How to be a Picture Book Author-Illustrator

Promotions for Workshop 1 ONLY

• 40% concession* rates for students and seniors
• 20% off past participants of SBC Academy**
• 10% off for Kinokuniya Privilege Card members**

* Discount is automatic, participants will have to present their student pass or senior citizen card on day of talk for verification purposes.

** Request promo code via email to programmes@bookcouncil.sg

Offset the course fee (for Workshop 1 AND 2) using your SkillsFuture Credits! Refer here.

T o submit a claim for this SkillsFuture course:

• Register and request for invoice
• Log in on MySkillsFuture with Singpass and go to ‘E-Services’
• Click on ‘Check and Claim SkillsFuture Credit’
• Click on ‘Proceed to Submit a Claim’.
• Search for this course.
• The page will show your course details and the course run or course start date. Scroll down to key in payment details and upload supporting documents (invoice).
• Check the ‘Terms & Conditions’ checkbox.
• Click ‘Submit’.

Synopsis

In this fun and refreshing workshop, participants will learn how to produce their own picture books under the guidance of award-winning author-illustrator J.H. Low. The workshop will comprise two sessions: a full day (8 hours) session and a half day (4 hours) session.

In the first session, participants will get to learn the language of the picture book form and the art of storytelling; they will apply their newly acquired knowledge to create original manuscripts and storyboards through a series of engaging discussions and hands-on activities.

In the second session, participants will learn to create their own character designs and illustration techniques that will transform their narratives into a visual spectacle.

Workshop Session 1 (16 March 2024)

Introduction and icebreaker activity (15 min)

Segment 1: History of the picture book, its language and potential as an expressive art form (105 min):

• Lecture on “What is a picture book?”
• Critique on the art and commercial value of the picture book: “Lost in the Gardens” and “Lemonade Sky”
• Discussion on “What is a picture book?”

Break and refreshment (15 min)

Segment 2: Ways of storytelling: How to tell stories with the picture book (105 min):

• Lecture on “Different ways of storytelling”
• Hands-on exercise: writing a story differently
• Group sharing

Lunch (60 min)

Welcome back and book reading (15 min)

Segment 3: Producing a manuscript (90 min)

• Hands-on exercise: writing a children’s picture book story
• Group sharing

Break and refreshment (15 min)

Segment 4 (120 min)

• Sharing on “Storyboarding”
• Hands-on exercise: create a storyboard base on the story from Segment 3
• Group sharing and critique

Closing and Q&A (15 min)

Workshop Session 2 (23 March 2024)

Introduction and icebreaker activity (15 min)

Segment 1: Creating a character design (90 min):

• Lecture on “Character design”
• Hands-on exercise: create a character design
• Group sharing and critique

Break and refreshment (15 min)

Segment 2: Illustration techniques (120 min)

• Visual observation – elements of art
• Explore art media
• Create an illustrated character

Closing and Q&A (15 min)

Course Objectives

• To equip participants’ knowledge of the language of the picture book
• To enhance participants’ storytelling skills through group discussion and hands-on activities
• To inspire creativity and encourage experimentation with character design and different illustration styles

Learning Outcomes:

• understand the language of the picture book
• learn different ways of storytelling
• produce a manuscript for a children’s story
• create a storyboarding for the story
• design your own original characters
• learn various illustration techniques to create interesting art

First Session:

Date: 16 March 2024, Saturday

Time: 9.00 am – 6.00 pm

Venue: SBC Training Room, Goodman Arts Centre,

Blk E, #03-32 (Directions below at FAQ section)

Second Session:

Date: 23 March 2024, Saturday

Time: 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Venue: SBC Training Room, Goodman Arts Centre,

Blk E, #03-32 (Directions below at FAQ section)

About trainer:

J.H. Low is an award-winning author-illustrator of picture books. His book Lemonade Sky (2021) is featured in the prestigious White Raven catalogue 2021 and also won him the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2022. His recent publications include two graphic novels: Mr Goodchild (2021)and The Visitor (2022). Through these two books, J.H. Low explores existential issues with the picture book form and challenges conventional notion that the picture book is only for children’s consumption.

J.H. Low has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, a MA in Children’s Book Illustration, and a PhD in Art.

Cancellation:

The programme can be cancelled or postponed two weeks before the programme date if the minimum number of participants is not met. Participants will be fully refunded for workshops cancelled by us.

Participants who are unable to attend a workshop they have registered for are to inform us of the reason two weeks before the workshop date. They will be fully refunded in the event of extenuating and mitigating circumstances (E.g. illness, bereavement, accidents) . Those who inform us up to 5 working days before the workshop date will receive a 50% refund. Those who did not turn up at the workshop will not receive a refund.

Upon registration, you are deemed to have read and understood the cancellation and withdrawal policy and accept the terms contained therein.

Frequently asked questions:

Where is the venue?

• Singapore Book Council is located at 90 Goodman Road, Blk E #03-32*, Goodman Arts Centre, S(439053). The Writer’s Lounge, SBC Training Room, and office is located here.

How do I get to the venue by bus? 

• By Bus: Bus Stop 91099 (along Mountbatten Road) – 12, 14, 30, 30E, 158, 196, 401 Bus Stop 91091 (Bef Kg Kayu Rd) – 12, 14, 14A, 30, 30E, 158, 196 | This stop is opposite of Goodman Arts Centre, please use the overhead bridge to cross over.

How do I get to the venue by train? 

• By MRT: Mountbatten MRT Station (Circle Line) Exit B | Turn left upon exit, follow sheltered walkway (crossing Geylang River) all the way to Goodman Arts Centre. After the gate, turn left, passing Block H towards Block E. Take the first staircase to level 3.

How do I get to the venue by car/taxi?

• Drop-offs can be done at Carpark A nearest to Blk E during office hours. Drop-offs and parking is located at Carpark B near Blk O.

Is there a lift access to the venue?

• There is no lift access at the building.