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.

[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.

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book and the quality of the stories/illustrations provided. The quality varied and most (if not all) of the art seemed to be digital. Given I do have some very favorite artists that work primarily in a digital format, I really wanted a bit of variety in mediums with the illustrator saying why they chose a certain medium. At the moment I know some publishers are moving away from digital art given that AI is best at mimicking that medium. I mean, I still practice a lot in Procreate… I just want to know what else might be worth exploring.

I really did learn a lot from the illustrators and the book in general. I think I’d give it about a 3.7.

[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.

[Syntaxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource!

I like that an actual sample is included followed by a dissection of what works well, points to consider, etc. For example, I never had considered the impact of movement lines in an illustration as being an important point of interaction for young readers, but it makes complete sense now that this text pointed it out to me.

I will be returning to this book again and again.

[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