INK for IMPACT: Essentials of Book Illustration

Duration: 4 Weeks (Online course via Zoom)
Mondays, November 18th - December 9th 7:30 - 9:00 PM GMT

Course Overview:

"Ink for Impact: Essentials of Book Illustration" is a thoughtfully designed four-week Illustration evening course aimed at early-stage illustrators (ie: aspiring illustrators and those in the first few years of working professionally) who are enthusiastic about book illustration and eager to establish a solid foundation for a successful career. This course is led by award-winning illustrator Sarah Horne, her 24 years in this field will provide participants with invaluable insights and practical knowledge.

Throughout this immersive program, participants will learn essential skills that are crucial for navigating the stormy book illustration seas. Key topics will include the development of a compelling portfolio, understanding vital legal aspects such as copyright, and formulating effective business strategies to thrive in a competitive industry. Additionally, this short course will explore contemporary trends influencing the illustration landscape, including the impact of artificial intelligence and digital tools, ensuring students are well-equipped to remain relevant and adaptable in a fast-evolving market.

Course Outline:

Dive One / Week 1: Foundations

• Welcome and Where Do I start?
  Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the workflow of a professional illustrator, what a year looks like, focusing on essential aspects such as effective time management, the selection of appropriate tools, and strategic project planning. This foundational knowledge will set the stage for the weeks to come.

• Getting Started:
  Often the biggest question is ‘Where Do I Start?’. This session provides step-by-step guidance on how to enter the book illustration field. Participants will explore various resources and techniques, including the use of sketchbooks, creating sample work, and strategies for building initial momentum in their careers.

• Digital vs. Traditional Illustration:
  This segment will delve into the unique characteristics of both digital and traditional illustration methods. Participants will gain insights into the advantages and limitations of each approach, helping them identify which method aligns best with their personal style and workflow.

• Q&A Session:
  An interactive live discussion will allow participants to address any questions and challenges they may be facing as new illustrators, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Dive Two / Week 2: Portfolio Building & Character Design

• Portfolio Essentials:
  Participants will learn techniques for building a professional portfolio that effectively showcases their unique style and skills. The session will cover important considerations such as content selection, layout design, and how to tailor portfolios for different market audiences.

• Finding Your Voice:
  This session will focus on helping participants balance their personal authenticity with a marketable style. Students will explore strategies for developing a distinctive voice in their work that resonates with audiences and stands out in the industry.

• Character Design:
  Most children’s books are character led. Participants will delve into the key aspects of character development, learning how to create engaging and relatable characters. The session will emphasise the importance of consistency, expressions, and understanding the target audience. Sarah will offer some tips on creating emotive and characterful endearing characters.

• Q&A Session:
  A dedicated time for participants to seek feedback on character design and portfolio-building efforts, allowing for targeted guidance and support.

Dive Three / Week 3: Storytelling & Composition

• Visual Storytelling:
  This session will teach participants techniques for enhancing narrative impact through illustration. Students will learn how to effectively bring stories to life, engaging readers on a deeper level.

• Scene Composition:
  Participants will explore layout principles that are essential for creating dynamic and immersive scenes. The session will cover how to arrange visual elements to capture the audience’s attention and guide their experience.

• Pacing & Flow:
  This portion will focus on structuring illustrations to create a smooth and coherent reading experience. Participants will learn how to pace their work to ensure that the narrative unfolds in an engaging manner.

• Emotion in Illustration:
  The final segment of this week will cover techniques for conveying mood and tone through colour, contrast, and character expressions. Participants will learn how to evoke emotions in their illustrations, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

• Q&A Session:
  An interactive discussion focused on storytelling and composition, providing participants with the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on their work.

Dive Four / Week 4: Business Essentials

• Business Basics:
  Participants will acquire essential knowledge in client management, pricing strategies, contract negotiation, and the logistics of freelancing. This information is vital for successfully navigating the business side of illustration.

• Copyright Fundamentals:
  This session will provide an overview of copyright laws, helping participants understand how to protect their work and intellectual property rights, which are crucial for their professional development.

• Digital Tools & AI's Impact:
  Participants will explore the advantages and limitations of various digital tools, as well as a discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in illustration. This will include insights into how these advancements may influence creative professionals in the industry.

• Q&A Session:
  The final session will focus on professional practices and strategies for long-term growth in the illustration field, providing participants with actionable takeaways for their careers.

Pricing:

INK for IMPACT course: £199

• Includes access to all course materials and live sessions.

• Opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions.

• Ideal for those seeking foundational knowledge without additional support. 

INK for IMPACT Course + 1:1 Mentoring : £329 

• Includes everything in the Basic Package.

• Access to recorded sessions for later review.

•  3 x additional 1 hour 1:1 mentoring sessions with Sarah Horne. (15% off) sessions by arrangement. 

“... I cannot thank Sarah enough. She has helped me ‘level up’ and I’m looking forward to the direction I’m heading. She is a wonderful teacher, mentor, illustrator and just fabulous human. Can’t recommend working with her enough, in any capacity! At the very least go and track down some of her work, because it is outstanding 😅

Feeling very lucky for the experience of working with her and for meeting my fellow students. What. A. Week.”

 #illustrator #illustration #childrensbookillustration #mentoring #firstclassteacher #illustrationlevelup

– George Elliot @gkelliottpicsandwords (George attended our in-person illustration course in October 2024)

If you're unsure which option to choose, I invite you to book a brief exploratory call with me. Click the button below to connect and discuss the best fit for your illustration journey:

Terms and Conditions for 'Ink For Impact: Essentials of Book Illustration Course

1. Course Overview

• Ink For Impact: Essentials of Book Illustration (hereinafter referred to as "the Course") is a four-week online educational program focusing on foundational skills in book illustration. The Course runs from November 18 to December 9 2024 with sessions held on Mondays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM GMT. The course covers portfolio building, storytelling, and essential business skills for early-stage illustrators.

2. Enrolment and Fees

• Enrolment in the Course requires advance payment of the applicable fees:

• Standard Enrolment: £195 for access to the four-week course.

• Enrolment with Mentorship: £329 for the course and one-on-one mentoring sessions with Sarah Horne.

• Enrolment fees are non-refundable except as outlined below.

• The Course may be purchased only by individuals aged 18 and above, or with parental consent if under the age of 18.

3. Payment Terms

• Payments are processed through our designated payment platform Shopify, and must be received prior to the start of the Course to confirm your place.

• Failure to make timely payment may result in a forfeiture of your reserved spot.

4. Refund and Cancellation Policy

• Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the start of the Course.

• No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 7 days of the Course start date, except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Course administrator.

• If a student opts out after the Course has commenced, no refund will be issued for unused classes or mentoring sessions.

5. Course Content and Schedule

• The Course is scheduled for Mondays from 7:30 - 9:00 PM GMT but may be subject to minor changes with notice.

• Course content is designed exclusively for registered participants and may not be shared or redistributed in any format.

• The Course may include live discussions and interactive sessions, and we encourage all participants to engage respectfully. Any disruptive behaviour may result in removal from the session at the instructor's discretion.

6. Intellectual Property

• All course materials, including handouts, slides, recordings, and supplemental resources, are the intellectual property of the instructor, Sarah Horne, and are provided solely for individual use.

• Participants may not reproduce, distribute, or otherwise share any materials without express permission from the instructor.

7. Mentorship Package (Optional)

• The mentorship package includes one-on-one feedback sessions with Sarah Horne, to be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.

• Mentoring sessions must be used within three months of the Course completion and are non-transferable.

• Mentorship sessions are strictly for constructive feedback and support, not for commercial design or completion of projects.

8. Privacy and Confidentiality

• We are committed to protecting your privacy. Personal information provided upon enrollment will only be used for Course-related communications and will not be shared with third parties.

• All participants are expected to respect the privacy of their peers and refrain from sharing any personal information discussed during sessions.

9. Limitation of Liability

• The Course and its contents are provided as educational resources and do not constitute career or legal advice.

• By enrolling, participants acknowledge that they are responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on course content. The instructor and course provider shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from participation in the Course.

10. Amendments and Updates

• These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. Participants will be notified of any significant changes before the updated terms apply.

11. Acceptance of Terms

• By enrolling in Ink For Impact: Essentials of Book Illustration, participants acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Please review these terms carefully. For questions or additional clarification, please contact us at hello@sarahhorne.studio