Inside the Course: Illustrating Children's Books with Claire Alexander
Gain insight into the children’s book market and find out what to expect from our summer school course with tutor Claire Alexander.
Interested to start your illustration journey? Find out more and book your place: Illustrate A Children’s Book(opens in new window).
You have worked as a children’s book author and illustrator for 23 years. How do you view the market now compared to when you first started?
The UK children’s book market has changed significantly since I started. Publishers are now more focused on securing international sales and co-editions to make commissions financially viable. Following the rise of online retailers and the 2008 financial crash, many publishers reduced staff numbers, leaving less time to review submissions directly from writers and illustrators. As a result, agents have become increasingly important in discovering and developing new talent.
What are some of the exciting developments or new challenges?
I’m encouraged to see picture books reaching a wider age range and becoming more varied in format and subject matter. I’ve always believed picture books can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It’s also interesting to see many artists embracing traditional media again, often combining it with digital techniques. This can bring a distinctive, personal quality to the artwork while still allowing flexibility during the publishing process.
One of the biggest challenges remains getting your work in front of publishers. I often encourage students to connect with editors and art directors through social media. A friendly introduction can be a great way to share your work and start building professional relationships.
– Claire AlexanderDraw the things you genuinely love to draw and stay true to your own interests.
Did you always want to illustrate children’s books?
No, although I poured over the pictures in children’s books when I was young - I now know I was dyslexic - I couldn’t read the words, but I loved the illustrations. My favourite book was Quentin Blakes' Lester and the Unusual Pet and that’s no lie! I have lovely memories of my mum in stitches while reading it to me, it was joyful! Growing up I continually drew and painted, then I studied Fine Art, and tried to make a living as a portrait painter while working other jobs alongside it.
In my late twenties, my partner wrote a children’s book and I had a go at illustrating it. I really enjoyed creating and animating the characters, but it didn’t go anywhere. I then met a life coach, Dawn Winder, who helped me turn my illustration ambitions into a realistic plan. Another important influence was my illustration tutor, Caroline Dinan. She encouraged me to write a story for one of my characters when I’d never considered I could write. A year later, that story was commissioned. I’m incredibly grateful to both these wonderful women and my partner at the time for their encouragement and support.
What are some of the best parts of working as a children’s book illustrator?
I love the creativity, flexibility, and independence that come with the job. At the same time, creating a book is a collaborative process, and I always learn something new from working with other authors, editors and my agent, the brilliant James Catchpole. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others, which is why teaching has become such an important part of my work.
Can you tell us about a recent project you have worked on?
I recently illustrated Dear Little One by Mara Bergman, my first book aimed specifically at babies and toddlers. The book is inspired by short poems Mara wrote while spending time with her young grandchild. It reminded me how important poems, songs, and shared reading were when my own daughters were young. It’s a project I’m very proud of, and it feels especially personal because both our families are reflected in the illustrations.
– Claire AlexanderAlongside live individual feedback, there will be plenty of practical guidance, industry insight, and advice on getting published.
What can people expect from your summer school course(opens in new window)?
Participants can expect a fun, well structured, focused week exploring character design, layouts, and colour artwork in response to a choice of a board book or picture book brief. The course is entirely illustration-based with the text provided and paced out as it would be in a professional publishing brief. Alongside live individual feedback, there will be plenty of practical guidance, industry insight, and advice on getting published.
Why should they join?
The course offers a rare opportunity to dedicate a full week to developing a substantial portfolio project in a supportive environment. The work you create could become a valuable addition to your portfolio and help you showcase your skills to publishers and agents. It’s also a wonderful chance to meet fellow illustrators, share ideas, and build lasting creative connections. And, of course, participants will be among the first to attend a live course at the brand new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration!
What one piece of advice would you give to someone aspiring to illustrate children’s book?
Draw the things you genuinely love to draw and stay true to your own interests.
What advice do you wish you had known when you first started out?
Keep creating new characters and fresh portfolio pieces. Publishers and agents are always looking to see what’s next, so continually developing new work is essential.