Design a Children’s Book

COURSE CODE: SC2304063

COURSE DATES: Monday 12th – Friday 16th August 2024

TUTOR: Rachael Ball

DAYS: 5

TIMES: 10:00am - 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: All Levels

FEE: £370

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9SH

On this exciting one week summer course you will learn the secrets to inventing, writing and illustrating a children’s picture book; experiment with different media and approaches; benefit from regular mentoring from a published author and gain professional tips for approaching a publisher. By the end of this fun and inspirational week, you will have written a compelling story; created fabulous characters; experimented with making a finished page or pages of artwork and designed and developed a storyboard.

This course is ideal for aspiring writers and illustrators who want to learn the fundamentals to making a picture book and is suitable for amateurs and professionals alike.

Your tutor, Rachael Ball, has also taught workshops on writing and illustrating picture books and graphic novels at Anglia Ruskin University, the Arvon, the House of Illustration and the City Lit. Her first graphic novel, published by Bloomsbury was one of the Guardian’s best graphic novels in 2015. Her second YA graphic novel, Wolf, published by SelfMadeHero in 2018 was described by the Times Literary Supplement as ‘wildly inventive, poignant and elegiac.’

Please note that this course will be happening at our new Bankside Campus!

Recommend booking by: July 29, 2024

COURSE SCHEDULE

All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

Students must provide their own drawing materials. You will need to bring to your first lesson

  • 2B pencils
  • Eraser
  • any favourite drawing pens
  • A3 sketch pad, notebook
  • A3 portfolio with plastic sleeves.

Your tutor will advise you directly what to bring in subsequent weeks. Examples of previously attempted work is useful but not essential.       

RACHAEL BALL

Rachael Ball has been a cartoonist/ illustrator since 1988, an Art teacher from 2001- 2016. Since 2016 she has been running workshops on writing and illustrating unique stories for children and adults across London. Her first graphic novel, ‘The Inflatable Woman’ (published-Bloomsbury), was a Guardian Best Graphic Novel 2015 and was shortlisted for ‘The British Book Design and Production Award’ 2016. Her second book ‘ WOLF’ will be published by Self Made Hero in October 2018

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9SH

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 5 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

Students are welcome to use our Common Room during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food.

You are also welcome to make tea or coffee.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course

  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.

  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.

  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.

  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

£370.00

£370.00