Creating fantasy stories for young readers is a delightful endeavor that allows you to transport them to magical worlds filled with wonder and adventure. At the same time, they can be tricky because pleasing a child is the most difficult thing. Also, when it comes to making them involved in reading, the book and its story both have to be interesting and captivating enough to make them read and forget about screen time.
Accordingly, when we talk about fantasy, the work is doubled. Children are so into fantasy worlds that they never want to picture themselves out of it. So, to illustrate the book with flying colors, you need to focus on these few tips. By the end hopefully you will get to gather enough guidelines to create a stunning book with mind-blowing illustrations.
Whether you’re writing or illustrating, here are some tips to craft captivating fantasy tales:
- Immerse Yourself in Your World:
- Visualize your fantasy world as vividly as you would the physical world. Walk through its captivated forests, listen to the whispers of mythical creatures, and observe how children would want this world to be perceived.
- Your world will come alive when you breathe life into its characters. Let them surprise children as they interact and live their lives with them, not really but at least they can imagine.
- Lead the Way to Change:
- While fantasy can be an escape, it’s also a powerful tool to evoke children’s imagination which is boundless.
- Consider how your story can introduce fresh ideas or challenge existing norms. For example, take Harry Potter into account, though it’s magical it has some relatable themes as well.
- Write for Your Inner Child:
- Don’t worry too much about tailoring your stories to what you think children might like. Each child is unique, just like adults.
- Write the stories that ignite passion in your inner child. These authentic tales will resonate with today’s young readers.
- Sub-Genres of Fantasy:
- Fantasy Horror Stories: Explore spooky and suspenseful tales. Think of R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” series, which rivaled the popularity of the Harry Potter books. The spookier the story is the more children will enjoy it.
- Magical Dream Journeys: Create whimsical adventures where unicorns, dragons, and enchanted lands await.
Let’s See How You Can Illustrate A Children’s Fantasy Book Like A Pro
Creating illustrations for children’s books is a delightful and rewarding process. Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator or an author-illustrator from ghostwriting services here are some essential steps to bring your story to life:
Characters:
Capture Emotion: Characters should evoke emotions in the viewer. Whether it’s a child, an animal, or even an inanimate object, make them relatable and attractive.
Diversity: Represent a diverse range of characters in terms of ethnicity, abilities, and family structures.
Unique Traits: Give your characters distinctive features – mismatched socks, wild hair, or quirky accessories. Let’s not promote perfection from such a small age.
Setting the Scene:
World-Building: Create a captivating environment for your characters. Consider the period, location, and magical elements.
Research: Study real-world settings or historical references to add authenticity.
Consistency: Maintain consistency in your illustrations throughout the book.
Composition and Layout:
Storyboard: Plan your illustrations by sketching out the entire book. Consider pacing, page turns, and visual flow.
Balance: Distribute visual weight evenly across the pages. Avoid clutter and ensure readability.
Vary Perspectives: Use different angles and perspectives to keep the visuals engaging.
Medium and Style:
Traditional vs. Digital: Choose between traditional media (watercolors, colored pencils) or digital tools (tablets, software).
Consistent Style: Develop a consistent style that complements the story. Experiment, but maintain consistency.
Textures and Details: Add depth with textures, patterns, and intricate details.
Collaboration with Text:
Text Integration: Leave space for the text. Ensure that illustrations enhance the narrative.
Page Turn Surprises: Use page turns strategically to create anticipation or reveal surprises.
Feedback and Revisions:
Critique: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or critique groups. Fresh eyes can spot areas for improvement.
Repeat: Be open to revisions. Refine your illustrations based on feedback.
Conclusion
So, that was it about fantasy writing and illustrations. Be as creative as you can when it comes to writing and illustrating for children.