How to illustrate a children's book - My working routine as an illustrator

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Күн бұрын

How to illustrate a children's book - My working routine as an illustrator
Hello hello Helmies!
In this video I wanted to show you, how I usually work when I have to illustrate a children´s book. This is usually how I work as an illustrator, but in this case it is an example of how I work with Illusalon, which is an agency based in China!
Please leave a comment and / or subscribe to my channel!
You can also find me here:
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Пікірлер: 110

@jbn9029 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! very helpful. loved how your dog joined the video. So cute!

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Thank youuu!!! Hihihihi, yes, he is my little companion!! :) I´m so happy when he is around!!

@VlzArtist 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing art style and amazing work overall, love it

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

VlzArtist oh wow, thank you so much!!!! 😯🤗❤️

@johnglass7383 4 жыл бұрын

Alexandra, thanks, good stuff. I've written children's plays for years and am now setting out to write children's fiction. This video is helpful.

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

This sounds awesome!!!! :) Good luck with everything and if you need some help: let me know!!

@liizzset 6 жыл бұрын

Just found this channel. I was thinking about an careeer in Illustration too. Still exploring the possibilities and or options. Thanks for the video. Very short and simple but very creative. Gives me a perspective view of the career. New subscriber here.

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Yaaay!! And welcome!!! :) I´m really happy, if I can help!! :)

@sentencedrawing 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, it's a great glimpse into your process. I hope your projects are going well. :)

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

thank youuuu!!! :) Yes, currently I´m very busy!! :D

@Jonathanmccallum1 6 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Jonathan McCallum thank youuuu!! :)

@alexandrarodriguez9658 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm eighteen and beginning my university experience in art, but i always have always had a passion in books as well. Being someone who lives in a foreign country that doesn't offer the path I want in English I ended up going towards art and feel a bit scared over it since, in all honesty, I don't want to starve. Recently I was mentioned being a children's book illustrator and now I am beyond elated. Seeing this lifts my spirits even more. Thank you!

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

All you really need to do ist trust your guts! You can be whatever you want to be if you´re willing to work towards your goals! I mean, we all only have this one live, so we should do what we love to do!! I wish you the very best!! And don´t listen to people who are trying to put you down, instead try to proof them that they are wrong! It might take some time, but you´ll get there!!

@alexandrarodriguez9658 6 жыл бұрын

Alexandra Helm Thank you again!

@mwihakitabitha5255 7 жыл бұрын

Very helpful thanks for posting

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!!! :) I´m happy if I could help!

@mackstertube 6 жыл бұрын

I love your beautiful dog. I have a beautiful Australian Kelpie the the exact same colors and markings as your dog. Dogs are the best people.

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Aaaaw, thank you so much!!! Yeeees, he looks just the same (as far as I can see it in your profile pic)! So cute!!!!! I couldn´t agree more!! Dogs ARE the best people! :)

@DARJA.SAVARUS 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing work!👍

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Thank youuuuu!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

@nf3126 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! I wondered what the benefit is of using Photoshop instead of illustrator for this task. I was surprised that you did it in Photoshop. Your work is lovely and your dog is adorable 💕

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hi there!! :) Well, I find Photoshop much easier when it comes to drawing. I mean Illustrator is great too, but since it is vector based it is very different. I can work much faster with Photoshop and use sooo many different brushes and stuff. But if you prefer Illustrator: go for it!! It's not about the media, it's what you create with it!! :)

@mariarey7534 6 жыл бұрын

Hi from a new follower!Beautiful art !😍Your dog is very cute!🐶

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Helloooo and thanks for following!!! :)

@CharreseMoniqueMusic 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I really enjoyed watching! God bless you! 💖

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Charrese McSee thank you so much!!! :) I'm happy if I could help a little !!

@CharreseMoniqueMusic 6 жыл бұрын

Alexandra Helm You're so very welcome! You help more than just a little. You help alot, and you are an inspiration and a blessing! Thank you again! 😊

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Charrese McSee 😱😱😱❤️😍

@arianadourre 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This is a helpful video. :)

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Thank YOU for watching and leaving a comment!! :) :) I´m happy if I could help!!

@vivianeb90 5 жыл бұрын

Sehr schoen. Vielen Dank!

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Sehr sehr gerne!!! :)

@JleilaniSpezzano 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!:)

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

You´re welcome!!! :)

@jorgeg922 5 жыл бұрын

I've given up on photoshop 3 times now... you are very good with it... nice art!

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hey!! Maybe you can find some help here: www.svslearn.com/ I also learnt much by one of their videos!! :) Thaaank you!!! :)

@TheMiriamLinnea Жыл бұрын

Im so happy I found this video - great to see people still happy to give advice without getting paid for it. Very useful video, thank you for sharing! I have a question regarding the process of getting your drawings into finished book. my plan: use line-drawings & watercolour to make my scetches -> scan them high resolution -> upload my digital scanned files to Adobe Indesign, where I will create the whole book. My question is if I need to use a profesional firm to scan my pictures, or do you think using a normal home-scanner will be sufficient, with the many features adobe ( creative cloud) have included? Are you using photoshop in Adobe for adding colours? I am not sure if I should add colour with watercolour (can i just re-touch with photoshop if I allready colour with watercolour?) or it is smarter to add all colour with the photoshoop/ illustrator feature adobe have? I do not have my own ipad, so would prefer to use my hands and macbook :) Looking forward to hear from you!

@asmaabdelkader2574 6 жыл бұрын

Can you make a video about how you send your ideas for the clients? specially those in other countries how to make a good presentation PDF and what to write? And how to make sure my ideas are not gonna be stolen from the proposal I'm sending?! Thank you and I love your style it's really beautiful.

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Helloooooo! And thank you so much for your kind words!! There are several requests for videos and I will all write them down and make a video one by one! But this is of course a very important topic, so I´ll definitely make a video about this!! :)

@lauraviolet1787 4 жыл бұрын

Your dog is so good and I love your channal

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Aaaaw thank you so much hihi!! Thanks for being there and watching my stuff! 😊 ❤️

@shravanabelagola 6 жыл бұрын

Its fabulous to see how you imagine the entire story unfold in your illustrations. I would like to know how you choose colours which are appealing to a child? is there any special pallete, or is it a lot of experimentation before you reach this?

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Swayam Prakash Mohanty I guess colors for children's books are often a bit brighter. But there are also books with darker colors for example illustrated by Julia Sarda (love her work). I often try out what colors work best together and change them when I don't like them anymore... 😊 So trying is the best thing I guess!!

@AmbikaKarandikar 6 жыл бұрын

Hi! I loved your video. Could you please share how you work on Photoshop :) or how to start working on Photoshop after scanning the sketches. I'm a beginner. It would be very useful if you share the video :) love from India ❤️

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Hey there and thank you so much for being interested! :) I started working with Photoshop knowing nothing about it. I guess the best way is to start exploring the program. I might make a video about it, but it could take a while. But you can find many great tutorial videos out there. I wish you the best and send love from Germany!!

@sliproot1855 7 жыл бұрын

Hi, loved your little timelapse! Where did you get those awesome texture brushes from if you don't mind me asking? I've been looking for something exactly like them!

@sliproot1855 7 жыл бұрын

oh I just saw they're from kyle :)

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

Peter Cheong Yes, they are from Kyle, but the mg brushes are great, too! If you Google them, I'm sure you can find those easily! Thank you for your warm words! :)

@JleilaniSpezzano 7 жыл бұрын

Hello! Thank you for a wonderful video. I was wondering which program of photoshop you use and what the name of your electronic sketch pad is. Thank you!:)

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

Hi there and thank you for watching!! :) The PS I use is the version of the creative cloud. You pay per month (it´s an abonnement) and get a few nice programs. It´s quite handy because you always have the newest version and it works very well! The pad I use is the Wacom Cintiq 13 hd and I LOVE IT!!!

@RandomWorldd 6 жыл бұрын

i need your help...

@VictorSantos-gy4uj 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! I will soon hire an illustrator to do my first picture book but I have no idea how to approach the entire process. Do you have some resources you could share about how to approach them, negotiate terms, ask for samples, and all? Thank you so much again! If you prefer, we could do a Skype interview and I would be willing to compensate you for your time, of course. :)

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Victor!! Thanks for your comment!! I allways work with big publishing houses so the publishing process itself is something, I can't say much about. I'm sorry!! But good luck with everything!!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻😊🍀

@larryglatt2548 5 жыл бұрын

I also just found you & thank you for a great video. My question is; are you only using a tablet to submit your work or do you sometimes submit on paper, if so what paper. Thank you again.

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

hi there and thanks a bunch!!! I´m happy you´re here!! I only submit online so it´s never on Paper. I usually only make my rough sketeches on paper and then work digitally. It´s much easier to submit work, but it´s also possible to send originals to the publisher. ;)

@ywong4350 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Alexanda Thanks so much for your video, I liked hearing about your routine and seeing some of your work. I have never heard about illusalon and was very interested because I used to live in Beijing but it was hard to find and connect with illustrators. However, when I checked out the website, it seemed really outdated. Do you know more about it? Do you still have a contract with them? My initial excitement is kinda fading because in China things are here one day and gone the next. Would love to hear from you!

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Andy and thanks for your comment!! After I've read your comment, I went over to illusalon and it really doesn't seem to be very active at the moment. I haven't heard anything from my agent but last information I had was, that she wasn't working for them anymore.... Maybe they closed it down for real... 😳

@MCPDeveloper 3 жыл бұрын

Are you awaiting a book called ‘My Summer Joirnal’ ?

@TCee93 7 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel. I am currently working and making a career switch to illustration so it was very cool to see your workflow! I really like your art style. Is it a brush that makes the grainy texture?Thanks for sharing. :)

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

Thomas Cheng thank you so much!! :) The textures are an extra layer. You can download beautiful textures at lostandfound. Just google them, you'll find them easily! :) The downloads are for free but you can donate if you want to support them! :)

@TCee93 7 жыл бұрын

Alexandra Helm thank you Alexandra! I'll be sure to check out your other videos as well :)

@TCee93 7 жыл бұрын

Was it lostandtaken? Couldn't really find anything under lostandfound. Thanks again :)

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

Thomas Cheng ah yes yes that was it! Sorry! :)

@NC-ij9rb 7 жыл бұрын

Hi, Alexandra! I love your work! What's the name of your agency? I'm also an illustrator. A starting illustrator to be precise. I've been trying to find an illustrator agency that would sign me up but I hadn't been lucky. Do you have any tips?

@AlexandraHelm 7 жыл бұрын

nyrryl cadiz hey!!! Thank you so much!!! The agency is called illusalon. You will find it immediately if you google it!! Finding a right agency can be a crazy struggle!! I wish you luck!!!

@SadafMirza 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely work, can you please tell me which tablet are you using here? I want to invest in one but with so many options I am just very confused. Thanx

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you soo much my dear!! I'm using the Wacom Cintic 13 HD and I love it!!! :)

@mumtazeena 6 жыл бұрын

Hi, I'm a social science student but I would really like to start digital illustration! I was thinking of getting an iPad, do you think it is sufficient to work with 10.5" size or is the 12.9" size like your wacom 13" the best solution? You inspire me with this video, thanks a lot :)

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Hello hello and thank you so much for your comment! :) I think the bigger, the better! In my case, i would have taken the bigger version of the wacom, but I couldn´t afford it! ^^ So if you have the opportunity to take the larger version, I would go for it!! :) Good luck with everything!!

@mumtazeena 6 жыл бұрын

Alexandra Helm Thanks for the swift reply, and same to you! Grüsse aus der Schweiz! :)

@Pollyless 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Alexandra, this was very informative, thank you! Could you advise any courses that would help me gain knowledge needed to work in the field of children book illustrations? I am a self-taught artist and my dream is to create my own book and also work for other clients/agencies. I will appreciate any advice as I am eager to learn!)

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Pollyless!! And thank you for your question!! ;) Well, if there was a course that would te4ach everything in one video, this would be amazing but it really takes a littlebit of time to learn everything about the children's book industry... I rella suggest to watch as many videos as you can and read articles about the topic and look through the internet. I'm really sorry, I can't answer your question with only one answer. It also depends on the country you are living in. But trust me, there are many many videos that can help. Also check out Will Terry! He taught me a lot back then (his videos). I wish you the best!!! Hang in there. It takes some time!!

@Pollyless 5 жыл бұрын

@@AlexandraHelm Thanks for the reply. I am originally from Russia bur since i have no language barrier I would love to work with agencies from any countries. I've checked Will Terry, he's got very useful videos. Thank you!)

@sramaxhiku 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for this great video. I'm desperate for professional advice: Can I illustrate a children's book in Sketchbook Pro instead of Photoshop? Thank you.

@AlexandraHelm 7 ай бұрын

You can illustrate it with any program you want. No Photoshop needed. ❤️🙏

@sramaxhiku 7 ай бұрын

@@AlexandraHelm Thank you very much.

@PeterBex_ArtDirector 4 жыл бұрын

What brushes are you using?

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Peter!! So sorry for the super late response!! I am using many different brushes but my facourite ones are by Kyle T. Webster. The gouache one is great and several pencil brushes. :)

@faezesepah5036 6 жыл бұрын

hello alex thank u for sharing ur videos for us . well i have a situation here tht i need some advice :) im 23 years old im getting my degree for architecture and im pretty good at it people call me crazy cuz i want to be an illustrator for kids its been my dream ... i never practiced i never went to a class or sth and im not good in drawing . honestly im afraid im telling myself what if im not that good maybe this dream is just some childish dream cuz im an architect ... i dont know how to start where to start i love kids i loooove them i feel like i born to do sth for them but im really scared maybe im not talented im so confused :( do u have any advice for me ? thank you :)

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Hey there and thank you for reaching out! :) I guess the only thing you need to start with is a dream. And in my optinion you don´t need to visit a class as long as you teach yourself good enough. In my University I never had a class called "children´s book illustration" because we never had one. Everything I know, I know because I informed myself and tought myself. I guess for you the first thing would be to get better at drawing and this is easy, you simply need to practice. Try to draw everyday and you will get better and better. Seriously, if I look at older stuff from maybe only 2 years ago I think: oh my god, this looks like sh.... . I´ve been drawing a lot AFTER my time at the University. I´ve never been drawing as much when I was actually visiting classes and this is crazy!! So don´t let anyone tell you that you can´t do this or that, just do it and prove them wrong. Practice, look at children´s books, learn from them, find you style and take your time. I hope I could help a little!! All the best for you!! :)

@CANDYPOPSTYLZ 5 жыл бұрын

I' writing a childrens book series and would like to know how much you charge for your drawings?

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Janelle and thank you so much for your request! maybe send me an email to info@alexandrahelm.de and give me some more informations! Thanks love!

@tiam9006 6 жыл бұрын

What Photoshop program is best for book illustration

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Ling Ling M I am using Photoshop CC but I guess it does not really matter what kind of program you use as long as you feel comfortable working with it! The Creative Cloud is good because you always have an updated version of the program, you pay for it monthly,but you have also more than just one program. Just google "Adobe Creative Cloud". I hope I could help! :)

@tiam9006 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for your feedback. Also how do I contact you on doing illustration. I am an author of childrens picture book. I would like to know your price. Thank you!!

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Ling Ling M please contact me via info@alexandrahelm.de Looking forward to hearing from you!

@tiam9006 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Alexandra, I will message you regarding illustration for my childrens book..

@hamzanedjam2541 6 жыл бұрын

Please u can to tell me what of type to paper use in my Child book ? Thank u ..

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Hey there!! Sorry, I have no answer for this since I´m not a printer or publisher. If you are selfpublishing I guessy ou can ask the company where you want to print your books to send some paper samples to you!! ;) Good luck!!

@hamzanedjam2541 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much alexandra

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

You´re welcome!! :)

@PeterBex_ArtDirector 4 жыл бұрын

How do you submit an illustration sample to Illusalon?

@AlexandraHelm 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Peter! I sent it by email back then. But this is over 4 years ago. I'm not sure if the agency still exists even.... But I'm sure you'll find answers on their website. Good luck!! 😊 😊 😊

@sonisization 6 жыл бұрын

Hi, I registred to Illusalon but I don't understan how to upload my work . Any suggestions? Thank you !

@AlexandraHelm 6 жыл бұрын

Hi there!! Oh, so you simply might just be logged in as a guest. You need to contact the agents there via email and then the first thing you will need to do is a contract. Once everything is set and done, you can send you portfolio to your agent and the agent will load it all up onto the website!! :) I hope, i could help!!!!

@sonisization 6 жыл бұрын

Yes thank you ! Now it is clear 😊😊😚

@donchips71arts 2 жыл бұрын

I need a help of finding me clients,who can want me to illustrate for them.

@meliazhang396 7 жыл бұрын

我好奇，国内出版商给国外插画师的完成时间会是多久。。。

@kifalter7453 5 жыл бұрын

Mia Ciao 同问同好奇

@gammelechocola 5 жыл бұрын

Are you going to the Frankfurter Buchmesse?

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hi there!! Yes I will be at the bookfair but I only made appointments all on one day because I have to work so much!! 😅 Will you be there too? If so and if you see me, please say hi!! :) :) :)

@gammelechocola 5 жыл бұрын

@@AlexandraHelm i will!!

@andobreslin8735 5 жыл бұрын

How do you send submissions into Illusalon? There's no email or link in their website :/

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Ando!! Hmm that's super strange that there is no email. Normally there should be one... Back then I received the contact when I was at the book fair and talked to them. But I'm sure there must be an email address somewhere!! I hope you'll find it!!! 😊 Goos luck with everything!!

@andobreslin8735 5 жыл бұрын

@@AlexandraHelm Just a page showing their location on a google map & phone &....fax?? Who uses fax in todays world?! :P

@AlexandraHelm 5 жыл бұрын

@@andobreslin8735 I just checked the page and couldn't find anything, either. That's strange, they must have changed it. Maybe they have too many illustrators currently? I didn't know. Sorry about that, but check the web, there are many more illustration agencies out there one is for example plum pudding or the bright agency... Good luck!!!

@andobreslin8735 5 жыл бұрын

@@AlexandraHelm I've already applied to those UK agencies. I think my style is too classical for them. They all seem to like the ultra simplistic style. Mine style is a bit like Raymond Briggs. Are there any German Illustration Agencies that are worth sending submissions to?