Pick an object in your home, like a shoe, a fruit, or a pet, and try drawing it while looking at it carefully instead of from memory. Pay attention to its shape, shadows, and the small details you might not have noticed before. Drawing from observation is one of the first skills every illustrator develops, and it trains your eye to see the world the way artists do.
 

Watch the video of Eric Carle showing Mister Rogers how he creates his famous illustrations, then try his collage technique yourself. Paint sheets of paper with different colors and textures, let them dry, then cut or tear them into shapes and glue them together to create an animal, a character, or a scene. This hands-on process shows how illustrators build images using layers and materials, not just pencils and brushes.

Visit your local library and explore the picture book section with fresh eyes, paying attention to how different illustrators use color, style, and detail to tell their stories. Many libraries host free drawing workshops, storytime events with illustration activities, or maker programs where you can experiment with art materials. Ask a librarian to help you find books about how your favorite illustrators create their work.