Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini

Online | Picture Books, Early Readers and Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, Illustration, Essential Conversations
Picture books are crafted for all children. Illustrating the diversity of bodies, abilities, and the multitude of ways that people process the world (both the world of the story, and our greater world) are an important part of making authentic picture books. Join illustrators Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika for presentations on representing disabled characters through your illustrations.

May 7 @ 7:00 pm - May 9 @ 7:00 pm

Online

$59

Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Join illustrators Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika to learn more about representing disabled characters through illustration.  While this is not a full workshop, our goal is that over two 75-minute sessions, we can center the importance of illustrating inclusive picture books with a focus on disability representation.

  • Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
  • Thursday, May 9, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
  • Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat.
  • You’ll have access to the recordings through June 30, 2024.

From the Faculty:

3 Questions with Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika About Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration

Why This Workshop?

Picture books are crafted for all children. Illustrating the diversity of bodies, abilities, and the multitude of ways that people process the world (both the world of the story, and our greater world) are an important part of making authentic picture books.

Join illustrators Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika  for presentations on representing disabled characters through your illustrations.  Topics covered will include:

  • Illustration perspectives on disability representation in picture books,
  • Analysis of picture books with authentic representation,
  • Techniques for digital and traditional illustrations,
  • an optional illustration assignment between sessions,
  • and information about working as an artist with a disability.

Feedback Expected

  • None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.

It’s a Great Fit If…

  • You are a picture book illustrator looking to learn more about the many ways that disabilities can be represented in picture books.
  • You are considering illustrating an early reader, chapter book, or graphic novel. While examples will be from picture books, craft-related tools are applicable for children and teen audiences in other genres/formats.
  • You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! While this is not a full workshop, our goal is that over two 75-minute sessions, we can center the importance of illustrating inclusive picture books with a focus on disability representation.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through June 30, 2024.

Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

Part One: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
  • Welcome
  • Perspectives and Analysis
  • Illustration Assignment
  • Q & A
Part Two: Thursday, May 9, 2024 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
  • Welcome Back!
  • Discussion of Illustration Assignment
  • Techniques for digital and traditional styles
  • Q & A

How It Impacts Kids

Illustrating the diversity of bodies, abilities, and the multitude of ways that people process the world of the story, and our greater world, are an important part of making authentic picture books. This two-night mini workshop is a starting point to learn more about bringing disabled characters and narratives to the page.

Testimonials from Our Community

“It got me motivated to write again. I loved the fact that it was so interactive.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!”

Meet the Faculty

DETAILS

May 7 @ 7:00 pm - May 9 @ 7:00 pm

$59

Online

Access

When you register for this course, you’ll receive information via email to confirm.

For mini courses (one or two nights only), you’ll receive webinar links immediately to use on the evening of the course.

For longer courses, you’ll receive an invitation to your virtual classroom as the workshop approaches.

Learn more about the technology that we use for our online workshops.

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The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.