Getting started in children’s illustration

You will learn from the techniques of master illustrators such as Quentin Blake, Jon Klassen, Chris Riddell and Catherine Rayner, as well as developing your unique visual language. By the end of the course, you will have a number of illustrations to add to your portfolio and a deepened confidence in making illustration art.

Week 1: Good artists copy…

This week we will devote our time to exploring the techniques of our favourite illustrators. We will carefully analyse how these artists used their tools, what media they use to make their art, and what makes them stand out from the crowd. We will take a look at character design, try out a range of tools, and take a look at how copying can help you to find your own style.

Week 2: Great artists steal

This week we will build on what we learned last week, and explore ways to incorporate what we love about other artists into our own work. Using a classic children’s story as our starting point (eg. Red Riding Hood, Alice in Wonderland), we will create illustrations to creatively reinterpret famous scenes from the stories.

Week 3: Finding your own way

This week, the emphasis will be on developing your own personal projects, or deepening your work on the classic story illustration we began in week 2.

Course level: confident beginner

Tutor bio

Tim Gomersall is an artist and illustrator with an interest in storytelling. He started learning to draw after a serious injury left him signed off work, and was fortunate to find that it was his passion. He has gone on to become a professional illustrator and exhibiting artist, creating lively and playful artwork for children’s book covers, commercial clients, as well as for art lovers and galleries. Tim had his debut solo exhibitionin 2025, and is currently working on his first author-illustrated children’s novel, Goth Robin.

When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable.

If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.