown were varied enough to gain something from each one. I especially thought having the illustrator “discuss” their process and changes (shown after their shared work) made along through the design process was also insightful and practical.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into children's book illustrations, something I appreciate but need to focus more on, when reviewing.

[Jace L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was honestly expecting a clear step to step guide on digital process. I still want to know how other illustrators create their lineless artwork.

[Shauna Volkening · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a helpful book! I keep referencing it as I am working on my illustrations.

[Pata In · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a "how to draw" book and I love that! It dives into the basics of the conceptual and process stages of children's books, with many tips that I haven't been able to find anywhere else