Mentoring

Illustrators, Artists and Graphic designers

Mentorship Programme

Through this mentoring programme, I will help you develop a strong, commercially focused portfolio for editorial, publishing (adult or children’s), branding, or advertising so that you can secure work.

Each session is tailored to your goals—whether that’s portfolio development, refining your style, working on an author-illustrated book, finding new clients, breaking into international markets, pricing, contracts, promotion, or building a sustainable freelance practice.

We begin with a portfolio review and a clear discussion of your goals. From this, I create a personalised plan that guides the sessions while remaining flexible to your progress and development.

You will work on a series of targeted creative briefs designed for your chosen direction, with ongoing feedback, industry insights, and examples to help you understand what clients and agencies are looking for.

The programme includes 10 one-hour online sessions, supported by written follow-up notes and guidance between sessions. The pace is flexible and can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly depending on your schedule, with written feedback available if preferred.

By the end of the programme, you will have a cohesive, professionally directed portfolio and a clearer understanding of how to navigate the industry and secure work.

I can also advise on clients, agencies, and representation, and offer representation to a small number of illustrators who complete the programme, supporting them in launching their careers through my client network.

Illustration by Marieme Ba

Children's Publishing

Working across children’s picture books, board and baby books, and young adult (YA) publishing is valuable because it allows you to both entertain and educate at formative stages of life, while also building a sustainable and diverse illustration career.
Portfolio Review
Receive expert critique to refine and strengthen your work for the children’s publishing industry.
Portfolio Development
Build a professional portfolio tailored to children’s books, from picture books, middle-grade and YA illustrations.
Character & Story Development
Create engaging, expressive characters and visually compelling narratives.
Connect with Publishers & Agencies
Gain industry insights and establish relationships with key decision-makers.
Children’s Book Proposals
Generate ideas and illustrations for a strong, market-ready book proposal.
Develop Your Unique, Signature Style
Stand out in the children’s book market with a distinctive artistic voice.
Secure Commissions & Increase Sales
Learn how to attract publishers, secure projects, and build a sustainable career in children's publishing
Social Media & Online Presence
Strengthen your visibility and reach potential publishers.
Portfolio Curation
Organize and present your work effectively to appeal to publishers and agents.
Industry-Aligned Portfolio
Develop a diverse portfolio with themes, compositions, and color palettes that align with current industry trends.
Craft an Imaginative & Unique Storyline
Develop stories that align with your artistic vision and personal passion.
Author-Illustrated Books
Receive guidance on writing and illustrating your own children’s book.

Illustration by Anastasia Yustus

Editorial & Adult Publishing

Editorial and book publishing are two of the most accessible and creatively rewarding areas of illustration. With a wide range of magazines and publications available, there is a subject for everyone, and a constant demand for artwork to accompany the many articles produced each week and month.

They offer the opportunity to develop a strong visual voice and work on meaningful, narrative-led projects.

Portfolio review

Professional assessment of your portfolio’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Portfolio Development

Create illustrations inline with what the industry is looking for

Develop a unique, signature style or evolve your current style

Clear, constructive feedback to strengthen all your illustrations

Develop a diverse, industry-ready portfolio of themes and subjects

Develop your book and proposal, and prepare it for submission to publishers and get published

Industry Connections

Connect to clients, agencies & publishers

Grow a successful freelance illustration business

Secure agency representation

Commissions

Secure Commissions

Publish Your Book

Illustrate for Books

Promotion

Learn how to promote yourself through online, social media and client outreach

Portfolio curation

Maximize online presence

Support, Motivation & Focus

Feel inspired, stay motivated, supported, challenged, accountable, and focused

Receive actionable feedback to help you create your strongest work