Illustrating Picture Books

If you are interested in illustrating picture books for children, there are some great resources available to help you get started. Below is a list of some of those resources, as well as descriptions of the process I followed in illustrating various picture books. If you know of any additional helpful sites, or if you have any questions, please use the comment form below.

TIPS

Using References for Illustration

How to Transfer and Image

Illustrating Cathy's Animal Garden

Illustration Friday - A weekly creative outlet for artists and illustrators of all levels and abilities. A new theme is announced every Friday. No pressure -- just fun!

The Purple Crayon Blog - Questions about Children's Publishing Answered by a Children's Book Editor Harold Underdown. Also includes current children's publishing links.

Verla Kay's Website A site designed for children's writers and illustrators to help one another, share information, and have fun in the process

"Present Your Portfolio Like a Pro" Portfolio tips by illustrator Elizabeth Delumba

"What to Include in a Portfolio" Portfolio tips from agent Cheryl Klein

Promotional Postcards Postcard demonstration by illustrator Elizabeth Delumba

Drawing Hidden Pictures Article by illustrator Maurie J. Manning

The Drawing Board for Illustrators Lots of great articles -- keep scrolling down!

"How to Illustrate a Picture Book" Article by illustrator Heather Castle

Yellapalooza Tutorials for children's writers and illustrators

ORGANIZATIONS

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators This is a professional organization open to anyone interested in writing or illustrating for children. When you become a member, you will have access to all of their online resources as well as discounts to conferences and classes about illustration

ONLINE CLASSES

Marks and Splashes Online class taught by illustrator Mark Mitchell, author of the blog "How To Be a Children's Book Illustrator"

BOOKS

2011 Children's Writer's And Illustrator's Market by Alice Pope

2011 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market (Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market) edited by Mary Burzlaff Bostic

How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books and Get Them Published by Treld Bicknell

Picture Writing (Write for kids library) by Anastasia Suen

Writing with Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books by Uri Shulevitz

SBI!