Character Mapping: A Must-Have Skill for Picture Book Illustrators

Picture books are like windows that can transport children to new worlds, teach valuable life lessons, and ignite their imaginations. At the heart of these stories are the characters, the heroes, and heroines who lead young readers on unforgettable adventures. Creating characters that resonate...

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Crafting Characters for Children’s Picture Books: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating memorable characters for children’s picture books is both an art and a science. Illustrators play a pivotal role in bringing stories to life by crafting characters that resonate with young readers. While the process requires creativity, it’s essential to be mindful of...

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Animal Antics: Unraveling the Popularity of Animal Characters in Picture Books

Animals as characters in picture books have long been popular. Fables and traditional folklore played a significant role in establishing animals as beloved characters in picture books. Fables, such as Aesop's timeless tales, have used animal characters to convey moral lessons and universal...

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Exploring Anthropomorphism: A Guide To Understanding and Applying It In Children's Picture Book Illustration

Anthropomorphism refers to the attribution of human characteristics, behaviors, or emotions to non-human entities, such as animals, objects, or natural phenomena. In children’s picture book illustrations, anthropomorphism is often used to create relatable and engaging characters by giving...

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Do I Need to Master Drawing People? Unlocking the Potential of Human Characters in Picture Books

Drawing animal characters is fun and exciting, but if you aspire to be a children's picture book illustrator, it's essential to also master drawing human characters. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of incorporating human characters, expanding artistic skills, and building a...

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Embracing Your Rhythm as an Artist: The Power of Self-Care, Structure, and Balance

Embracing Your Rhythm as an Artist: The Power of Self-Care, Structure, and Balance

Picture this: You're sitting in front of your sketchbook, and your pencil hovers in the air, waiting to bring your imagination to life. But something feels off. The inspiration that once flowed effortlessly is...

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Permission to Play: Rediscovering Your Creative Spark - A Guide for Picture Book Illustrators

If you are feeling like you are stuck in a creative rut, then this is for you. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The blank page staring back at us, the once-overflowing well of inspiration and ideas has run dry. 

How do I get through this you ask? 

Today we’re going to...

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Finding Your Artistic Style and Approach: A Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice

No, it is not a problem for illustrators to have different styles across their picture books. In fact, it is quite common for illustrators to evolve and explore different artistic styles throughout their careers. Maurice Sendak is an excellent example of an illustrator who demonstrated...

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Unlocking Success in Children's Picture Book Illustration: Key Skills and Qualifications

Becoming a children's picture book illustrator is an incredible journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast focus on the end goal. While formal education is not mandatory, it can provide valuable training, guidance, and opportunities to develop your skills. However, the real...

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Choosing the Right Path to Picture Book Illustration: 8 Essential Tips for Success

Dreaming of becoming a picture book illustrator? Let's make that dream a reality. We all know that time is a valuable resource, and your passion fuels your desire to learn and create illustrations regularly. In order to achieve the success you deserve, it's essential to carefully select...

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