Do I Need to Master Drawing People? Unlocking the Potential of Human Characters in Picture Books

Drawing animal characters is fun and exciting, but if you aspire to be a children's picture book illustrator, it's essential to also master drawing human characters. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of incorporating human characters, expanding artistic skills, and building a...

Continue Reading...

Embracing Your Rhythm as an Artist: The Power of Self-Care, Structure, and Balance

Embracing Your Rhythm as an Artist: The Power of Self-Care, Structure, and Balance

Picture this: You're sitting in front of your sketchbook, and your pencil hovers in the air, waiting to bring your imagination to life. But something feels off. The inspiration that once flowed effortlessly is...

Continue Reading...

Permission to Play: Rediscovering Your Creative Spark - A Guide for Picture Book Illustrators

If you are feeling like you are stuck in a creative rut, then this is for you. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The blank page staring back at us, the once-overflowing well of inspiration and ideas has run dry. 

How do I get through this you ask? 

Today we’re going to...

Continue Reading...

Finding Your Artistic Style and Approach: A Guide to Finding Your Creative Voice

No, it is not a problem for illustrators to have different styles across their picture books. In fact, it is quite common for illustrators to evolve and explore different artistic styles throughout their careers. Maurice Sendak is an excellent example of an illustrator who demonstrated...

Continue Reading...

Unlocking Success in Children's Picture Book Illustration: Key Skills and Qualifications

Becoming a children's picture book illustrator is an incredible journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast focus on the end goal. While formal education is not mandatory, it can provide valuable training, guidance, and opportunities to develop your skills. However, the real...

Continue Reading...

Choosing the Right Path to Picture Book Illustration: 8 Essential Tips for Success

Dreaming of becoming a picture book illustrator? Let's make that dream a reality. We all know that time is a valuable resource, and your passion fuels your desire to learn and create illustrations regularly. In order to achieve the success you deserve, it's essential to carefully select...

Continue Reading...

7 Tips to Becoming a Children's Picture Book Illustrator: My Journey and Advice

Becoming a children's picture book illustrator is an exciting and fulfilling journey that requires a combination of artistic skills, persistence, and a strong portfolio. I know this because I've been through it myself. Allow me to share my story and offer you some valuable tips to help you pursue...

Continue Reading...

How to Draw a Face in 7 Easy Steps

It turns out that I love faces. Whether it be sketching, drawing, painting, an art piece, or an illustration, I delight in capturing a subject from the neck up.

Before I show you how to draw a face in 7 easy steps, I’d like to share a self-portrait that my art teacher Mr. Houseman...

Continue Reading...

3 Mindset Shifts for Creative Success

Yoga instructor and all-around creative Melissa Ng shares 3 mindset shifts that transformed her illustration journey.

Choosing a creative path is not always easy. And at some level, every experience on your creative journey boils down to your interpretation of it. In fact, some say that...

Continue Reading...

Maeko Bradshaw's Picture Book Illustration Journey

My name is Maeko Bradshaw 

I am from South Lake Tahoe, California, USA. I am a calligraphy artist by trade and when I’m not illustrating, I’m usually working on signage for weddings or special events. I’m also lucky enough to live in a beautiful place with lots of outdoor...

Continue Reading...
Close

Join my free mini-course

As my gift to you, here is my character design mini-course. All I need to know is where to send it. Valued at $20, it is 100% free. No credit card is required. You will also receive Nina news – I love to share, but not too often, not too much, and always in support of your creative journey. And you can unsubscribe at any time.