2024Introduction to Creating Picture Books (Lunchtimes)
Online course for adults
17 April – 26 June 2024
Wednesdays, 12:00 – 14:00 BST
There is no class on 29 May.
This course has started, but if you are interested in joining please email learning@qbcentre.org.uk to find out more.
Learn how to create contemporary children’s picture books with market appeal with guidance from award-winning author and illustrator Claire Alexander.
On this course for beginners, you’ll learn how to write stories with convincing characters, experiment with watercolour techniques and explore narrative structure and writing styles. You’ll learn about the book publishing market and get valuable advice on how to get published.
By the end of the course you will have created compelling colour characters in settings and a storyboard in pencil which can be made into a dummy book to be presented to publishers.
Our small class size of no more than 12 students will ensure that you receive personalised feedback and group support in a relaxed and friendly learning environment.
About Claire
Claire Alexander(opens in new window) is an award-winning author and illustrator with more than 20 years’ experience creating picture books and teaching. Her recent books include The Think-Ups! and the third book in the ‘Ploofer’ series A Little Bit of Respect. Recent collaborations include illustrations for Emma Perry’s Puddling, and Sean Taylor’s Humperdink Our Elephant Friend and The Snowbear.
What people say about this course
“Thankful for a course like this as I can do this alongside my career whilst making the dream happen.”
“Claire is a great tutor - giving honest feedback and sharing a lot of really valuable insight.”
“I got enough time and space to develop my ideas, in a supportive environment. My skills definitely improved”
Online lunchtime classes take place each Wednesday from 12:00 – 14:00 BST from 17 April – 26 June 2024. There is no class on Wednesday 29 May.
If you are not UK-based you can use this time zone converter (opens in new window)to check your local time.
Full price: £450.00
Concessions: £360.00
Concessions are available for students, those on income-supporting benefits and early career illustrators (who have been practicing for under three years).
Disabled ticket holders can book a free ticket for their personal assistant or companion at the same time as their own full price or concessionary ticket.
Ticket bookings are subject to our terms and conditions(opens in new window).
This course is for beginners. No prior experience of writing is needed, however an experience of drawing is recommended, as well as enthusiasm for picture books!
If you have any questions about whether this course would be right for you, please contact us learning@qbcentre.org.uk.
Please note that this course is for attendees aged 18+ only.
You will need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone and a stable internet connection. We use web platforms Zoom(opens in new window) and Padlet(opens in new window) to host sessions and share resources, but you do not need your own accounts to use them. You may like to print out the resources.
- A4 rough and smooth watercolour paper
- A3 sketchpad
- Pen
- 2B pencil
- Colouring pencils
- Rubber
- Pencil sharpener
- Watercolour set of 12 colours
- Watercolour brushes in 3 sizes
- Cup for water
- Glue stick
- Blu-tack
- 4 small envelopes
- Small Post-it notes
- Large Tupperware box lid
- Household sponge
- Kitchen roll or rag
- Table salt
- Wooden board
Online classes take place live on Zoom and include real-time exercises, tutorials, demonstrations, group discussion and feedback.
Course materials, including recordings of sessions and galleries are uploaded to a shared Padlet. You can also use the Padlet to upload your work for feedback.
You will receive course information and resources two weeks before the course start date and login details the day before. This will be sent to the email address you used to make your booking. Please contact us if you would like us to send course information to a different address learning@qbcentre.org.uk.
The course requires homework between sessions for which you should allow a minimum of two to three hours per week.
Our online events are held via video conferencing application Zoom with closed captioning enabled.
We record live classes. Recordings are uploaded the day after each class and are available until two weeks after the course finishes.
Disabled ticket holders can book a free ticket for their personal assistant or companion at the same time as their own full price or concessionary ticket via the booking link.
If you have any queries, or would like to discuss your access needs, please contact us access@qbcentre.org.uk.
Ticket concessions are available for students, those on income-supporting benefits and early career illustrators (under three years’ practice).
We want everyone to be able to participate in our activities. Please email us if cost is a barrier and you would like to discuss payment options learning@qbcentre.org.uk.
If you would like to gift a place on this workshop to someone, we can send you a personalised e-ticket for them by email.
How it works
Buy a ticket via the link above.
Forward your email booking confirmation to learning@qbcentre.org.uk, along with the name and email address of the person you will be gifting it to.
We will send you a personalised e-ticket by email within 5-7 working days.
You can choose to print the voucher or email it to your recipient.
Our frequently asked questions page(opens in new window) has more information on our online courses.
Still have questions? Contact us learning@qbcentre.org.uk.