research

 In my project I will draw illustrations to a short story for children, therefore this research will help me to find information and answer to the big question: "What's make the great children book illustration?" 
There is many factors what I need to consider before I will start drawing:
- the age group. 
- type an style of illustrations suitable for this age group
- the book style
- how many illustration I will include in my page.

- what to avoid in the illustrations for children

To decide in what style I will draw the pictures is also very important. Is that will be more cartoony or scary or is the pictures are relevant to the story. For example soft and gentle illustrations would not be perfect for a story about monsters. Go to the library an look at the real children's book is a good place to find the inspirations. 

Is important to decide how many illustrations will be included in the book and what type of illustrations they are. That will affect to overal layout of the book.

There is four types of the book illustrations:

- half-page illustration - that illustration fills half of the page and can be detailed

- spot illustration - that illustration is small and is ussulaly used on the top of the page as a paragraph heading

- full page illustration - that illustration can be drawn in details as it would cover whole page.

- spread illustration - this illustration will be large, spread over two pages and often will include text.

The story to my illustration is short and I will create only 6 pages, front cover and the back cover. My pictures will be covering full page and I will include short text to each page. 

I will draw in Procreate which means my illustrations will be digital, however there is many types of children's illustrations drew with traditional media, such as ink pen, paint, gouache, wood cutting, pencil and so on.

This illustration from " Matilda" is very different from those which I draw. There is no colours and no details added. Looks like a sketch with a hand written title. I think is dedicated for little bit older age group. 

Illustrations from "The house that Jack build" are in pastel colours and very pleasant for eye. The cat is very realistic same as apples and everything around. Very interesting is fact, that the illustrator left one page unfinished, like a sketch to the final illustration. However that does not look bad, it is more interesting. Maybe the child could colour them later on?

And here are a few examples from the GetYourBookIllustrations portfolio of freehand vector digital illustrations. Those illustrations are very simple and looks like been draw by child, which makes them interesting and children might identify themselves with the illustrations.

Good quality, colourful and simple illustration is very important for the book. Age group for my story would be in between 3-5 year old. Small children are not able to read yet and even dough, the book would be read by an adult, the illustration will help children to understand concept of the story.

Having an age group for the story is crucial and helps to make a good choice by illustrating the book. For example to abstract drawing won't be understand by small children and to baby-ish illustration will discourage older children. 

An illustration from BARNABE by Alena Tkach

This illustration drawn by Alena Tkach  is in pastel colours, and there is no black outlines on each object. Which is very different from my style, however makes the illustration calm and present for eye. All the characters are very cute, perfect for the little children book.

An illustration from Amando and Amira by Angie Siveria

 

Realistic illustration from  "Amando and Amira" book is very different from the illustrations that we used to see in children books. Everything is in beautiful, monochrome scheme and the old paper effect. The text is long, written in very small font, which I presume is book for older group of children.

An illustration from To be like a Tiger by Emilia Dziubak

 

This is beautiful illustration is related to my major project as I will draw characters on the tropical island. Emilia Dziubak drawn an amazing illustration of the jungle scene. I am very impressed by number of details and all shades of green colour. This is one of my favourite illustration, however I am not sure if there is not too many details.  Colours are bride and we can easily realized that is the story about the tiger. Surprisingly the text written on the "busy" background is still easy to read.

An illustration from Victor. The big trip. by Kseniya Dereka

Author of this illustration incudes the maze for children to solve. I love that simple and clever trick, which would definitely keeps children more interesting in reading. Kseniya Dereka drew the busy city in details ,bride colours and interesting perspective. This illustration looks more like a board game.

During the research I have found and learn many information about children illustration. Most of them were very inspiring for me and I would use that knowledge in the future. I love the fact that the children books are sometimes not just a books. Illustrator is able to create a magical World by adding games, colouring pages and so on. 

sources: getyourbookillustrations.com

               graphicmama.com