Publish Your Book: Bringing Stories to Life with Backgrounds (Part 2)

In Publish Your Book: Dynamic Background Design (Part 2), young author-illustrators will learn to create detailed, story-driven backgrounds that complement and enhance the characters they developed in Part 1. Using techniques such as perspective, lighting, and environmental detail, students will craft immersive settings that visually connect with their original characters and story ideas. Each week, we’ll add a new layer to these backgrounds, progressing from basic shapes to complex, atmospheric scenes that support and enrich the narrative.

Class Experience:

This class builds on the foundations established in Part 1, so students should come with a manuscript or well-developed story idea and an original character. Each lesson is designed to guide students through a specific element of background design—starting with foundational shapes, adding depth with perspective, then progressing to environmental elements, lighting, and atmosphere. Students will ultimately integrate their character directly into the background to create a cohesive, story-aligned scene.

What Will Be Taught?

Students will learn essential background design skills, including:

Breaking down complex backgrounds into simple shapes.
Using 1-point and 2-point perspective to create depth.
Adding environmental details and textures to enrich the scene.
Using lighting and atmospheric effects to set the scene’s mood.
Integrating characters naturally into the background.
Class Structure and Teaching Style:

The class is structured as a 6-week series, with each week focusing on a core topic in background design. We will begin with short demonstrations, followed by guided practice where students work on their individual scenes. Students are encouraged to share their work in class for feedback, and the final week will feature a supportive group showcase where everyone presents their completed scene.

I teach through hands-on, interactive demonstrations with clear, step-by-step guidance. Students will have ample opportunities for individual feedback and personal expression in designing their backgrounds. My style is supportive and engaging, helping each student to build confidence and explore their unique creative ideas.