You listened to them read to you as a child. Perhaps you read them to your own children or grandchildren now. Children's books. We have special favorites. We may remember a special classic character, a magical place, or a lasting story. But just how are the illustrations created before they are published in a children's book? Before you hold the book in your hands and behold the wondrous words and pictures?
how I illustrate a children's books see all 12 of my published books here.
sketch: First, I make many sketches (above left). Quick, messy drawings get my ideas on paper quickly—before I forget them. When I sketch, I experiment with different ways of illustrating a page. I used to sketch in sketch books. While I bought some sketch books, I also made my own simple books to draw and write ideas in (above right). The hand-sewn bindings and inventive construction make my old homemade sketch books my favorites now. I hardly ever draw in sketch books anymore—I draw on whatever is nearby when inventive ideas come to me. I sketch on receipts, magazines, tags, envelopes, and even rolls of tape. Whatever is in reach.
revise: I choose my best sketches and make them better. I redraw them until I think they are the best I can make them. Sometimes, I experiment with color on these sketches (bottom right photo above) to play with different ways I may paint my final illustrations.
illustrate: Now, I can begin the final illustration. I hand draw then paint or color my illustration on watercolor paper. Often, I use my computer to illustrate.
When I paint by hand, I use paper made out of cotton—just like some of your clothes. It is soft but thicker than cotton fabric. First, I transfer my sketch onto the paper.
All sketches and artwork shown are from my first book, Word Play ABC.
Then, I use watercolor paints that come in metal tubes (photo at top of page), colored pencils and even tea to color the paper. Tea makes a rich, golden brown like the honey in this illustration (above, bottom right).
If I choose to make my artwork on the computer, I trace over my sketch. I use a drawing tablet (it looks like a hard plastic mouse pad) that plugs into my computer with a special pen (instead of a mouse). It's almost like drawing on paper. On the computer I can change my drawing easily. If I want to switch colors I can—If I want to switch colors when I'm painting on paper by hand, I usually can't. It's permanent, and if I make a big mistake I have to start over or try to paint over it. I never have to start over when I draw on the computer.
proof: Printouts are made of the books. These are checked for mistakes and reviewed to make sure all the colors look good. Sometimes, more revisions have to be made on my illustrations.
print: A printing company prints the books. They are distributed to bookstores and online booksellers. Some of my books are published in many languages and are sold around the world.
read!: My favorite part of illustrating children's books is when I get to share the first printed copies with our children.
Some illustrators create their illustrations out of cut paper. Some use a pen or a pencil. Others use crayon, paint, or collage. To find out about some of your favorite famous children's book illustrators' work habits, first big breaks, quirks, and typical workdays—read Artist to Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children About Their Art (Amazon Affiliate link). Here you will hear from famous illustrators such as Eric Carle and Maurice Sendak. Amazon Affiliate link—
And, check out the Talking with Artists
*See our free printable for kids—A printable book that shows how a book is illustrated. Simple, step-by-step pictures and words just for children. Fun to print out and make with your own children at home, or for teachers to use in the classroom.
My most recent books—party and play book kits for children to cut out and make (Amazon Affiliate links):
© heather cahoon • wordplayhouse®
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