Diploma in Writing and Illustration for Children’s Books

Writing

• • Brief introduction to the 'Golden Age' of Childrens Literature
• • How to 'write in pictures'
• • Brainstorm for your initial idea
• • Story Framework
• • Character development
• • How to develop a premise into a plot
• • The right language and vocabulary
• • Picture Book Genres & Themes
• • Point of view/voice
• • Dialogue
• • Readability
• • Settings and Fantasy
• • Techniques for hooking readers -- and editors
• • The science of making language sing
• • Why editors like to choose their own illustrators
• • Cultivate the habit of revision and editing
• • The nuts and bolts of marketing a manuscript

Illustration

• • Notable illustrators – contemporary and historical
• • Physical structure of a picture book
• • Planning your book
• • Visual continuity and the sequential image
• • Character development, keeping sketchbooks
• • Picture space and composition
• • How to break down and interpret a text
• • How to create a layout and paginate a text
• • Creating thumnail sketches
• • Deciding on a medium/personal style
• • Interaction, composition and content
• • Cover design
• • Endpapers
• • Creating a complete Book Dummy

Part One – Picture Book Writing

In this course you will receive an overview of the many components of children's literature. You might have a great idea. But how do you actually go about writing a children's picture book? Part lecture, part workshop, this course will take you through the process of writing, editing, and submitting a children's picture book. There will be weekly writing assignments to keep you on track.

Part Two – Illustration

This course will appeal to people with a professional or general art background who enjoy picture making. A good understanding of the relationship between image and text is vital to success in creating children's picture books. It is important to feel comfortable with drawing, as this is our chief means of communicating when we create picture books . The approach will emphasise sequence, pace, continuity, design, layout and the actual working of a picture book.

This attractive programme would be of interest to anyone aspiring or emerging children’s writers or to those with a love of children's literature, and an enthusiasm to learn more.

This course will appeal to people with a professional or general art background who enjoy picture making. A good understanding of the relationship between image and text is vital to success in creating children's picture books. It is important to feel comfortable with drawing, as this is our chief means of communicating when we create picture books . The approach will emphasise sequence, pace, continuity, design, layout and the actual working of a picture book.

Please note that this course does not explore mediums or focus on techniques. Although some guidance may be offered in these areas. The course concentrates on molding your existing technique to fit the children's book market.

The course will encourage students to develop their own individuality and imagination. Student can continue on from the writing course with their own unique story, or bring along a well loved classic to illustrate. Poems, Rhymes and Alphabet books are also welcome.

The aim is to increase both experimentation and professionalism.