Non-Credit Instructor: Children’s Book Illustration Studio, Continuing Studies 2026-27

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

OCAD University (OCAD U), Canada’s university of the imagination, provides a vibrant and stimulating environment for its faculty and students. Committed to excellence and contemporary approaches to education, OCAD U offers seventeen undergraduate programs, seven graduate programs, and a variety of continuing education courses in art, media and design. OCAD U is currently seeking outstanding, creative and collaborative teachers in the following sessional opportunities/opportunity. 

The School of Continuing Studies invites applications for the following anticipated non-credit course.

CSDI-N129 - Children’s Book Illustration Studio
(Spring 2027; 6-weeks, online, asynchronous)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This studio course explores the creative process of illustrating picture books for children. Students will learn key conceptual and technical skills to create effective and original illustrations. Topics include character design, composition, colour theory, visual narrative techniques, business basics, and more. Classwork may be executed in an array of media including gouache, acrylic paint, pen and ink, watercolour, collage, or digital software. Students will also learn to digitize traditionally created illustrations using Adobe Photoshop. Studio work will be supported by technical demonstrations, presentations, and critique.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A post-secondary degree (Masters preferred), or equivalent combination of professional experience and practice.
• Experience in teaching and curriculum development (for adult learners preferred). Online teaching and development an asset.
• Demonstrated professional and industry experience in children's book illustration, visual storytelling, and narrative image-making, including knowledge of the children's book publishing industry.
• Knowledge of contemporary art, design, and visual culture, and their relationship to illustration and children’s books.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and written communication skills.
• A commitment to inclusive, accessible, and student-centred teaching practices that support diverse learners and learning styles.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Course development and delivery; participation in instructor program meetings with Continuing Studies staff.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The contract is for the duration of the set development and delivery periods only and is subject to sufficient enrolment.

RATE OF PAY: $81.60/hour ($74.18 + 10% in lieu of benefits). 

Applications should be complete and include:

1. A resume;
2. A cover letter; 
3. and the names and contact information of three references.  

Please upload all three (3) components (including any URL to work) in one PDF format. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please name your upload: FirstInitial_LastName-Job Code. 

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence, online, by clicking the “Apply Now” button below.

Applications will close on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

More information on submitting applications on OCAD U’s online applicant system can be found on the Employment Opportunities page.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for any employer (with a valid work or study permit, SIN and Canadian bank account). 

If you require further support, please contact the People & Culture Office.

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University (OCAD U) recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD U understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

OCAD U is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.