A rising wave of young creative interest in illustration and storytelling took center stage Friday as Barbados hosted its first-ever Children’s Book Illustrator and Author Showcase at Olympus Theatres, a landmark event designed to celebrate and cultivate emerging local youth talent in literary creation.
Organized by Bookscape Studio and generously sponsored by The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, the free, day-long event welcomed primary school students from across the island for an immersive, hands-on introduction to the full process of children’s book development. Through interactive live presentations, dynamic storytelling sessions, and step-by-step illustration demonstrations, participants got an up-close look at what it means to work as a professional children’s author or illustrator.
Headlining the showcase were three experienced creators: Barbadian authors and illustrators Cherise Harris and Ruth Amanda, alongside visiting Canadian writer Yolanda T. Marshall. Each creator used their platform to encourage young attendees to lean into writing and visual art as powerful, accessible outlets for personal self-expression.
In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Amanda explained that the event grew out of a desire to open young people’s eyes to the diverse career and creative opportunities available in the fields of literacy and illustration. “I was so grateful to be invited by Cherise and Yolanda to be part of this wonderful showcase,” she said. “It’s a chance to show what creators right here in Barbados can build: literacy projects for a global audience, and books filled with familiar, relatable imagery that local children can truly connect with.”
A core goal of the interactive exercises and discussions hosted at the event was to dismantle the misconception that illustration is bound by strict rules or single acceptable styles. “We want children to leave knowing there’s no one ‘right’ way to illustrate a story,” Amanda emphasized. “What matters most is that your unique story comes through. Our big hope is to inspire an entirely new generation of literary creators, whether that means they become authors, illustrators, or both. For these young creatives, the sky really is the limit.”
Amanda also shared her observations of shifting artistic trends among young creatives in Barbados, noting a clear evolution in interest over the past several years. Older children, she explained, are increasingly drawn to illustration styles shaped by anime and graphic novel aesthetics, a growing movement that has gained significant traction across the island’s youth creative community. For younger children, meanwhile, trends are moving in a different direction: many are developing a new appreciation for softer, more traditional artistic approaches, such as watercolor illustration, though digital illustration with bold, bright colors also remains widely popular. “The diversity of styles available today is incredible,” Amanda added, “there truly is something for every young creator to explore.”
For young people eager to build their illustration and storytelling skills, Amanda offered simple, actionable advice that prioritizes passion and practice over formal training. “Consistent practice is key. Draw inspiration from the world around you: take photos of what catches your eye, break subjects down into basic shapes, add details little by little, and keep showing up for your craft,” she said. “You don’t need formal art training to become an illustrator. Anyone can do this. Just keep exploring the world around you, and draw what inspires you.”