Magical Realism for Children’s Illustration

This course sounds like a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in children’s book illustration, particularly those looking to create magical and enchanting scenes. The instructor, Juanita Londoño, seems to have extensive experience in creating illustrations for children’s books and has a particular focus on magical realism.

The course appears to cover both analogue and digital tools, which is great for learners who may have a preference for one or the other. It’s excellent that the course uses Procreate or Photoshop, two popular digital art tools that can help learners create professional-quality illustrations.

The course’s emphasis on exploring colors and textures is also a valuable aspect that can help learners create more dynamic and engaging illustrations. By learning how to combine these elements effectively, learners can create illustrations that catch the reader’s eye and enhance the story’s overall impact.

Overall, this course seems like a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to develop their skills in children’s book illustration and create memorable, enchanting scenes that can capture young readers’ imaginations.

What will you learn in this online course?
Juanita Londoño is a professional illustrator with a passion for creating magical illustrations for children’s books. In the course, she shares her background and experiences in the field, as well as her influences and inspiration.

The course begins by exploring the elements of magical realism, which is a genre of literature that combines the real world with fantastical or magical elements. Juanita shows examples of how other artists have incorporated these elements into their work and guides you through brainstorming and mind-mapping to gather ideas for your own illustration.

Next, Juanita demonstrates the digital tools she uses to create her illustrations, including Procreate and Photoshop. She then takes you through the process of sketching your illustration on paper before digitizing it and adding dimension with techniques of value and tone.

Color is a key element in magical illustrations, and Juanita shows you how to choose a color palette that conveys the mood and atmosphere of your illustration. She also demonstrates how to add detail, light, and shadow to your composition to create a magical and immersive scene.

Finally, Juanita explores options for sharing your work, including social media, online portfolios, contests, and submissions to agencies or editorials. She even encourages you to take your illustration a step further and create your own children’s book to continue the magical story.

Requirements and materials
This course is designed for individuals who have a basic foundation in drawing and some experience using Photoshop or Procreate. If you have a passion for bringing stories to life through illustration and a desire to create magic, this course is perfect for you. All you need is a journal, a drawing pad or paper, a pencil, an eraser, and a computer or tablet with Photoshop or Procreate.

Throughout the course, Juanita will guide you through the techniques and tools needed to create your own magical illustrations. Even if you are a beginner, this course is a great opportunity to develop your skills and gain confidence in creating illustrations for children’s books. So, whether you’re an aspiring illustrator or a professional looking to expand your skills, this course is a fantastic opportunity to bring your imagination to life and create enchanting illustrations that inspire young readers.