Beginners Course: Write & Illustrate a Picture Book

(This course was previously named: An Introduction to Creating Picture Books)

Begin Your Picture Book Journey: Write, Illustrate and Bring Your Story to Life!

Course Overview:

Join international award-winning author, illustrator and mentor Claire Alexander for a dynamic 10-week course where you’ll learn to craft a picture book from concept to storyboard in a small, friendly group environment. Designed for adult beginners, this course offers a rare opportunity to receive personalised feedback on your work, directly from Claire, who brings over 20 years of experience in writing, illustrating and mentoring. Every lesson is taught live by Claire, ensuring you get expert guidance tailored to your unique creativity. You'll feel inspired, motivated and confident to fly with your ideas!

What You’ll Gain:

• Personal Feedback: Claire reviews each student’s work, offering individualised guidance to help you refine your story and illustrations.
  
• Market Insight: Learn what makes a picture book appealing in today’s market, and receive practical advice on getting published.
  
• Creative Techniques: Explore ideas generation, character development, narrative structure, watercolour techniques and much more to bring your ideas to life.
  
• A Complete Storyboard: By the end of the course, you’ll have roughed out a storyboard and know how to approach publishers and agents.
• Further Development:  The opportunity to strengthen your work and create a portfolio in Claire's intermediate course in late April 2025.

How It Works:

• Live Classes: Interactive 2-hour sessions every Wednesday evening, with exercises, demos, and group discussions.
  
• Weekly Assignments: Complete homework tasks between 2-3 hours per week, with access to video lectures and printable handouts. 
  
• Peer & Tutor Support: Share your work in a supportive online hub, receiving feedback from both peers and Claire.
  
• Recorded Lessons: All classes are recorded and available for two weeks after each session.

Who Should Enroll:

Perfect for beginners eager to write and/or illustrate picture books for children aged 3-6. Whether you have a story idea or are starting from scratch, this course will guide you through the creative process.

Course Content:

• Exploring Existing Picture Books
• Generating New Ideas & Story Writing
  
• Character Sketching in Watercolours & Exploring Expressions
• Narrative Structure, Literary Devices & Writing Styles
• How Text & Image Work Together 
• Editing Techniques
• Composition: How to Create Images that Tell a Story
• Storyboarding: Sequential Imagery, Layouts and Pacing
• The Publishing Industry & Self-Promotion: What, When & How to Send Work to Publishers and Agents
• Contracts, Advances and Royalties
• Feedback will take place at regular intervals throughout the course.

Testimonials:

"If you are serious about making picture books, this course is the right investment and one of the best courses you can find online. You'll learn everything you need to know about picture book making. Whether you're a beginner or have already taken your first steps in the book industry, there's plenty to gain from this course."
Anka Schwelgin

"The content and Claire's delivery of the course is excellent. I have learnt so much and would strongly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their character design/interaction, storyboard and editing. Claire is exceptionally generous with her time and provides so much helpful feedback each week." Fiona Dillon

"Claire walks you through the process of writing and illustrating a children's book. Each step is clearly laid out. In live Zoom classes, she goes over new material and gives feedback on work done. It's an excellent way to gain more information about writing books." Kim Goodling

"Claire's course is a brilliant introduction and opportunity to tap into creating picture books. It covers so much, from looking at existing successful picture books still in print today, to getting insights into writers' and illustrators' techniques, to going on to explore your own techniques as a student. It's challenging, inspiring, insightful and overall a great taster of how this profession looks." Natasha Piper

Materials Needed:

• A notebook and pen, Square Post-it-Notes, Basic art supplies (drawing pencils, coloured pencils, sketchpad, watercolours, brushes, hot pressed (smooth) watercolour paper), A computer or tablet for Zoom meetings.

Course Timings:

• When: Wednesday Evenings, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM BST (GMT from  Sunday, 25th of October).
• Please note: There will be no lesson during half term on the 28th of October.

Fees:

• £595  
• £560 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT IN JUNE & JULY ONLY. USE THIS CODE AT CHECKOUT: EBDwipb10
• Pay in three interest-free payments via PayPal.
• Fees are non-refundable. In the case of course cancellation, a refund will be given.

Looking to gift a course, workshop or a mentor session? Click here and find Gift Vouchers at the top of the page.

FAQ's

How many students will attend the course?  Up to 12 people.

Can my children join in?  The course is for 18 year olds + only, one person per booking.

Can I join if I'm only interested in writing a picture book, not illustrating it?  Yes! Learning about the considerations of an illustrator is important for a picture book writer.

Do you teach students how to draw during the course? Drawing techniques are not taught in this course. Some drawing skills are required for the illustrative parts of the course.

Do I have to use an iPad or a computer to generate imagery digitally? No, plenty of illustrators in the industry still work on paper

Can I spread the fee payments? Yes,  you can pay in three interest-free payments with a PayPal account. The first will be taken on booking.

Will you run the course again? The course will run twice a year, in September and January.