What Happens During an Author or Illustrator Visit to Your School?
One of the most rewarding parts of my job as a children’s book illustrator is visiting schools. There’s nothing quite like walking into a classroom buzzing with excitement, seeing students light up as they connect with books, and sharing the magic of how stories and illustrations come to life.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during an author or illustrator visit, here’s a little peek behind the scenes — and why these sessions are so special for both students and creators.
✏️ The Introduction
A typical visit begins with introductions — I’ll share a little about who I am, how I became an illustrator, and what I do now. I love showing kids how picture books start as sketches and ideas, and how they grow into something they can hold in their hands.
Depending on the age group, I might show slides or time-lapse videos from Procreate, so students can see the process of digital illustration in action. The “wow” moments always come when kids realise that even professional artists make rough drafts and mistakes along the way!
🎨 Drawing Demonstrations
This is often the highlight for students — and for me! I’ll draw live on my iPad or paper, taking suggestions from the audience. It could be a silly animal, a character from one of my books, or a brand-new creature we invent together.
Drawing in front of students is a great way to show that creativity is playful, not perfect. I talk about how ideas can change as you work — and that experimenting is part of every artist’s process.
📚 Storytelling and Book Talk
If I’m visiting as part of a picture book launch or Book Week celebration, I’ll often read one of my books aloud, with a bit of behind-the-scenes commentary. I love explaining how illustrations and text work together to tell a story — and how a single drawing can carry emotion, movement, and meaning.
This part often leads to wonderful discussions: “Why does that character look worried?” or “How did you choose that colour?” Kids are natural storytellers, and I encourage them to share their own ideas.
💡 Interactive Workshop (Optional)
For longer sessions, I’ll run a hands-on drawing activity. This might involve designing a character, illustrating an emotion, or inventing a short story through pictures. Students sketch along with me, either on paper or digitally if available.
The aim isn’t to make perfect art — it’s to show that everyone has a creative voice. I always say, “There are no wrong drawings, only new ideas waiting to be discovered.”
Q&A Time
The questions from students are always the best part. From “What’s your favourite pencil?” to “How long does it take to make a book?” — these conversations often reveal how curious and observant kids are about creative work.
It’s also a lovely moment to talk about persistence, imagination, and how art can be a lifelong passion.
Why School Visits Matter
Author and illustrator visits do more than entertain — they inspire. When children meet real creators, they see that books don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re made by people who once sat in classrooms just like theirs, dreaming, drawing, and learning.
For me, every visit is a reminder of why I do this work: to spark curiosity, confidence, and joy through stories and pictures.
Interested in Booking a Visit?
If your school would love a creative, inspiring session focused on storytelling, illustration, and the joy of reading, I’d be thrilled to visit. You can find more information — including session types and availability — on my School Visits page.
Let’s make books come alive for your students!
Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.