Introductions/Welcome:

My goal in teaching this course is multifold:

  1. To help fulfill your degree requirements.
  2. To introduce you to a vibrant & lucrative industry for designers and illustrators.
  3. To introduce you to the concept of “self-generated” projects.
  4. To prepare you to enter the publishing industry.
  5. To prepare you for Senior Project.

Orientation:

  1. How this class will be conducted.
    1. Synchronous- Zoom meetings every Thursday 6:00pm -9:20pm.
    2. Asynchronous- OPENLAB base/DropBox/Email.
  2. How I will impart information, agendas, assignments, and deadlines.
    1. In class meetings.
    2. On OPENLAB.
    3. Via Email every Friday.
  3. What are You’re responsibilities to succeed in this class:
    1. Show up to Zoom classes on Thursdays promptly at 6:00pm.
    2. Participate in class discussions and assignments (both in class & on OPENLAB).
    3. SIGN UP & JOIN THIS OPENLAB CLASS.
    4. Check your email for periodic information about the class.
    5. Communicate with ME via email ( aaccardo@citytech.cuny.edu ) about any issues you may be having in reference to this class, or accessing information.
    6. Complete assignments on deadline.

Review Syllabus.

  1. A PDF of the Course syllabus is available on OPENLAB and on our class Dropbox.
    1. Go to dropbox.com:
    2. LOGIN:             comd3633@gmail.com
    3. PASSWORD:    citytech

Class Info

  • Date: August 27, 2020
  • Meeting Info: Online via Zoom invite.

To-Do Before Class

  1. Sign up on for OPENLAB and join this class.
  2. Familiarize yourself with and explore OPENLAB.
  3. Check your email everyday for important class updates.
  4. Be ready to talk about your favorite book growing up.

Topic

  1. Introduction to Children’s Picture Book and its Genres. (PowerPoint Lecture)
  2. Where ideas come from. Brainstorming topics of interest.
  3. Researching children’s books (Do we really need another ABC book? Why is your book going to be different?)
  4. The Elevator Pitch. Examples of famous books condensed into 2 sentences.
  5. What goes into a book proposal.

Objectives

  1. Familiarize students with the online classroom experience.
  2. Understanding how to successfully complete the course work.
  3. Reviewing Course Topics and Protocols.
  4. Understanding the origins of Children’s picture books.
  5. Understanding the role of the illustrator within the picture book industry.
  6. Understanding the current children’s book market and its genres.
  7. Understanding where ideas come from.
  8. Understanding the importance of researching the picture book market.
  9. Understanding how to create an Elevator Pitch for a picture book.

Activities 

In class start brainstorming topics for a potential Children’s Picture Book. Ideally these should come from personal experience or a topic that you are an expert in.

Where to begin:

  1. Childhood fears or trauma.
  2. Childhood friends or pets.
  3. Childhood environment: urban, suburban, country, or foreign country.
  4. Special childhood event.
  5. Childhood hero: real, fictional, or historic.
  6. Sport or hobbies.
  7. School, church, or work.
  8. Ethnicity.
  9. Current or historical Events.
  10. BLM
  11. LGBTQ
  12. Retelling or Updating Fairy Tale, Mythology, or Fable.

 

To-Do After Class

 (Homework 1)

  1. Continue brainstorming ideas for your own picture book project.
  2. Select the best 3 ideas and create a formal proposal condensing each one into a 2-3 sentence elevator pitch.
  3. Answer these questions for each of the 3 ideas:

a.    Research the market:

I. Are there similar books in print?

II. How would your book be different?

III. Why are you the one to write/illustrate this book?

  1. Genre: What type of book is this?  (Fairy Tale, History, Informational, etc.)
  2. Who is the Target Audience for this picture book?
  3. Why is this topic important to your target audience, and why do you think there is a market for such a book?
  4. Include an About the Author – This is the part about you indicate why you are the best person to create this book. What are your special qualifications? Only include what applies to your subject matter. Don’t be afraid about bragging here.

This assignment should be created as a PDF. Don’t forget to include your name.

***Label the PDF files:  last name_hmwk1.pdf

Upload this PDF to folder labeled Homework 1 in DropBox.

Go to: Dropbox.com

Login Name: comd3633@gmail.com

Password: citytech

***Do not forget to sign into OPENLAB and join this class.***

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