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An Introduction to Picture Book Illustration | February 2025

DatesLocationCost
Wednesday’s from February 26th (6.30pm – 8.30pm) for 5 classes until Wednesday, April 2nd
(no class on March 26th)
Online€110

Overview

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet are delighted to welcome back Finbar Coyle to deliver this course on illustration for children’s picture books.

In this introductory course, Finbar will dive deep into the art of creating captivating illustrations tailored specifically for children’s picture books and will give comprehensive guidance on fundamental techniques, with a focus on creating vivid and engaging visuals that bring stories to life. He will examine how to craft compelling characters that leave a lasting impact on young readers, while honing your skills in illustration storytelling. Participants will discover practical strategies for navigating professional commissions and maximizing the potential of digital tools such as Photoshop and Procreate to enhance their creative process.

What will this course cover?

  • Understanding the role of illustrations in picture books. Exploring different styles and techniques in picture books.
  • Overview of character design principles and the importance of appealing, story driven characters in picture books.
  • Introduction to world building in picture book illustration with a focus on composition.
  • Understanding narrative structure and pacing in picture books and the use of visual storytelling techniques to enhance our illustrations. 
  • Learning professional practices and the role and responsibilities of a children’s book illustrator. Working with clients and meeting their expectations. 
  • Introduction to colour theory and its applications in picture book illustration. We will create colour studies and finished illustrations for selected picture book scenes. 

Throughout the course, participants will engage in hands-on exercises, receive feedback from the instructor and their peers, and have the opportunity to explore their creativity in the exciting world of picture book illustration. 

Participant profile

This course is suitable for all levels of artists from beginners to experienced professionals who are interested in illustration and storytelling for children’s picture book illustration.

Tutor

Finbar Coyle

Finbar Coyle is a freelance illustrator and character designer with over a decade of experience in the animation industry, having worked in diverse roles such as animator, prop designer, and character designer. His notable animation design credits include serving as Prop Designer for “Danger Mouse” Season 1 Boulder Media/ CBeebies, 2D Designer for “Nella the Princess Knight”    for Brown Bag Films/Nick Jr, and Lead Character Designer for “Alva’s World” for Kavaleer/RTE  among others.

Currently based in Cologne Germany, Finbar specializes in visual storytelling, seamlessly blending his skills as an illustrator and a member of design studios. Represented by Advocate Art, he has created captivating picture books for Penguin Random House and designed immersive worlds for leading board game companies in Europe and the US.

In addition to his creative work, Finbar shares his expertise through talks and workshops on character design and picture book illustration.

Venue/location

Online

Costs/fee

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet can offer this course at the subsidised rate of €110

Dates and times of the course

Wednesday’s from February 26th (6.30pm – 8.30pm) for 5 classes until Wednesday, April 2nd
(no class on March 26th)

For any queries, please contact seansmith@furthr.ie

  • Enrollment has closed because the maximum number of allowed students has been reached. Please email seansmith@furthr.ie to be added to a waiting list.

Please note that due to our funding requirements, registrations are currently only available to those resident in the Republic Of Ireland. 

CCIS will generally only accept requests for cancellation refunds up to 5 working days before the training course commences. CCIS may allow for refunds outside of this on a case-by-case basis. Any request for a refund must be made via email to seansmith@furthr.ie & insert the course name in the subject line.

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