Picture Books 1: Introduction to Children's Book Illustration (Online) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Picture Books 1: Introduction to Children's Book Illustration (Online)

Capture a child’s imagination with original artwork while learning tricks of the illustration trade.

Course description

Explore a wide range of children’s book illustrations, from traditional to contemporary. Learn what makes a children’s book unique and how to effectively communicate with artwork, from the sketch phase to the final illustrations. This course includes weekly homework assignments. / Students will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud software throughout the course.

Open to students ages 18 and above. Review complete policies, including class cancellation policies, before completing your registration.

Class meeting details

This online course will be synchronous, meaning students will meet weekly at the same time via Google Meet, Mondays, 7:00–9:00 p.m. CT. Class meetings will include lectures, class discussions, work time, critiques, and time to ask questions and share resources. The instructor will hold virtual office hours 1 hour before each class session to answer questions and provide individualized feedback and guidance.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing and painting experience helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required.

Required materials

Supplies for first class

  • pen or pencil
  • notebook or sketchbook
  • color media of choice with a selection of drawing tools

Supplies will be discussed during the first class meeting.

Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (provided by MCAD).

Hardware
A computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud software, with internet access, a camera, and a microphone for class meetings and to capture and upload work. Optional: a scanner.

Class resources

This class uses Adobe Creative Cloud and Canvas, MCAD’s learning management system. Please see the link for more information.

Class savings

Register on or before January 19 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$396.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens January 5.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    7:00–9:00 p.m. CT
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Monday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 18 and above.
  • Term:
    Spring 2026
  • Instructor: Carrie Hartman
  • Location:
    Online
  • SKU:
    VC 9140 20 SP26

Prerequisites:

Previous drawing and painting experience helpful, but not required. Previous experience with Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but not required.