Drawing course : Children's Illustration

During this "children's illustration" course, we will explore together various graphic and narrative possibilities for telling a story through images. Through demonstrations and exercises, find your own youth style and the tool that suits you best in order to create visuals that resemble you. This course is open to beginners but requires some basic drawing skills. Start creating your first stories as a children's illustrator now!

+10.1 h of lessons · 31 video lessons
No prerequisites, the course starts from scratch
Unlimited learning, with no deadlines to meet
An active forum with the Dessindigo teachers
Leave with a finished piece, proudly displayed or ready for your portfolio
Raveau Camille

YOUR TEACHER: RAVEAU CAMILLE

Camille Raveau is an illustrator who studied the art of children's illustration. She is also the author of the Will & Isabelle illustrated book series. In addition to her experience in landscape themes, Camille can share her knowledge through her playful drawings, designed for both the young and the old.

How it works

1

Watch

Follow the videos at your own pace, wherever and whenever you like.

2

Practice

Do the exercises at your own pace, with your own materials.

3

Post optional

Want feedback? Share your work on the forum whenever you like.

4

Progress

A teacher from the team can help you improve, if that is what you are looking for. Otherwise, simply draw for fun.

The complete program

+10.1 h of lessons across 6 chapters, 31 videos and exercises.

Chapter 1 1

Introduction

1h41
Introduction

For this first lesson on children's illustration, you will discover the universe of this theme as well as the necessary equipment to get a good start in your training. We will present in detail the content of your courses and explain how to start on the right foot!

1.1 Introduction to the course What will you learn in this course? This introduction provides an overview of the course content, structure and prerequisites. 5 min · Free 1.2 The origins of children's illustration PART 1 – PRACTICE: How long has children's illustration existed? Why are there so many illustrated versions of the same story? And is the illustration style linked to the reader's age? 5 min Subscribers only 1.3 Materials PART 1 – PRACTICE: What materials do you need for this course? You can achieve a great deal with nothing more than a graphite pencil and some plain paper. Camille also introduces other materials, including gouache, watercolours and ink. 7 min Subscribers only 1.4 Getting to know the materials PART 1 – PRACTICE: How can you make the most of the drawing materials you already have at home? Camille introduces a range of tools and invites you to try them out to discover which one suits you best for this course. 54 min Subscribers only 1.5 Getting to know the materials: correction and demonstration PART 1 – PRACTICE: In this course, you'll review the previous exercise through a step-by-step demonstration and correction. 31 min Subscribers only
Chapter 2 2

The Different Styles

1h41
The Different Styles

In this second chapter, we will discuss the different styles in children's illustrations. We will offer a demonstration section followed by a correction section. These lessons will allow you to take your first step into the world of children's illustration!

2.1 The different styles, part 1 PART 1 – PRACTICE: Using a reference photo and drawing inspiration from different illustration styles, you'll create several versions of the same scene. 33 min Subscribers only 2.2 The different styles, part 2 PART 1 – PRACTICE: Just like in part one, you'll continue exploring different drawing styles and techniques to discover which ones you enjoy the most. 33 min · Free 2.3 The different styles, parts 1 and 2: correction and demonstration PART 1 – PRACTICE: In this course, you'll review the previous exercises through a step-by-step demonstration and correction. 10 min Subscribers only 2.4 Understanding the world of children's illustration PART 2 – STRUCTURE: In this course, you will learn how to address different audiences using a simple starting point: three age groups, three sentences and three visual concepts. 12 min Subscribers only 2.5 Understanding the world of children's illustration: correction and demonstration PART 2 – STRUCTURE: In this course, you'll go through the previous exercise with a step-by-step demonstration and review of the solutions. 11 min Subscribers only 2.6 Recap of parts 1 and 2 and research Let's wrap up the first two parts by revisiting why this introduction is so important. We'll also take a look at a brief but essential topic: research. 4 min Subscribers only
Chapter 3 3

Characters Full of Life

1h45
Characters Full of Life

Learn here to draw authentic characters, as well as dynamic faces, hands, and arms. You will step-by-step create your character according to your preferences, thanks to the various tips you will discover throughout the videos.

3.1 Characters PART 3 (to the end) – GENTLE DRAWING: In the first course of this section, you'll learn how to structure a character to suit the chosen children's illustration style. 19 min Subscribers only 3.2 The face and facial expressions Facial expressions are essential in children's illustration. In this course, you'll discover a few tips to help you create expressive faces and never run out of ideas. 21 min · Free 3.3 Hands and arms Whether detailed or simplified, angular or fluid, hands and arms play an important role in expressing a character's emotions. Let's explore how. 28 min Subscribers only 3.4 Clothing How do we dress our characters to match the chosen style? 26 min Subscribers only 3.5 Creating a character – demonstration A demonstration of different characters for different age groups, applying everything we've covered in the previous lessons. 12 min Subscribers only
Chapter 4 4

Staging

1h44
Staging

Now, let's focus on staging your illustrations. Here, you will learn to draw different settings as well as objects to enhance your creations. Exercises and corrections will help you implement your drawings.

4.1 The background Our characters exist within an environment. Let's explore how to create it while following design principles that suit different age groups. 17 min Subscribers only 4.2 Objects Let's enrich our background with objects while staying true to the chosen children's illustration style. 28 min Subscribers only 4.3 Objects and backgrounds – demonstration and review A demonstration and review of the previous exercise on creating objects and backgrounds to enrich and bring your illustration to life. 26 min Subscribers only 4.4 Staging the illustration Our characters are created, our set too. All that's left is to put them together. 17 min Subscribers only 4.5 Staging the illustration – demonstration and review A demonstration and review of the previous exercise. 16 min Subscribers only
Chapter 5 5

Finalization, Cleanup, and Tips

3h10
Finalization, Cleanup, and Tips

As the title of this chapter emphasizes, we are heading straight towards the finalization of your illustrations! In these lessons, you will learn various techniques to finalize your drawings, such as cleaning up, coloring, and digital finishing.

5.1 Creating the final artwork! Now that our composition sketch is complete, all that's left to do is produce the final artwork. 17 min Subscribers only 5.2 Final drawing Now that our drawing is finalised, it's time to transfer it onto a suitable surface ready for colouring. 26 min Subscribers only 5.3 Developing a colour palette We're ready to add colour to our drawing, but how do we choose the right colours? Let's explore different colour palettes and practise creating a range of moods. 39 min Subscribers only 5.4 Developing a colour palette – demonstration A demonstration and review of the previous exercise on developing your colour palette. 13 min Subscribers only 5.5 Adding colour Now that we've chosen our colour palette, all that's left to do is colour our drawing, following the logic of our rough sketch. 36 min Subscribers only 5.6 Digital finishing touches To perfect our illustration, we'll use digital drawing software. 27 min Subscribers only 5.7 Vignettes Children's illustration also includes cabochons! But what are they? 9 min Subscribers only 5.8 Spot illustration – demonstration A demonstration and review of the previous exercise. 6 min Subscribers only 5.9 Layout What can you do with your illustrations? Here, Camille shares some ideas for presenting them through different layout approaches. 17 min Subscribers only
Chapter 6 6

Conclusion

4 min
Conclusion

We conclude this chapter with a recap of the different techniques acquired throughout the training. You now have all the tools and knowledge necessary to start your own children's illustration drawings!

6.1 Course conclusion Thank you and congratulations on completing the Children's Illustration course! Let's recap everything we've covered together. 4 min Subscribers only

What you will learn in this course

Develop your observation, inspiration and creativity

Master the complex keys of perspective, succeed in your shapes and match heights and volumes

Learn the proportions of the human body, character joints, different parts of the face and also design their clothing style.

Reviewed by your teacher

If you wish, a teacher looks at your drawings and answers your questions on the forum.

What our students created with this course

Student drawing 1
Student drawing 2
Student drawing 3
Student drawing 4
Student drawing 5
Student drawing 6
Student drawing 7
Student drawing 8

Who is this course for?

Complete beginners who have never drawn before and are looking for a simple method to get started!
Artists wishing to revise their knowledge of fundamental concepts and drawing techniques.

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Questions before you start

I am a complete beginner, can I take this course?

Yes. The course starts from scratch and guides you step by step.

Do I need any special equipment?

No: the materials are presented at the start of the course, and you can begin with what you already have.

Will my drawings be corrected?

Yes, if you wish: post your exercises on the forum and a teacher from the team will send you personalized feedback.

Is this course included in my subscription or do I have to pay extra?

It is included in the Dessindigo subscription, which gives access to all 447 courses on the site.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes, with no commitment: you cancel by following the procedure shown in your account.

What happens if the course is not right for me?

You are refunded if you are not satisfied within 14 days of signing up: simply write to us at support@dessindigo.com.

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Access to +400 courses
Drawing course : Children's Illustration From 24,08 $/month
Access to +400 courses
From 24,08 $/month
Access to +400 courses