People learn best from a good story. As a child, it is easier for our impressionable minds to grasp ideas with bold images and big pictures accompanying a story. This remains true even as we grow beyond our formative years. It is through this storytelling that we make connections on both an intellectual and interpersonal level. Some stories are more effective than others, but most people would agree the best stories share one crucial element: pictures.
Bearing this in mind, Nossi offers illustration students a unique story-telling opportunity. In Book Publishing Illustration I & II, students are introduced to the world of book illustration in a close to real time schedule. Children’s picture books, graphic novels and original or public domain stories in many genres are explored and evaluated. Students enrolled in these classes have two semesters to create an illustrated 32-page book dummy, while being introduced to all steps of the publishing process including original concept, professional edits and proofing, storyboarding, design and layout according to an ARC flow, and character development. Students will also research book publishers and agents, write query letters and learn about the different categories of publishers and their contracts.
Sarah Lynn is a current Nossi student who completed both courses. She reflects on her connection with picture books as a child: “I always found my favorite books were illustration heavy, which no doubt led to my future appreciation for art in general.” When asked who would read her book, she emphasized the importance of keeping younger family members in mind. She developed an awareness of audience reactions to each creative decision and which characters or pictures would be most impactful. Ultimately, Sarah wanted to create something to inspire younger audiences in the same way she was inspired at their age.
Imagining one’s audience is the first step of many. Although this is largely an independent undertaking, students are guided by the feedback of peers and professors. This is an advanced illustration course, so students have time to create their best work. The groundwork is established in Book Publishing I so students can achieve a completed book dummy by the end of Book Publishing II. A book dummy will typically have two to three finished illustration spreads, while the rest of the book is laid out with tight pencil comps and copy in place. This is the industry standard for submission to a potential publisher.
Nossi’s investment in its students is made clear in these courses. After completing these classes, students have gained invaluable experience and are better prepared for future career opportunities.
The finished work is the product of countless hours committed to a single story, but this commitment is more than merely a story. “Being able to say I have my very own 32-page original story, written, illustrated and produced all by me, definitely is a great addition to my mass of artwork,” says Sarah.
We learn not only from reading stories, but making them too.