Posted by When I first started learning about picture books, I assumed that I wasn’t talent enough to illustrate. However, drawing is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. The other amazing thing about #kidlitart is that the styles vary from simple/iconic to three-dimensional/highly rendered and everything in between.
How to Level Up
In project management, they say you need 10,000 hours of on-job-experience to be an expert. The same goes with art or writing (or most things).
- Take art courses (specifically for children’s book illustrations).
- Do master studies (copies of work).
- Follow your favorite artists.
- Use reference photos.
- Get critiqued by other artists.
- Practice often (~30 min a day).
- Start simple. Use black pens/markers (don’t erase) – keep a sketchbook of ugly drawings.
- Try different mediums (traditional, digital, collage).
⏯ Video tutorials
🔰How to Draw Babies to Adults (Storyteller Academy)
🔰Draw Every Day with JJK: Proportions
🔰Jarrett Lerner’s Tips and Tricks
🔰Draw with Vashti: Emotions
🔰Making Space with Christian Robinson
Need motivation? Check out Jake Parker’s Finished Not Perfect.
The ability to draw matters far less than your understanding of design.
LeUyem Pham, 2020 SCBWI Summer Spectacular