You know now how important visuals are for your digital book and where to search for them. You might just need a few more tips to be ready to illustrate your story.
Who, what, when and where
you should start your process by asking yourself those questions. Who is your audience? What is the subject of your book? When do you need to have finished the illustration? Where should you search for help or tools? This way, you have precise settings, making it easier for you to make decisions.
Inspire yourself
Do not panic if you are not the most creative person or if you lack ideas; try to inspire yourself from others, from different resources from this e-learning module or other sources, even out of illustration itself. No worries, you will find your vision.
Embrace feedback
Even if it is sometimes difficult to receive it, feedback is essential. A new point of view on the work you have been focusing on for days is more than welcome! It will bring you a new perspective and maybe even new ideas. So, next time someone tries to give you feedback, stay positive, listen carefully and take notes. Take what you need from it and leave the rest.
Make it personal
People need to recognise themselves in your illustration, or at least, it needs to speak to them. If relevant, using human representation helps people to relate to your image and story.
Check the licence
Free or that you paid for, some illustrations licences can come with minor characters. Verify carefully what the licence gives you the right to. A recommendation would be to find a commercial licence without royalty, which allows you to modify the illustration if needed.
Experiment
Practice makes perfect! So keep trying new things and experiment with different compositions of illustrations, other resources and styles. That is how you will find what works perfectly for you.
Illustration vs photography
Illustration is more likely to be used in fantastical scenes, for a vintage style or any specific theme. In contrast, photography would be used when you want your visual to stick the closest possible to reality and to look actual.
Choose a colour palette
The colours you will choose are part of your book’s identity. They can significantly impact the message you want to deliver and the mood you want your story to be in.
Emptiness speaks volumes
Do not overload the space dedicated to your illustration, and use images selectively. The aim is not to fill the room as much as possible; that way, you lose the central message of your vision and the audience.
Take breaks
We are all humans, and even though it is difficult to do when you are working for yourself, some days it just does not work, which is ok. Accept it, try to work on something different or leave it for a time and return to it afterwards. Breaks are sometimes more powerful than working 8 hours straight. Be patient, especially if it is your first time accomplishing that task.