Talking Points: Laura Carlin
How can the materials we use when drawing help us tell a story?
When illustrating a children’s story, Laura Carlin incorporates a variety of techniques, from the materials she uses to their scale and colour. The way she chooses to represent the words on the page goes beyond illustrating the obvious, bringing greater depth and life to the story.
Watch the video below and answer the following questions to begin exploring Laura Carlin’s work.
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Laura Carlin
Primarily known for her work as an illustrator, Laura Carlin’s ambitious and emotionally resonant work has led to some of the most striking contemporary books for children, including her award-winning illustrations for The Iron Man, The Promise and for her solo project A World of Your Own. – Waterstones
Explore all of the books that Laura Carlin has illustrated here.
Questions to Ask Children
Do you like the illustrations in The King of the Sky? Why?
How do they make you feel?
What colours might you feature in an illustration if the story was about being hopeful? Fearful? Lonely? Happy?
How has Laura’s use of materials and composition helped with the storyline?
This Talking Points Is Used In...
Pathway: Storytelling through drawing
using sketchbooks to make visual notes
Show me what you see
