Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Getting Started with Writing & Illustrating Children’s Books: Essential Tools & Tips
15
items Dive into the world of children’s book illustration with this curated list of resources, tips, and tools designed to help you start illustrating for young readers. From developing your unique style and choosing the best illustration software to under...
Sections
4
Traditional Tools
Digital Tools
Where to Start
Useful Books
Traditional Tools
Whether you're a beginner or seasoned illustrator, these tools encourage creativity and precision, offering the tactile experience that digital methods can’t replicate.
A good set of sketching pencils is always useful.
Derwent Academy Graphite Pencils Set of 12
My all-time favourite coloured pencils.
Caran D'ache Swisscolor Pencils Metal Box 30
Choosing a sketchpad is a very personal choice. Spiral bound, hardback, small, large or simply loose sheets of paper. It really depends on what YOU prefer.
A4 Sketch Pad, 60 Sheets, 80 GSM White Paper
This is a handy set of watercolours. Great for travelling but also good for day to day use too.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers Set, 12 Pans
Great for quick sketches.
Winsor & Newton 14ml Black Indian Ink
Perfect for playing with ink.
Oblique Calligraphy Dip Pen Nib Set
Digital Tools
Discover the best illustration software, online asset libraries, and educational content to help bring your ideas to life. Perfect for building your toolkit, refining techniques, and staying inspired in your creative journey.
This app was a game changer for me. For a one off fee of $12.99 you have lifetime access to a whole new world of possibilities at your finger tips. Only available for iPadOS & iOS.
Procreate
The iPad Pro is the best for using with Procreate to create digital art work.
iPad Pro - Apple
The Apple Pencil 2 is the recommended version to use with the iPad Pro and Procreate.
Buy Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
Where to Start
This curated list covers everything from beginner techniques in drawing and character design to advanced skills in storytelling and visual composition.
I have taken a number of Make Art That Sells (MATS)courses over the years and have learnt such a lot. They are packed with hints and tips and always lots of extra value from industry professionals.
Online Courses | Make Art That Sells
Lisa is an incredible designer and illustrator. I can highly recommend her.
Easy drawing tutorials - Lisa Glanz
Learn from the best! I've taken this course myself and can highly recommend it.
Writing Children's Picture Books - Julia Donaldson - BBC Maestro
Useful Books
Perfect for aspiring authors, educators, or seasoned writers, these resources cover everything from generating creative ideas to understanding the children's publishing market.
Understanding the ‘why’ behind writing pictures books and their enduring appeal.
Show Me a Story!: Why Picture Books Matter
Lots of useful information and practical exercises.
Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide
Another one on my bookshelf!
How to Be a Children's Book Illustrator