9487 - Stories from the Heart: Creating Your Own Picture Book
Course Description
Everyone carries a story inside their heart—one that shapes how we see ourselves and the world around us. In this course, we’ll uncover those inner stories and begin transforming them into illustrated picture books that speak with honesty and imagination. Through guided writing and drawing exercises, explore the moments, memories, and emotions that live beneath the surface.
Through prompts, group discussion, and individual guidance, you’ll identify the stories you wish to tell—whether inspired by childhood, family, or a personal turning point. We’ll study examples of contemporary and classic picture books, experiment with character design, narrative pacing, and visual rhythm, and develop sketches, storyboards, and one to two finished spreads. By the end of the course, you will have a fully developed picture book concept and sample artwork ready to expand into a complete project.
Learner Outcomes
Following completion of this course, you should be able to:- Identify and articulate a personal story suitable for a picture book format.
- Develop strong visual and narrative concepts through sketches, storyboards, and thumbnails.
- Apply principles of composition, pacing, and page design in illustrated storytelling.
- Create one to two finished illustrated spreads accompanied by text.
- Present a cohesive picture-book concept ready for further development or portfolio inclusion.
Notes
For RISD Students:
RISD Continuing Education (CE) credit is treated as transfer credit by RISD’s undergraduate degree programs. If approved, satisfactory completion of this Illustration course with a ‘C’ or better can count as 3 transfer credits toward non-major studio elective (NMSE) requirements. Complete the Transfer Credit Prior Approval for Major/Non-Major Credit form in etrieve before completing the online course registration.
Students from institutions other than RISD:
Students seeking academic credits are urged to contact their home institution to arrange prior approval before registering. Policies on transfer credit vary by institution and by program, and it is at the discretion of your home institution to determine what credits it will accept and how they might meet individual academic requirements. For additional information about RISD Summer Intensives and Transfer Credit Policies, visit our webpage.