My Five Core Principles to Illustrating A Children's Book

[@Liv-hk7zi]

You are seriously underrated

[@Kouyou160]

Oh my goodness! You just talked about all the problems in modern children's book and how to solve them, you're like the Michelangelo of children's book!

[@LisaFalzon]

Wow no way I'm Michelangelo of anything haha. Except maybe I have a bad temper like him and I know once he punched someone in the nose.. although thankfully I am less violent haha 😅. That is a really sweet compliment, honestly I am simply glad people find value in this video ❤️

[@emanuelbartolo4512]

This is easily one of the best videos KZbin has to offer. Thank you!

[@LisaFalzon]

How cute! Whenever I make another book I'll make another video cause people seem to get a lot out of these, more than they did when I made them actually! Thanks Eman

[@nonyabizness956]

This video is like a whole college course. I didn't know how much I would learn when I clicked on it. Thank you! You are very talented and clearly very passionate! ♥️

[@LisaFalzon]

[@anahata2009]

Wow. I mean . . . just . . . wow! This was like a mini Master Class in illustration. You have such a smart process/way of thinking about the totality of the book and the reader. All the things you spoke about here are what sets certain books above the crowded marketplace. It's so much more than drawing illustrations. You give it such depth with your thoughtful approach. The part about the over- development of Malta and loss of history and culture, alongside the loss of the elderly woman in the book is heartbreaking and beautiful. Your illustrations highlighting that were eloquent. Thanks so much for this video.

[@SCqb9wo]

Hi Lisa! You are clearly amazing. Not just because of your skills as an artist illustrator, but your in depth feeling of the story and social commentary. Keep up the good work. I pray that those seaside gardens are preserved in the medeterranean, and that the cars are living there free and well fed 💚❤

[@smokestack4313]

I love the casual, freestyle way you engage with your audience. Very pleasant to listen to and you obviously have a lot of great advice to share. Thank you!

[@gela3874]

I honestly teared up while you were discussing the book. It's beautifully written and illustrated!! I love how thoughtful you are when illustrating, I aspire to be like you!!!

[@NC-ij9rb]

I’m just amazed how much love and thought you placed into this book. It’s so beautiful

[@harshnsanghvi]

I really love that you are not only creating what is given to you, but also creating a parallel story in the background, Manny adults won't realize during reading (going through) these books but a child can totally observes these detail, I saw manny children just staring at one page of book for long time, as an adult I cannot give so much time to one page

[@LisaFalzon]

Interesting view. I myself love looking at pictures for a long time.. but then.. it's my thing :)

[@ChristinaRodriguez-n6f]

Fantastic and beautfiul work! Your in depth look at the illustrations and your process was so insightful. Loved it. It makes me think of the type of books I will eventually publish. I will put as much thoughtfulness into each one. Well done!

[@NasukaStar]

I just found this video and I'm blown away. You're such a thoughtful illustrator. This is exactly the level of care and sophistication that I want to have whenever I produce artwork. Thanks for the video!!!

[@LisaFalzon]

Aww I am always so touched when illusrators tell me such things. Im very happy :)

[@elizabethparziale5395]

I found a lot of value in this video. The detailed explanation of how the illustrations tell their own story running in tandem with the text along with pointing out elements in the pictures is an invaluable tool for beginning illustrators. 💕 Lovely work!

[@dianemoos2951]

You are amazing... Thank you for sharing your amazing mind and why you did what you did... You are truly an inspiration and an amazing teacher and storyteller

[@boostup465]

I love the depth of your thinking translated to pictures!! Thank you...

[@kimmicallef3720]

Wow!! Thank you for this video and well done on beautifully illustrating this story! I am a primary school teacher and I’m planning to show the children the process in illustrating a book through this video. The time lapse pieces will hopefully give them an insight to how much thought and work goes through illustrating a book. Thank you so much once again 💖💖💖

[@ladyvee7905]

Hello, Lisa! Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate your honest remarks and suggestions and I agree with everything you said because it makes sense and I also have similar beliefs. The illustrations are flawless, dynamic and "moody" and as an illustrator myself, I know the struggle into giving your characters life and pay attention to all the rest of the details and things get even more complicated when we're talking about commissions. I wish you all the best and please do more children's book illustrations!!!!!!

[@LisaFalzon]

Hey Virginia! Thank you for your comment ! 💝

[@talhaacar]

I love the scarf detail, that was my favorite part. Such a beautiful detail. The book, the art, hidden details in the city and timelapses are great. The video as a whole was very informative and fun to watch. Thank you for this!

[@ninthhousemedia1351]

This was so good and full of amazing in depth tips you aren’t going to find anywhere else. I’ve never read this story and I’m listening while I drive and you almost made me start crying when you described how you used the grandmothers starry scarf to carry through the end of the story! Amazing details! This shows how children’s books can really be elevated to a higher level of art and aren’t just simple little stories for children.

[@jacktherabbit2375]

Daaaaamn you’re a real artist. The way you think about the story

[@crowessciencesessions2288]

This video was very inspiring. Lisa, you are a thoughtful and talented illustrator. You are shining your light. Superb!

[@KansasMcGraw]

The details in this book are simply amazing and brilliantly done. Thank you so much for sharing your creative process of illustrating these beautiful pages

[@LisaFalzon]

Thank you 🙏🏼 I’m so glad you enjoyed watching this 💝

[@ziggyssia]

the story and the illustrations are so magical and they move me! thank your for your insight about the children's book! cheers from italy!

[@beyza4263]

it's really nice to see the spark in your eyes while you're telling the story behind your art. this is the best tutorial i've seen. thank u a lot.

[@LisaFalzon]

That’s such a sweet comment thank you ! I am glad you found the video helpful ♥️

[@Birdsplant]

Stunning illustrations. Thank you very much Lisa. You have put a lot of work into this video too. Your deep insights and sophisticated analysis and pure intentions are very enlightening. The visual clues comments made me cry...loved the Grandmas scarf. God bless you. You are a true artist and a generous teacher. (Salam- Peace)

[@tadanorihashimoto1913]

Great work and thank you for sharing ! I am thinking of drawing and self publish my own children's book and found your video very helpful.

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

This is such great info that I'm watching and rewatching this every now and then.

[@dwilliams21]

Thank you for making such an in-depth video! You don't just have the artistic chops to illustrate children's books, you also have the thoughtfulness that make your illustrations really stand out. (I hope you aren't only doing jewelry nowadays!) I was looking for a process video to help me not be overwhelmed while creating spot illustrations for a chapter book, but was glad that I stumbled upon your video. I really enjoyed it.

[@LisaFalzon]

Thank you :) I don't like working for other people much so being my own boss is my fave, and essentially illustration is freelancing for someone and to someone else's idea. Every few years I might say yes to an illo job for old times' sake or if I want to experiment with a new technique, but its mostly for shits and giggles my jewelry brand is my main focus for a few years now :) Years ago I had a millinery brand for a few years too. Life is long and some people are cut out to do just one thing, a few want to do what they want to do when they want to do it :D I am lucky to have been able to do this throughout my career in art. I'm an art bug, not an illustrator.

[@pigmalion93]

This is one of the best illustration / visual storytelling videos ever. Thank you for sharing your process. I would love to buy this book, mostly for your illustrations because unfortunately I don’t speak Maltese. You are super talented. Hope you keep up with your art journey.

[@LisaFalzon]

Thank you!! Oh I have been making art since my birth and will till I die.. I just haven't been doing illustration much because I got tired of it after 15 years. Now I have been working on vitreous enamel for a few years, since this video really :) I do a few illustrations here and there - I am doing one right now for the same author as this book, it's just at a slower pace as it's not my main job. I have been considering filming it because people liked this one so much! Maybe I will. Thank you for the encouragement

[@pigmalion93]

@@LisaFalzon thank you for replying! Yes, art takes many forms and it is important to recognise when we need to let go for a while or swich medium so we won’t burn out. It would be amazing to hear more about your process, so I will be looking out for your next video. I really like that your work is well thought through and intentional. A lot of illustrators would benefit from this attitude. I would also love to hear about your art journey from The start and also some recommendations for beginners - how to start, what resources to use etc. But ofc it is just a suggestion. All the best in your art journey in the New Year! 🥰 and hope to see more of your content!

[@mariabertolani565]

Hi Liza, I absolutely love your book, where would I be able to get a copy? Is there an English version? I am teacher and I think it would be a beautiful addition to my book collection.

[@silvasartquest1586]

Thank you for the great video. Your words enlightened me and I decide to learn more about children's book. It's wonderful that illustrations can express so much emotions and meanings to readers.

[@annetorres6998]

i need this book 😭 your work is so lovely. thank you for sharing yourself to the world ♥️

[@ChindoEnyidah]

You're very skilled, talented, and knowledgeable. I love all of the illustrations, some of my favorites being the cat top-down view, the cover, and of the grandpa mourning.

[@fleeperification]

This is the most helpful video I’ve watched about how to actually create the illustrations for children’s books. Thank you!

[@LisaFalzon]

I'm so so glad this video has helped and is helping people out! After a long two year hiatus, I am working on a new book, maybe I'll make a film about that process too X

[@fleeperification]

Please! Coming up with the ideas for the pictures has been the hardest part for me. I am working on my first children’s book now and it’s not a super straight forward book. I have a lot to think about now because of your video.

[@LisaFalzon]

@@fleeperification They are nevr straightforward because the text is so sparse - and there is alsp never a guarantee the author can fill you in with the blanks you need because in my opinion the author hasn't really thought about those blanks either. I am glad it can be of help to you

[@fleeperification]

Lisa Falzon agreed! It’s her first book and she had no vision for the art so I’m left with a lot of freedom which can sometimes be overwhelming.

[@mariett859]

The details are incredible, I wish I have noticed more details while I was reading the book!

[@eunjung4182]

Thanks for this video. I love how you break down your thought process and highlighted your intentions with the work, which is absolutely gorgeous. The time-lapse of the drawings are also a very nice touch! This is immensely educational!

[@WinnieRoseReyes]

Thank you for making this video. It is most informative. My former book illustration students would’ve infinitely changed & made their life better as illustrators. Love the time lapse portions. happiness!

[@otshea]

Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your fascinating process! Your illustrations are poetic and dreamy. Wishing you all the best. You are so talented.

[@VeroDeDream]

I can only say you are AMAZING 👏 Love how you captured the emotions through out the book with your paintings. 🤩😍❤

[@dorothywhite9969]

Thank you for this. Clearly a lot of work went into this video and it's seriously so immensely helpful. Hearing about your conceptual process in such depth is amazing and very inspiring. I can see how each book project is a behemoth task. Your illustrations are beautiful and I love seeing the time-lapse. I have watched a lot of process videos and this is the one that got my heart and head soaring towards my goal and helped me understand how I can do this.

[@LisaFalzon]

Dorothy White wow Dorothy what a cool thing to hear, so glad this video helped you ❤️ I’ve actually been focusing on my jewelry brand now for three years, and do NOT miss the stress of illustrating 🤣 but super glad I made this video and it can inspire or help people 🌹🌹🌹🌹 lots of love and good luck.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous

[@JoyceChow]

Wow, you are so talented! Thank you for sharing your work and helpful tips!

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

Simply wonderful. Every illustrator and art director and self-publisher should watch this video and learn.

[@youguanhao]

Hi, Lisa, thank you so much for your video and for sharing your thoughts and eloquence with us. I've just started to learn about children's book illustration. Your video is the first and only one among all the videos I watched on KZbin that summarizes clearly and well what makes a good design/illustration for children's books. It looks like you aren't uploading videos anymore. But I really wish to hear more about your creative process and thoughts on artwork.

[@LisaFalzon]

Thank you so much! The reason I stopped uploading is because I moved away from illustrating for children and publishing in 2017 and apprenticed as both a silversmith and tattooer. I still design, only different things! I wish platforms didn’t want us to specialize in the way we present ourselves as I’m still very much in the creative field (I own a tattoo studio and was featured in Metalsmiths of North America magazine in just the last few years) but not sure how I could make a channel that’s about ALL of that while still providing value. I’m glad you found this video useful - when I made it it got barely enough even views for the first few years then it bizarrely took off long after I’d dropped this as my main work 😅

[@brenkelly8163]

Brilliant discussion and explanation of the creation of,your book. Thanks so much for sharing. Your super talented.

[@babybojanglesjr]

So inspiring that I made notes!

[@LisaFalzon]

That's so good to hear, I am glad you found it useful :)

[@mariabertolani565]

Skipper Marno me too

[@lindseydietz604]

I'm currently illustrating my first children's book and this was just incredible, thank you for your insight and inspiration to make books that children will love and artists can truly enjoy making!! 💓💓💓 Loved all of it

[@reemaldekhyyel9561]

Great thanks for this video deep analysis of the story and the process of illustration

[@robertspicer71]

Thank you for your thoughtful perspective on illustration. You’ve opened my eyes. Well done.

[@SCqb9wo]

Anyone who gets to hire you as an illustrator is lucky in that regard. Wishing you lots of fulfilling jobs and personal projects in 2020! Keep up the good work!

[@dlhawks]

delightful energy, tips that are so valuable, and beautiful illustrations

[@Mailuhknee84]

Best advice I’ve received yet! Thank you!

[@FetteHenne2009]

Great Video! I very much appreciate your five advices. It really is important to not underestimate children's intelligence and to "soften" the cruel reality down to a level where children can relate and comprehend without being unsettled. But to archieve this delicate tonal value for sure needs much experience... thanks for your insights!

[@LisaFalzon]

Hey Terry! I'm delighted you found it helpful, and I sure appreciate your comment, thank you :)!

[@yanitria]

Your artwork is super amazing !!!! Im a new comer in illustrating and pursue to be a children book illustrator. This information really helpfull and you give the soul to the illustration (thats the hard part). Keep the good work

[@exwhyzedprint]

Really enjoyed the depth you went to on this video. It's informative but very clear 🙌

[@DenaAckermanArt]

What a lovely book and explanation of your process. I loved this video, thank you for sharing!!

[@HERSHYaddict]

This is such an excellent video. Really good advice, and really clear examples to help support each principle. I appreciate you!

[@LisaFalzon]

[@FromthisInstanceOn]

very clever, great ideas and really nice work, I love the lion statue, contrast is really nice and the lighting in that image, but they are all great!

[@from.the.furnace]

sounds like such a beautiful story, I wish I could read it! The way you've handled its illustrations is seriously admirable. I love the artstyle you went with

[@andrearevilla4354]

You have really the best advices about illustrating a children's book. And believe me, I've been long looking into several videos.

[@jolaholstein]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your inspirations for these illustrations. Your sensitivity to the child's view of this heavy topic really adds a hopeful dimension to the melancholic story. This remembers me why illustrating - especially for kids - is really an art of its own.

[@annaguettabi3974]

Very nice. I used to love illustrations in the war of the worlds, when I read it in childhood. Although I didn’t get traumatized by the end, many stories had not such nice influence. Some stories are pure dramas, so it’s nice of you to create a soft ending illustration!

[@greginmelbourne]

Thank you for sharing your vast expertise! Great video

[@dixyblue100]

Really enjoyed this video. I am getting to the end of a long illustration commission and feeling stuck, this helped so much ! Thank you.

[@carolin5643]

you are such an inspirational and heart warming human being

[@Gianna-ff2mg]

I have always been so interested in illustration but was never confident enough to think of it as a career. But I never allowed myself the time to get better and play around with digital media, but now I regret it so much! I’m getting a degree in international relations and French and I hate to waste my schooling, but I wish I could do this for a living! My plan for now is to see if I can do both. I know it’s not the best plan but it’s all I can do right now ! :( I’m not sure my parents will be too thrilled at the idea of becoming a full time illustrator unfortunately. 😕 I have always struggled with what I’ve wanted to do career-wise, but now that I think about it, I’ve always created stories, and loved picture books with such a passion when I was younger (and still do)! I’ve always been obsessed with illustrations and wished I could do them myself. But you’ve inspired me to get to work and see what I can create. :) 💕 I’ve just downloaded adobe photoshop sketch!

[@LisaFalzon]

Haha I wasted my schooling too. I went through uni and got a degree in an unrelated subject just to please my parents. I'm glad you want to give this a go. You don't need to go to school for illustration to be an illustrator. Just get good at drawing.

[@Gianna-ff2mg]

Lisa Falzon thank you! 😊

[@julianaflute898]

Wow! Im so impressed! I love your work, and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts processes, and techniques. Very inspiring!

[@baidykle1]

This is so well explained and inspiring. I appreciate how much thought and work you put into these illustrations and they're really so good. I hope one day I can illustrate a book and do it with such dedication like you!

[@linalarue]

Thank you for this video! You explained your reasons and thoughts so well. I appreciate your perspective!!

[@andrearevilla4354]

I was expecting to see about the formatting and tips about size and drawing. But you are giving off the best -I mean the important- ones Thank you very much for that ✨✨✨

[@LisaFalzon]

Oh man let me tell you I have dyscalculia and you will not here any formatting tips from me because I always mess up the bleed parameters etc and the designers I work with usually have to really help me out 😅

[@user-mf2xm6wt9v]

Such a great video, loved your process and all intentionality behind all of your choices. Very inspiring ❤

[@rihasikder007]

Same from me.❤

[@itsdaksha]

You are soo wise! Unlike any other video, you gave such a deep insight and awesome principles! Noted them down, thanks Liza ❤️

[@pizzakrydder2515]

Thank you for a great video. It was both thought evoking and inspiring and not at all the obvious "how to" like some other videos on this subject. I admire how much work, effort, heart and thought you put into these illustrations and I'm grateful that you share your knowledge here with us :)

[@TracyAnneWilkinson]

Amazing video packed with so much valuable information!

[@gerriobrien1208]

What wonderful insights you shared, and I LOVE your illustrations! Thank you🤗

[@adriaflorea9848]

Amazing work! Thank you. It is so inspiring to see how you combine all the elements and make them flow to create a visual symphony in the end. I am amazed at how much thought you put into it and on how many layers of existence you operate. Amazing amazing work!

[@adelacalistru9206]

very cool video! I learned a lot! some of the tips I already done, so I'm glad to know I'm on a right path, but some of them blew my mind! so thank you for enlighten me! keep up the good work!

[@babiealexandrapulga2686]

I just really love this and the story on your illustrated picture book was just really beautiful... it made me tear up. I admire your attention to detail so much. 💖 I am illustrating my first children's picture book so it's very exciting to apply what I have learned from your video! Thank you!

[@rusca8]

That's next level thought process

[@sparklejpropequeen]

Hi, this video gave such valuable insight into the illustration process that I don't think I could have gotten elsewhere. Your illustrations are beautiful and the little details, nods and clues in them are so clever! Thank you for sharing your process and knowledge, it helped tremendously for my university assignment 💕

[@LisaFalzon]

Wow, you are welcome. I had no idea people would find this video so helpful, even for their schooling! I am super glad! Thank you for reaching out.

[@yusrafarid3528]

Wow Lisa, Thanx for such an effort. I really appreciate your work..you have done an amazing outstanding work. Smart and creative 😍

[@Aklime88]

Such a talent! Wonderful illustrations. Great storytelling!

[@HBFaulkner]

I LOVED this video discussion ! Such intelligent insights and wonderfully practical lessons . THIS is what I've been looking for ! Thank you so much! I hope I can illustrate as beautifully and intelligently my own books very soon.

[@Angela-pz1uu]

Thank you for posting this! Beautiful art work, and the time-lapse presentations of the illustrations are super helpful.

[@jegerskudaover18]

This was wonderful!

[@arianabell1439]

This is such an awesome video. About to start my first children’s book illustration job and this has helped me so much.

[@Bella.zoma.123]

I love this story ! I really admire the research and amount of work you've put into this book !

[@annie.hi.]

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing! I would love to do children’s illustrations but I’m struggling to know the best way to approach practice.

[@HillaryCraig]

Fantastic video and illustrations! These are the concepts I've been playing around with in creating my first children's book and you really brought each idea home. The time-lapse videos are so fun to watch also!

[@LisaFalzon]

Thank you! It's so sweet ppl are still watching this vid. I have since stopped taking on new illustration work because my focus is entirely on my jewelry brand and at the end of the day I really hated working for others haha which was the whole shtick of illustration - but I am too delighted that ppl find use and fun in this video still :)

[@Kenmoos]

So cool to see a maltese artist on youtube!

[@mariabertolani565]

Wow, I know this may sound silly but the book pricked tears in my eyes,especially the end paper. So so brilliantly thought of. One day I hope to be as creative and smart with my illustrations as you. Thanks for the tips, this is fantastic. Now to practice.

[@LisaFalzon]

Wow thank you for that feedback, I love that the endpaper had this effect it was the intended effect

[@rosacamilleri3193]

oh how lovely to see children's books in Maltese

[@Heynatashaaa]

This was so helpful, thank you.

[@umairsafdar4927]

nice, your style of illustrating depicts you a a painter, plz upload your technique and approach to illustration and why you kind of treat it like a painters who builds undertones and layering of pigment

[@artegaris]

You are amazing! I love your work and the way you explain it. I miss Malta

[@nouraalhomsi7837]

Hi lisa! I just found your channel and I absolutely lovveee it. Your artwork is just stunning and the amount of work and detail you put in is amazing. I love seeing artists like you who still put in so much effort into art

[@BridgingGabs]

Thank you for sharing the process of this amazing work of yours! I'm just getting started with illustration so the whole visual story telling that you show here is really very helpful! Such a beautiful book 💕✨

[@LisaFalzon]

I'm so glad people get something out of this video! I was thinking I'd do a small series about doing a book from start to finish, people starting out might find it useful!

[@niksiever3135]

I love cats. ❤️ your illustrations are beautiful

[@synnveskaaheim8283]

I have done quite a lot of book cover work for adults and youth, but a opportunity has arised for me to venture out to the children's book world, which feels so scary and foreign to me. I have no idea about prizing, about how much work and time it will take and even where to start. But your video truly brought so much comfort, excitement and passion for potentially working on a children's book. Thank you so much for your video!!

[@LisaFalzon]

Wow thank you for reaching out, I am so glad!

[@lindamcclure9322]

Really great tips. I especially love the different camera angles! So many new ideas.

[@LisaFalzon]

I'm so pleased you liked it. I have to say, approaching different camera angles was one of the first things I learened is important when you do illustration for children's books - of course it's a trend, like everything, but a kind of longform one that's generational. NOT doing different angles would date a book a little, unless it was a specific conceit of that illustrator's style :)