Course

Be a Children's Book Illustrator in 10 Weeks

Embark on the exciting journey of children’s book illustration! In this course students will illustrate a short story provided by the instructor, using Sketchbook, a free Procreate alternative, to create a set of digital illustrations.
  • Live meetings
  • 1x per week, 10 weeks
  • 60 min
  • Live meetings
  • Ages: 13+
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Class Experience

  • Live Group Class
  • 10 live meetings
  • Homework: Learners will work on finishing details of their drawings after class.
  • Projects: In this project-based class, learners will create the illustrations for a children's book.
  • Letter Grade: Available upon request. 
  • Certificate of Completion: Available upon request.
Embark on the exciting journey of children’s book illustration! In this course students will illustrate a short story provided by the instructor, using Sketchbook, a top ranked and rated digital art app, to create a complete set of digital illustrations. Guided step by step, learners will explore essential illustration techniques and develop the foundational skills needed for the exciting career of children's book illustration. Whether aspiring to collaborate with authors or create and illustrate their own stories, this course offers invaluable skills to bring creative visions to life.

The journey begins with brainstorming and designing unique characters and creating backgrounds. From there, students will illustrate key scenes, including action-packed moments, emotional highlights, and the story’s dramatic climax. Along the way, they’ll learn how to use composition, perspective, color, and texture to visually convey stories like professional children’s book illustrators.

As the course progresses, learners will build tension, resolve the story with a polished final scene, and arrange their artwork into a cohesive layout. By the end of the course, students will have a fully illustrated story to showcase their skills—perfect for portfolios, personal projects, or even as a first step toward writing and illustrating their own books!

Class Features

By the end of the course, learners will have a complete illustrated story they can proudly add to their portfolio

Digital Illustration Focus

All drawings will be completed in Sketchbook, a powerful and beginner-friendly digital illustration tool.

Step-by-Step Guidance

Learners will create illustrations week by week with clear demonstrations and live instruction.

Creative Freedom

While the story is provided, students can interpret scenes and characters in their own unique style.

Skill Development:

Focus on storytelling, composition, character design, and digital techniques like layering, shading, and texturing
Overview of

Learning Goals

Students will develop the ability to create unique characters that visually convey personality and emotion.
Students will learn to design backgrounds and settings that complement and enhance the story's narrative.
Students will learn to design backgrounds and settings that complement and enhance the story's narrative.
Students will gain proficiency in using Sketchbook tools, including layers, brushes, color palettes, and texturing, to create digital artwork.

Meet the Teacher

Ms. Amaya holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and Graphic Design, with a Minor in Art History and Theatre. She brings a strong creative background and a deep appreciation for storytelling through art. With hands-on experience in children’s book illustration, Ms. Amaya combines her love of design, visual narrative, and character creation to inspire young artists. She currently teaches Graphic Design and Children’s Book Illustration, where she encourages learners to develop their unique artistic style while building strong technical skills and creative confidence.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies are needed for this class? 

The free Sketchbook App is available to download from the Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play. The Pro Version of Sketchbook is not necessary for this class. Learners must have the application downloaded prior to the start of class. 

1. A Compatible Device

Tablet: iPads, Android tablets, or Windows tablets with touch and stylus support work best for precise control.

Computer: Windows or Mac desktop/laptop for those who prefer using a drawing tablet.

Smartphone: Sketchbook is also available on mobile however the images will be smaller and more difficult to see. 

2. Stylus or Drawing Pen

A pressure-sensitive stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or Wacom stylus) is highly recommended for precision, natural strokes, and access to advanced features like pressure and tilt sensitivity.

For devices without stylus support, a basic capacitive stylus can work but may have limited functionality.

3. Drawing Tablet (Optional for Computer Users)

A drawing tablet is ideal for creating digital art on a computer. These tablets mimic natural drawing motions.

Pre-Requisites

Learners must be proficient in using their tablet and stylus or computer and drawing tablet.
Enroll today! Limited Seats Available!
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