My Five Core Principles to Illustrating A Children's Book

How do I approach creating an illustrated children's book?
By using my illustration work for 'The Cats of the Shore' (Il-Qtates ta max-Xatt, author Clare Azzopardi, publishers Merlin Publishers, Malta), I hit it super in-depth with this week's video, explaining how I allow myself to be guided by 5 core principles.
Oh and, plenty of IPad pro Procreate timelapses of my illustrations in this one.
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[@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]

[@NC-ij9rb]

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

[@SG-qb9wo]

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 💚❤

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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 💝

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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 ! 💝

[@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

[@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 ♥️

[@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 💖💖💖

[@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.

[@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!

[@boostup465]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@nimekupata]

Beautiful!

[@jegerskudaover18]

This was wonderful!

[@bilokonart6106]

Omg this is amazing. I am speechless ✨✨✨

[@mikejo3113]

That was so beautiful in side and out awesome book and Illustrator!!!

[@twominutesofdrawing4154]

Thank you for this video and sharing those tips.

[@Aklime88]

Such a talent! Wonderful illustrations. Great storytelling!

[@bethadamsofficial]

You are amazing!!! Super inspired!!! Awesome job!!!

[@rachelscottart6908]

So insightful and well explained - thank you!

[@Angela-pz1uu]

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

[@rosacamilleri3193]

oh how lovely to see children's books in Maltese

[@graceflow8950]

What a fascinating video. Thank you for sharing your art and your process!

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous

[@ActionCat2000]

This is really lovely! I really appreciate the way you explained your thought processes.

[@tammyfernando6822]

I found this really helpful....thank you so much. Love the time lapsed parts!

[@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)

[@yuliaotrubyannikova2795]

Thank you for the video! it's amazing to watch how you draw! It looks so easy and natural!

[@dlhawks]

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

[@niksiever3135]

I love cats. ❤️ your illustrations are beautiful

[@rokjai06]

this is so helpful and beautifully articulated! Thank you for sharing your work and process!

[@gerriobrien1208]

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

[@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.

[@heatherjo1906]

Great video, your work is so beautiful on so many levels. Thank you.

[@thaooaishathasati6940]

Your perspective is beautiful ✨🙏🏾✨ thank you for this insight.

[@tracyleal2609]

This was very helpful, thank you for sharing your thoughtful insights.

[@lavvagod]

Thanks so much for this!

[@Bella.zoma.123]

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

[@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

[@greginmelbourne]

Thank you for sharing your vast expertise! Great video

[@j.schaefer5622]

Just wonderfully made illustrations. Thank you for sharing your ideas...

[@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!

[@Heynatashaaa]

This was so helpful, thank you.

[@annetorres6998]

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

[@ohbits]

Absolute magic! Thank you for sharing so much of what you put into it- it really shows and helps me understand what I love about certain books and illustrations.

[@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!

[@artegaris]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@naruto150150]

Thank you so much for these tips. I am writing most of it down. Also, I love your cat drawings, so beautiful and soothing :)

[@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.

[@robertspicer71]

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

[@carolin5643]

you are such an inspirational and heart warming human being

[@VeroDeDream]

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

[@mariett859]

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

[@DenaAckermanArt]

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

[@JoyceChow]

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

[@exwhyzedprint]

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

[@massetozacarias5693]

the story has left me a tear on my eye

[@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.

[@jolaholstein2839]

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.

[@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!

[@linalarue]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@rahmahart2700]

i love your art

[@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 :)

[@JeffSans]

Thank you for this. About to illustrate my book

[@itsdaksha]

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

[@julianaflute898]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@brenkelly8163]

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

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

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

[@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.

[@arianabell1439]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@yusrafarid3528]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@rusca8]

That's next level thought process

[@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