SCBWI Picture Book Workout Workshop Fun!

    Two weeks ago I attended the Northern Ohio SCBWI
Picture Book Workout Workshop with  Laurie Knowlton
and Lindsay Ward.  I came away focused and ready to get
back to the drawing board.  Both Laurie and Lindsay were
very helpful in giving great tips.  After presentations from
both women we worked in stations.  We began analysing
everything about our stories. During this time we could ask
questions.
 
    When Lindsay heard my pitch and saw my illustrations
she suggested that the story be from the perspective of
the animal in the story as opposed to the kids.  I knew she
was right.  That was my original thought but honestly I
chickened out because the animal is pretty tiny and I knew it
would be a tough road to illustrate from that perspective!
It will require more time and research but I know it will
be worth it.

    I have learned so much recently its a bit overwhelming.
Listening/watching videos by various illustrators has given
me valuable information.  Will Terry has some great videos
on youtube and offers some wonderful classes. Here is a
helpful video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWxdLNLKJvk
Peter Brown tells his story and also offers great insite into
the world of children's books here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w2vC-9An0k

    So what can I offer you?  Maybe you need to learn by
making mistakes too, but if you want to read on here are
a few tips...some of them are sort of common sense!

   1. Who are you as an artist?  Concentrate on your strong points.
Write down what makes your style you.  Don't get sidetracked or
discouraged by the work of others!

    2. I ended up wasting a lot of time by illustrating before I had
a solid story.  It's okay to be inspired by an illustration you do,
but if you try to write around it, it's confusing.
Have a great story, then illustrate it.  

    3. RESEARCH.  Know who and what your character is
before you spend time doing a finished illustration.  Even if
an animal is stylized you have to know what it looks like to
get the essence of it!  Know their personality! Write down
emotions and draw your character with those feelings.

    4.  Know everything that is happening in your story.
Time of day, weather, mood, etc. and then create visuals
reflecting those details.

    5.  Plot out every inch of the book with a story board then do
a book dummy.  Start sketchy if you need too, you can fine tune later.

    Here is Lindsay Ward with some sketches for her book When Blue Met Egg
and Laurie Knowlton's  first book Chilly Willy.  Their advice and presentation gave me the
boost I needed!
    Good luck with your work!  See you next time:)