Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Task 1

Beatrix Potter:
One of the most famous, English born authors and illustrators. Mainly known for her works such as the Tail of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck.


Randolph Caldeott:
Another highly regarded british illustrator. He had a great influence over children's books during the nineteenth century.


Arthur Rackham:
London born illustrator who created his own technique with in illustration. He regularly portrayed a photographic quality with in his work by sketching the outline of the image and then lightly blocking in shapes and details



Eric Carle:
I have chosen this illustrator as I love his unique style. I also remember his works as a child and loved them especially 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' created in 1969. He has published over 70 books in over 50 languages. His work resembles nothing i've seen before so would like to find out more about him.

As mentioned his work is very unique. He uses a collage technique, this is made by using hand-painted paper which he cuts into layers to form bright and colourful images. Some of his books show a die-cutting technique which adds an even bigger interactive element. I've found a recurring theme of wildlife and nature, especially animals and insects, i feel part of his success is that using these topics will captivate the imagination of young children.

“With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates—will they be friendly?
I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” -Eric Carle
Some of his most successful published work to date include ' The Very Hungry Caterpillar", 'The Very Lonely Firefly' and 'The Very Quiet Cricket'.

I think his target age group is between 3 and 10 as i don't think his works are specified to a smaller age group that help teaches them to learn e.g numbers, colours or objects, there simply stories that capture any audience children and adults alike. There simple stories that mainly focus on the visuals with minimal typography. Like 'one fish, two fish…' there is plenty of white space to allow for easy, clear reading.

























Session Task

Cbeebies website:
























Colour:
Bright, vibrant colours that attract a child's attention and seem more appealing. A big use of primary colours.

Visual Hierarchy:
Very visual with minimal typography. They use icons instead of type wherever possible, this make it visually stimulation and attractive. They also use character which make it more interactive and relative. There is an easy, clear navigation system.

Age group:
Because of its minimal text and visual layout I think this is aimed at children aged between 5 and 9 years old.






One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish: Book.



















Colour/ design/ typography:
Pastel colours with the designs all over the page with little use of typography. Lots of white space which allows focus on the text with no compromising background images or patterns. It's a design taken from the 50's which has been updated to modern times for children of today can relate to it.


Visual Hierarchy:
The images follow the typography down the page which makes it more interesting to look at.


Age Group:
I think the age group is early primary school age so about 8 and 9 year olds.



session one - Video Notes

Here are some notes taken from the first part of the video about picture books:


• Feel the sound of the words and  the rhythm they make on the page. This will make them more interactive and appealing to children.


• Successfully picture books include the Beatrix Potter range, Noddy and more recently Charlie and lola.


• Books are like toys - they enter the world of imagination and play.


• An element of interativity will build up suspention making it more captivating.


• Some picture books evolved from nursery rhymes. i think this could have some relation to the movement, rhythm and repetition of type you can get in certain story books.


• Famous childrens picture book illustrators include Arthur Rackham, Kate Greenaway and  Randolph Caldecott.


• Caldecott took a nursary ryme and illustrated it in detail to create strong visuals that encapture children and adults alike. 1877 - 1886.


•A good strategy is the embrace sound with in the imagery.


• Laying out the typography in a way that reflects the rhythm and beat of the story.