Illustration for Children Season

Almost Anything Is Possible - tapping into a world of play

From a young age the visual not only helps us make sense of the world, but entertains and engages also. Jyni Ong talks to illustrators and commissioners across a range of projects aimed at children about storytelling, stretching creative muscles and illustrating fabric patterns.

When illustrators are presented with a brief for children, often it means they are in for a treat. This is because these types of projects are usually synonymous with creative freedom. The illustrator is tasked with tapping into a world of play where unbridled imagination runs free. Colour, character design, storytelling and engaging visuals are all important considerations when attracting the sponge-like minds of children as well as the parents, carers or relatives buying for the child. Illustration for children can take a number of forms; from product design, picture books, animations to food products, the sprawling creative genre is versatile in its myriad applications.

Here, we?ll delve into the behind the scenes workings, talking to three illustrators and commissioners on what it?s like to work within this creative niche and the various considerations to bear in mind. From how to consider the parent?s point of view to ensuring children of all backgrounds feel seen and finding the right artist for the job in the first place; we?ll dig into the art of illustration for children. Storytelling, technique, creativity and more. 

The joys of creative, open playfulness

Notable illustration projects for children can be singled out for their ingenuity. These are projects that take creative ideation one step further by pushing composition, character design, materiality, or contextual thoughtfulness that bit further. Success can often be judged by outcomes that aren?t watered down by prescriptive clients. Instead of the client seeking to foreground an agenda