Ever wonder how to make a children’s picture book without hiring an expensive illustrator?
In the past year, my first picture book, Sunbelievable, earned 6 top awards for story and illustrations. No one is more surprised than I am! Why? Because I have no formal art instruction/training. None! So how did this happen? And can it happen for you? Absolutely!
Draft Illustration from Jo Ann’s new book: I Want Cake!
I learned – and always am learning – how to create digital art using Photoshop. It started as a hobby. Like a typical grandma, I took thousands of photos of the new kids. Then I started making little picture books for them using online photo book company software. I wrote short stories to accompany the photos. To adorn the books, I discovered online scrapbook tools – purchasable decorative items for digital collages. Then I was totally hooked.
It took me 3 years to create the images in Sunbelievable. Now I’m working on my next book, “I Want Cake!” The key illustrations – 10 full story pages plus the extra info pages – will take less than 3 months. I’ve more than quadrupled my speed, but most importantly, I’ve learned to work more efficiently AND creatively. Many authors now ask me how to replicate the process. Truth is, with today’s amazing digital software, anyone can make beautiful picture books.
But if you search the children’s book sections, you most likely won’t find illustrations created solely with digital art. If you’re wondering how to create your own illustrations, read on.
Children’s Book Illustrating – Killer Simple Award-Winning Ideas for Authors
- Download a free trial of digital art software. I started with Photoshop Elements and graduated to full Photoshop (now using Photoshop CS6). Play around with it. See if it’s something that might spark your creativity. There are countless free tutorials to help get you started.
- Do an Internet search for “digital scrapbook elements.” You’ll readily find dozens of websites offering artistic images to incorporate into your illustrations. Read the terms and license note to avoid copyright infringement. Some sites offer free “elements” with no restrictions on usage. Some offer commercial usage for an additional fee.
- Take lots of photos. I use real photos of my grandchildren along with photos of places and just about anything to transform with digital art. You own your photos. Simple! But again, take care that any image you use for your own artwork is copyright free. Unlikely that anyone might recognize an oak tree in a field or a particular cloud.
I would love to learn to make digital art. Please keep me posted on class dates.
Hi Carol!
I’m preparing the class content now and will probably start the first class mid September. Thanks so much for your interest… I’m really excited to teach the course. Will let you know the date as soon as I have them pinned down!
Jo Ann
Just found you. Will you be giving any classes starting next year. I will watch you class
on Oct. 25 with Topaz. Love your work. Thank you Kay
Hi Jo Ann,
I would sign up for a class on making digital art. I am writing a children’s book and would love to have this skill!
I loved your webinar for Topaz and I want to try doing this, too. I would love to sign up for your next class. Fabulous ideas!
Hi Jan! Thanks for your interest in more classes! I haven’t set any new ones yet with Topaz, but I do teach my own webinars as well. Please let me know if you’d like more information, and I’ll get back to you right away. What specific topics are you interested in learning more about?
Feel free to contact me at joann@storyquestbooks.com. Thanks again and I look forward to hearing from you!
Jo Ann
I am interested in doing books for my Grandkids. I would love to learn more about your unique and beautiful images.
Thanks,
Shannon
Have you considered a series of training videos?
Shannon
Hi and thanks for your question about training videos! I’m working on those… preparing several on different topics. What aspect(s) of image creation are you most interested in learning! I started illustrating by making picture books for my grandkids. Once I started, I couldn’t stop!
Would you be interested in one-on-one and/or small group online classes? In addition to training videos, I’ll be offering live, interactive instruction. These will start early in 2013, or sooner if requested. I do lots of one-on-one now, so just let me know if you’d like more information.
Feel free to contact me at joann@storyquestbooks.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Jo Ann