The Art of the Picture Book
Shadra Strickland
Class Preview
0:52
- In-depth Instruction; over 165 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Generating Ideas
19:34
Meet your instructor, children's book author Shadra Strickland. Then dive into an exploration of how text and images work together to create meaningful stories.
Character Development
20:41
What qualities bring a character to life? Strickland guides you through everything you need to know, from how to identify with your character through various ways to develop compelling stories and meaningful imagery.
Gesture, Emotion & Setting
22:24
Learn how to infuse emotion into your illustrations with realistic expressions, postures and composition ideas that will continue to breathe life into the characters on the page.
Book Structure
14:46
Robust characters need a carefully designed book to live in, so follow along as Strickland explains self-ended and separate-ended layout options for picture books, including notes on trim sizes and other technical considerations.
Storyboard Pacing & Composition
38:36
Discover how to turn an ordinary story into an extraordinary adventure as you push yourself to add more depth, dimension and movement into your illustrations.
Critique & Mood
32:03
Every project needs a strong critique, and Strickland shares the best tricks of the trade for revising your work with fresh eyes. You'll also discover ways to experiment with mood and color that can improve your story with as little as one change in your palette.
Final Art & Book Dummy
16:46
Strickland wraps up the class with a tutorial on creating and submitting a dummy for a publisher, including tips on how to create a dummy for self-publishing or personal gifts. You'll leave the class wanting to run straight for the drawing board in pursuit of your next story!
Published illustrator Shadra Strickland guides you through the foundational techniques you need to create strong visual stories. Delve into various picture-book structures and select the best format for your work. Discover Shadra’s secrets for using simple shapes to build complex, expressive characters. Gain critical insight into book pacing, imagery, and text placement by creating a storyboard. Develop thematic boards and color studies to give your illustrations the depth they deserve. Plus, learn industry tricks to prepare your book for proposal. Bring your creativity to life in a picture book that will delight children and publishers everywhere!
Shadra Strickland
Shadra Strickland is a Baltimore-based illustrator who specializes in childrens picture books. Currently, she teaches illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Strickland frequently collaborates with other illustrators and authors, an endeavor that has earned several publishing accolades, including the Ezra Jack Keats Award and the Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe Award. When shes not teaching Craftsy classes, Strickland enjoys conducting workshops and sharing her craft with children and adults across the country.
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