Differences Between Illustrating Fiction and Nonfiction

In this course, you will learn:

  • Challenges illustrators face in ficiton and nonfiction projects
  • Best approaches for tackling nonfiction picture book illustration
  • The basic approach to illustrating a manuscript
  • Thoughts for picture book authors on leaving room for the illustrator


Your Instructor


Dow Phumirik
Dow Phumirik

Dow Phumiruk* is a pediatrician who has found her passion in creating children's books. Though creative throughout childhood, she put this artistic part of her aside as she pursued a career in medicine. Years later, when she chose to take time off to be a stay-at-home mother (2003), she rediscovered her love of all things creative, finding much joy especially in children's book illustration. She experimented with different mediums and styles on her own for a while. Finally realizing she couldn't do it all alone, she took the plunge into SCBWI in 2011 - and hasn't looked back!

Now she primarily works digitally (mostly because she really, really, really needs to erase sometimes) and is represented by East West Literary Agency. Her favorite subjects are children (especially girls) and animals. She has written and/or illustrated several books. Clients include

HarperCollins, Henry Holt/Macmillan, Hachette Book Group, Abrams, Viking, Sleeping Bear Press, and Zonderkidz. See my section of books for details.

She lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with her husband of over 2.5 decades, three artistic daughters, two guinea pigs, one tiny frog, and an old bearded dragon named Sparkles. Dow also enjoys fast and furious sewing projects and limited (she's not that athletic) hiking.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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