Discover the magic of storytelling through the art of picture book illustration. This workshop introduces you to the fundamentals of creating engaging visual narratives for children, from understanding picture book formats and structure to developing compelling characters and scenes. Working through guided exercises, you'll explore thumbnailing and storyboarding techniques while learning key considerations when illustrating for young audiences. Over the duration of the workshop, you'll progress from early concept sketches to refining detailed illustrations, experimenting with composition to enhance mood, clarity and storytelling. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the publishing industry and illustration process, helping you understand how picture books move from idea to printed page. Whether you're new to illustration, looking to develop your portfolio for childrens publishing or want to illustrate your own stories, this workshop will equip you with the creative tools, practical knowledge and confidence to craft vibrant, story-driven picture book designs. This workshop focuses primarily on the designing phase of illustrating picture books. While colour and rendering techniques will be discussed, detailed instruction of specific materials and mediums will not be covered.
Illustrating Picture Books
Course Description
Discover the magic of storytelling through picture book illustration in this practical, creative workshop.
Designed for emerging illustrators and storytellers, this course explores how words and images work together to create engaging visual narratives for young readers.
From understanding picture book formats and pacing to designing expressive characters and dynamic scenes, you’ll gain the foundations needed to illustrate with clarity and confidence.
Through guided exercises and feedback, you’ll move from early concept sketches and storyboarding to developing refined book spreads.
Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the children’s publishing industry and learn how picture books progress from manuscript to printed page.
Whether you’re building a portfolio, illustrating your own story, or exploring children’s publishing for the first time, this workshop equips you with creative tools and professional insight to bring your ideas to life.
Course Structure
The course begins by introducing students to picture book structure, pacing, and visual storytelling principles, including page turns and layout flow.
Students will work through thumbnailing and storyboarding exercises using a sample manuscript (or their own project, if preferred).
Initial character concepts will be developed before progressing to detailed sketches of one or two book spreads.
Students will then receive group and individual feedback to refine their visual storytelling.
The focus shifts to strengthening composition, clarity, and character consistency.
Discussion includes colour considerations, pathways to publication, and practical next steps for portfolio development.
Students may choose to further develop one or two spreads, with feedback provided on composition and design.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand picture book structure, pacing, and visual storytelling principles
- Develop engaging characters and scenes suitable for young audiences
- Use thumbnailing and storyboarding techniques to plan narrative flow
- Refine compositions to effectively communicate mood, action, and story
- Gain insight into the publishing process and industry expectations
- Develop one or two resolved picture book spreads.
Course Requirements
Please bring drawing and sketching supplies, including:
- A4 or A3 sketchbook, paper, or digital drawing device
- Lead pencils, rulers, and erasers (or stylus equivalent)
- Journal for notes
Optional:
- Tracing paper or alternative sketching paper such as an A4 60gsm bank pad
- Alternative paper sizes
- Preferred drawing implements
- Art materials for colour illustrations
- Personal manuscript and initial designs if working on a self-directed project
Please bring what you are comfortable working with.
Please note: This workshop focuses primarily on the design phase of picture book illustration. Detailed instruction in specific painting or rendering techniques is not provided. If using a digital device, please ensure drawing software is pre-installed and you are confident using it.
Your Tutor is Lauren Mullinder
Lauren Mullinder has been teaching at WEA since 2026.
Lauren is an illustrator, graphic designer and educator based in Adelaide’s north-east foothills. With qualifications in Visual Communication and Children’s Literature, she has spent more than a decade illustrating children’s books, including picture books and junior fiction, while working from her home studio.
Passionate about storytelling through images, Lauren delivers engaging workshops in illustration, character design and drawing fundamentals for both children and adults.
Alongside her creative practice, she is the South Australian Regional Coordinator for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), a member of Adelaide Illustrators and the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), and was the 2023 winner of the CYA Writers & Illustrators Competition (Published Illustration).
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