As I have no previous experience on how to go out such a task, I took to the internet to have a look around and see what information I could find on the subject.
I came across the illustrator Jim Harris, best known for his humorous, detailed and realistic style. Also an award winning illustrator! So he must know what he is talking about!
On Jims website he has a whole page dedicated to how to go about illustrating a childrens book from 'start to finish', which is just the information I need. Obviously Jim has been given a story by an author to illustrate, I on the other hand need to create my own, something else I need to start to look into. So once Jim is happy and enjoys the story he has been given and all the documents and contracts are set up he can begin working.
The author gives Jim the number of pages they want for the final book, the sizes and also the author sends Jim the manuscript. After doing some research on other books the author has created and getting a feel of the over all style, Jim sets about creating a drawing up the characters. Often getting opinions on the drawings by his children (target market) then altering them accordingly. I obviously don't have any children so will have to source some children and hopefully get their opinion on my drawings. Some market research almost.
Once the author and his children, off course approve of the characters Jim then begins to divvy out the text onto each page. Creating a 'scene' for each page, either using 400 words or just 4. A great point Jim made was 'I like to put variety in the designs. In other words, full spreads alternating with spot illustrations. Pages with color bleeding off the edges alternating with pages that have plentiful white space. Close-ups of characters alternated with more landscape-y scenes.' Something I will have to keep in mind, in order for my illustrations to keep up interest and diversity to the viewer/reader.
Then that is pretty much it, once all the pages have been drawn up and all the measurements are correct and everyone involved in the project approve of it all. It's all shipped off and sent to the publishers. Doesn't sound too taxing? Right?
Obviously Jim works by hand, with water colour. Something I do enjoy doing! Although for this particular task I really want to create all my final drawings/illustration on the computer. Although Jims drawings are still going to give me great inspiration for completing this project, as I do love his style of work. I particularly enjoy his 'fantasty' range of drawings.
http://www.jimharrisillustrator.com/ChildrensBooks/TipsforIllustrators.html
Also on Jims website he writes some information and useful tips on how to go about writing a childrens book too! So I took a read...
He didn't write much, which is probably a good thing. What he did say was, take time out and away from the TV and computer. Then, let the creativity flow! Always carry around something you can jot your ideas down and once in a while send your stories and ideas to somebody else and get their opinion.
Seems pretty straight forward?
Now lets put it into action,,,,
Shortly after writing this post I stumbled upon another useful website, although this time more concentrated on picture books. Which I think is more geared towards what I want to do. More pictures, less words!
This particular article was written by Emma Blackburn, the editorial director for picture books at Bloomsbury Publishing.
'Think about different characters and scenarios. Who will be your central character? Where will your story be set? What will happen? What about the ending?'. A lot of questions! A lot to think about! Emma strongly suggests writing down everything and every idea that pops into your head, something Jim also said.
Developing Characters/Character Profile
The first thing you need to consider when creating story, is obviously the main characters. With childrens books a running theme seems to be monsters, aliens, animals etc. All created to resemble humans to the children can relate, but still have fun and be excited by the different creatures displayed in front of them.
'Choose your strongest and most appealing character and think about how he/she might act. Is he/she loud/shy? Is he/she funny/scary? What is his/her world like? How about friends? What sort of character would your main character be friends with?'
Other things like considering what the characters name is, is an important factor to think about. As it could potentially make or break the story. The name could say things about the characters traits and personality so it is quite important!
Developing the story
The key idea it seems, is a pretty obvious one, keep the reader hooked and wanting to turn to the next page! Ways todo this, Emma suggests having something humerus on each page. Weather that be in the text or the illustrations.
It is also key for the ending to be satisfying.
Art/Illustration/Design
'Don't judge a book by its cover' is a very well known quote but in this instance when creating a book I think that concept needs to be ignored. Particularly with a childrens book. The cover image/art needs to be catching and exciting for the child to want to read that book. Although the art needs to be kept relatively simple, with perhaps an image rather than a whole scene.
Most picture books are about 14 spreads and about 30 page and no more than 700-800 words. It is important to remember to keep it snappy and plan the pages out so you don't run out of space.
And again feedback is very important!
