Creating Your Own Children's Picture Book Online Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Are you passionate about storytelling and illustration? Or do you want to bring your own children’s picture book to life? This self-paced online short course will guide you through the process of creating a children’s picture book-from initial concept to final design.
You’ll be introduced to essential techniques, practices and the creative processes that go into writing and illustrating captivating children's books.
The course will explore how to structure engaging stories, design appealing illustrations, and develop work for publication.
As a guide, the total commitment for this course is approximately 12 hours. This includes core materials and creative tasks.
Your personal learning time may vary depending on your pace, engagement, and how deeply you explore the materials.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for aspiring authors and illustrators who want to create their own children’s picture book, as well as intermediate practitioners who want to refine their craft and complete a children’s book project. A personal or professional interest in inclusion, community storytelling, or education will deepen the learner’s connection to the course goals. Previous experience working with children or communities may support students in identifying strong story ideas and outreach strategies.
Beginners who are passionate about storytelling and illustration, but don’t know where to start, are also welcome but some familiarity with basic design principles (contrast, flow, typography) is recommended.
Key information
Topics covered
- The principles of writing for children and what makes a picture book successful
- Developing story ideas and engaging readers
- The basics of illustration, including character design, composition, and creating vibrant visuals that complement your story
- Insights into the creative practice behind developing and designing children’s books
- Preparing your book: learn the technical aspects of book formatting, layout, and production to bring your story to life
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of picture books
- Develop story ideas
- Explore illustration techniques
- Apply design principles
- Create and refine a dummy book
- Finalise and prepare for sharing
- Engage with the community
- Reflect on the creative process
Students will receive personalised feedback from the tutor on all submissions and will have access to a dedicated course forum for peer interaction via the UAL Short Courses VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). Access to the VLE will be open for one year for students to upload assignments and complete the course. We recommend setting aside 2-4 hours per week across the 7 lessons.
Materials
- A sketchbook for reflection, drawing, and planning
- Your preferred art materials for creating illustrations, this may include materials for collage, pencils, paint, printmaking, digital tools, photography, etc.
- Basic bookmaking tools or software if preparing a printed or digital dummy (this could be physical paper folding or use of basic layout tools like Canva, InDesign, Book Creator, etc.).
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.
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