BUILD YOUR THRIVING ILLUSTRATION CAREER FROM SCRATCH
Say goodbye to the starving artist stereotype! In just 12 months, I'll guide you through every step of becoming a full-time professional illustrator.
The doors will be opened for new students in Fall 2025.
Join the waiting list to be notified!
SO YOU WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ILLUSTRATOR?
That's not a bad choice! Being an illustrator is pretty amazing.
Imagine waking up every morning excited to head to your home studio to draw. And the thrill of seeing your artwork in stores is unmatched. Imagine spotting your book at a bookstore, or your greeting card in a gift shop!
NOW, PICTURE LANDING CLIENTS EFFORTLESSLY.
The days of financial stress are behind you. Instead, you're enjoying a steady stream of fun projects. Even better... when you finish a project, you know exactly what to do to get your next one.
SO YOU WANT TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ILLUSTRATOR?
That's not a bad choice! Being an illustrator is pretty amazing.
Imagine waking up every morning excited to head to your home studio to draw. And the thrill of seeing your artwork in stores is unmatched. Imagine spotting your book at a bookstore, or your greeting card in a gift shop!
NOW, PICTURE LANDING CLIENTS EFFORTLESSLY.
The days of financial stress are behind you. Instead, you're enjoying a steady stream of fun projects. Even better... when you finish a project, you know exactly what to do to get your next one.
THAT'S NOT A PIPE DREAM!
It's the reality for countless professional artists around the world. Why not you? But getting there... that's the tricky part!
Unlike professions like doctor or lawyer, there's no clear path or set of steps to follow to become an illustrator. We're left stranded in the dark, hoping our talent will be enough to get clients to magically appear. When they don't, it feels as if we're just not good enough to succeed...
But that's not true at all, my friend!
Most aspiring artists don't lack for talent, far from it. They lack direction, clarity and essential business skills. Unfortunately, art doesn't sell itself (wouldn't that be amazing though??)
But guess what? This is something you can work on to turn things around!
INTRODUCING THE ART BUSINESS BOOTCAMP
12-month mentorship program
Finally, a proven road map to build your illustration career, step-by-step.
24 lessons over 12 months to learn how to build your portfolio, get clients, price your art and more!
Monthly live coaching and unlimited access to me to guide you.
Workbooks, exercises, checklists, swipe files... even my entire contract template!
The knowledge and confidence to run your own successful art business.
IS THE BOOTCAMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
The Art Business Bootcamp is the ultimate step-by-step road map to help you monetize your passion.
It's not really an art course, it's a business course!
If you're looking to improve your drawing skills, this is not the right fit.
But if you want to learn how to get illustration contracts and make money from your art, you're in exactly the right place!
HUNDREDS OF AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS!
Every art career is different! In the Art Business Bootcamp, you will learn about all the possibilities and get armed with the tools and knowledge to make them happen... but YOU decide what you want to do.
Join hundreds of bootcampers who achieved amazing things!
Chikako got her first illustration contract while still going through the bootcamp! She's gone on to publish many picture books and sell her art at craft fairs.
Philippa learned my marketing methods and started her own art business selling fun, pun-filled t-shirts and cards. She's also storyboarding a movie!
Kaychel was the quickest student to get signed with an illustration agency. She had offers from 2 different agents within a few weeks of starting the program!
Fabiola started contacting clients... and it worked faster than she expected! Suddenly she was talking with 2 clients simultaneously and had to ask me for a sneak peek at the upcoming lesson on negotiation.
Kim-Duyen wrote, illustrated and self-published her own adorable picture book, Sunny's Moment.
While studying in the bootcamp, Shie realized that client work just isn't for her. She has started her own online shop selling beautifully illustrated digital journals.
SEE WHAT MY STUDENTS THINK OF THE BOOTCAMP!
"I have tried SO MANY courses before this. I learned more actionable, concrete steps in this program than any other. I am so thankful to you that you took the time to lay it out in such a neat, clear way. I wish this Bootcamp had been around 15 years ago!"
Jeanne Bowman
Picture book illustrator
"Vanessa is a great resource with a plethora of information on the business of art. The many ways to reach out to companies and art directors really surprised and impressed me. She not only answered the questions I had, but also the ones I never thought to ask."
Courtney Huddleston
"I still can't believe the amount of information and tools you gave us in this program. Thank you for finding the words to explain all the complex and complicated facets of the illustration world. Thanks to you, I will succeed in becoming a professional illustrator!"
Justine Rousseau
Portrait artist
HI! I'M VANESSA.
I've been a full-time freelance illustrator for 6 years now!
In that time, I've managed to...
Work with dream clients like American Greetings, Scholastic, Hobby Lobby, TJ-Maxx and more!
Illustrate 7 picture books
Get signed by wonderful agents (I've actually worked with 3 different ones so far!)
Support myself 100% with my art, and even hire my husband full-time to help me with the admin stuff!
SOUNDS LIKE UNICORNS AND RAINBOWS, RIGHT?
Well... the success didn't exactly happen overnight! I struggled for a long time and made A LOT of mistakes at first.
Confession time?
The first time I tried querying, I didn't get a single gig after sending my portfolio to hundreds of companies. Ouch!!
Shortly after leaving my 9-5 to go freelance, I remember a month where I made just $250. 🙈
I tried just about every platform: Society6, Upwork, Etsy, RedBubble, Teeturtle, Patreon, etc... and spent thousands of dollars in set-up fees, websites, art prints and other merchandise that I never sold.
I burned myself out trying to always do more and MORE. I was so exhausted and discouraged that I almost gave up on my art career...
HI! I'M VANESSA.
I've been a full-time freelance illustrator for 6 years now!
In that time, I've managed to...
Work with dream clients like American Greetings, Scholastic, Hobby Lobby, TJ-Maxx and more!
Illustrate 7 picture books
Get signed by wonderful agents (I've actually worked with 3 different ones so far!)
Support myself 100% with my art, and even hire my husband full-time to help me with the admin stuff!
SOUNDS LIKE UNICORNS AND RAINBOWS, RIGHT?
Well... the success didn't exactly happen overnight! I struggled for a long time and made A LOT of mistakes at first.
Confession time?
The first time I tried querying, I didn't get a single gig after sending my portfolio to hundreds of companies. Ouch!!
Shortly after leaving my 9-5 to go freelance, I remember a month where I made just $250. 🙈
I tried just about every platform: Society6, Upwork, Etsy, RedBubble, Teeturtle, Patreon, etc... and spent thousands of dollars in set-up fees, websites, art prints and other merchandise that I never sold.
I burned myself out trying to always do more and MORE. I was so exhausted and discouraged that I almost gave up on my art career...
MY POINT WITH ALL OF THIS?
I'm not special. I'm a normal artist with a normal amount of skill, and when I first started I also struggled just like you are now.
What it took for me to succeed in the end wasn't an exceptional amount of talent or luck... it was simply learning how to run a business better.
It's not about doing MORE, it's about doing the right things that move the needle.
And you can do the same!
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN...
Where and HOW to find clients who want to commission you?
How to price your art, negotiate with clients and sign contracts?
How to make money making the art YOU love to do!
Learn all this and more in the Art Business Bootcamp!
The ultimate business education you need to fuel all your creative endeavors.
WANT TO JOIN TOO?
I'm currently focusing on mentoring the last group for 12 months to ensure their success. I will be taking new students in September 2025.
I only open the doors once a year, so you don't want to miss it!
Join the waiting list to be notified!
SEE WHAT MY STUDENTS THINK OF THE BOOTCAMP!
Brenna Rae
Graphic novel artist
Courtney Huddleston
Freelance illustrator
Anna Kalecinski
Editorial illustrator
What makes the Art Business Bootcamp different?
Bootcampers have often told me that out of all the courses they purchased in the past, THIS program was by far the most helpful.
Here are the key points of my approach.
Work smarter, not harder
If you haven't succeeded yet, it's not because you're not trying hard enough and the key isn't to work harder. My methods aim to simplify your life, and help you succeed with the least amount of work possible!
A strong plan to follow
I strongly believe that we can achieve anything that we can plan! In the Bootcamp, I'm arming you with a step-by-step roadmap so you know exactly where you are and what you have to do next.
A deep dive into business strategy
We're not just doing surface level stuff in the Bootcamp! We dive deep into marketing strategy, positioning, consumer psychology, sale funnels and more. These foundational skills will help you no matter what you want to do in your career!
Every career is different
I don't provide a cookie-cutter approach, because art careers are all different. Instead, I teach you about all the different possibilities and approaches, and help you find the right fit for you.
Up-to-date industry info
Teaching is really a side gig for me! I'm a full-time illustrator first and foremost, and I'm actively selling my art right now. That means my knowledge of the illustration industry and market trends is also current.
Unlimited support
With live coaching, unlimited emails, portfolio reviews and more - I've always got your back! You're not just paying for a course, you're paying for a mentor that will be there for you every step of your journey.
THE CURRICULUM
We have a LOT to cover, so I've split the content into 12 months to make it more digestible and give you enough time to complete the steps.
Here is what's waiting for you each month inside the Bootcamp!
MONTH 01
September 2025
Live coaching - Saturday, September 20th
Bonuses - The 12-piece Portfolio Workbook
MONTH 02
October 2025
Live coaching - Saturday, October 25th
Bonuses - Website Checklist, Website Procedures
MONTH 03
November 2025
See examples of past students' websites and my best tips to improve them.
Live coaching - Saturday, November 22nd
MONTH 04
December 2025
Live coaching - Saturday, December 20th
Bonuses - Business plan, Tax tracking templates
MONTH 05
January 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, January 24th
Bonuses - Resource Page, Company Research Database
MONTH 06
February 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, February 21st
Bonuses - Email Swipe Files, Query Tracker, Sell sheet Templates
MONTH 07
March 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, March 21st
Bonuses - Agent Masterlist
MONTH 08
April 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, Saturday, April 18th
Bonuses - Business Budget Worksheets, Project Pricing Calculator
MONTH 09
May 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, Saturday, May 23rd
Bonuses - Negotiation Swipe Files, Quote Template, Price List template, and my full Contract Template
MONTH 10
June 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, June 27th
Bonuses - Scenarios and Solutions Guide, Freelancer Planner (printable & digital versions)
MONTH 11
July 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, July 18th
Bonuses - Newsletter Ideas Guide
MONTH 12
August 2026
Live coaching - Saturday, August 22nd
Bonuses - Resource Page, Product Ideas Guide
DOZENS OF BONUS RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!
Pricing calculator
Email swipe files
Workbooks, exercises and guiding questions
Templates, checklists and guides
My entire contract template!!
... and more
PLUS, 75% OFF ON MY OTHER COURSES!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
DOZENS OF BONUS RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED!
Pricing calculator
Email swipe files
Workbooks, exercises and guiding questions
Templates, checklists and guides
My entire contract template!!
... and more
PLUS, 75% OFF ON MY OTHER COURSES!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
Reg. $57
$14.75 for you!
OKAY, THAT'S A LOT TO UNPACK!
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? I feel you!
I won't lie, building a successful art career from scratch is QUITE an endeavor... Even just reading the steps in the curriculum makes me feel like I've run a marathon! But that's precisely why getting some help can seriously improve your odds of success.
You don't have to do it all by yourself! Get the help of a mentor who's been there and can show you all the shortcuts... and all the pitfalls to avoid!
HELP EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
You're not just getting an online course. You're getting a mentor to accompany and support you at every turn!
Monthly live coaching sessions
Join me and the other students live for a Q&A and hang out! Discuss your challenges, successes and questions.
Individual feedback
Get personalized feedback at any time on your assignments, portfolio, social media, shop or products and more!
No questions unanswered
Unsure about your next steps? Need to bounce ideas off of someone? Don't know if your client's offer is good? I'm always there to help!
Each artist's journey is different, so the help of a mentor can truly be life-changing. Unfortunately, that's why it's also typically expensive!
I've seen art mentorships go for as much as $2,500 to $5,000 for 6 months 😱
While I'm sure it's worth every penny, not every artist can afford that... Especially at the very beginning of their careers. That's why I wanted to make my program as affordable as humanly possible!
You can get the Art Business Bootcamp for just $75 per month for a whole year of personalized support ($900 in total, split over 12 months).
That's twice the length of similar mentorships, and less half the price!
MEET PYRO
@pyrohelfier
Pyro had been an artist who could "occasionally make some money from her art" for a long time, but things turned around after she found the Bootcamp!
"This is the most comprehensive program on building, growing and maintaining an art career I've ever come across and it's well worth every penny. I've learned so many things in the Bootcamp that really helped me take actionable steps to be a profitable entrepreneur with a real art business and multiple revenue streams to get through the lean times.
I think like me, so many of us artists have the art part down, but not the business side. We either have no idea how and where to market, or just think the whole thing is a nightmare - and it doesn't have to be! I've learned so much about how to price my work, where to get gigs and how to build an email list.
I wish I'd had this information YEARS ago!!"
MEET ARLO
@arloliart
Arlo has the most adorable art that you've ever seen, but when I first met him, he was struggling to attract clients. The art pieces he was showing were ill-suited for his target market (children's books) and he only had an Instagram profile but no website and no idea where to start.
He signed up for the Art Business Bootcamp, took my advice and ran with it! He worked so hard and only 3 short months later, here's where he is:
"I recently had some good news! I completed my 12-piece portfolio the other day and sent it to some publishers and agents. I immediately received a reply from the Lemonade Agency, and today I have officially signed with them!
This is a good start, isn't it? Thank you, Ness!! Without your lessons and suggestions, it would never have gone so smoothly!"
MEET CHIKAKO
@chikakoillustration
Chikako Ogawa is a Bootcamp alumni who is killing it! She has gotten many contracts in editorial illustration and picture books and continues to progress on her journey every day. She now sells her artwork at art fairs and cafes too!
"It’s been about a year since the Bootcamp. I decided to go back to Vanessa’s method to find better clients who can pay more to reach my financial goals! I sent a new estimate to one of my existing clients and today I got an answer. It was a yes to my new price!"
On her latest project, Chikako says:
"Woohoo, I just received the book I illustrated for a client! It’s a good feeling really 
I was feeling a bit unmotivated to draw recently, but it boosted my motivation again!"
WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A FULL-TIME ILLUSTRATOR?
Since I've been a professional illustrator since 2015 (and still am!) I can give you the scoop on what it's really like.
You get to draw all day and express your creativity. Doing it full-time means SO MUCH drawing!
You get to see your art in stores, and in customers' hands. It's incredibly rewarding!
You get to be your own boss and make your own schedule (since I have a chronic disease, this is a big one for me. I get to work around my symptoms and run a business that fits MY needs.)
That's not to say it's all rainbows all the time!
Being self-employed can be challenging and stressful at times. There are ups and downs in every artist's career. It takes time and effort to build a resillient and diversified business.
All in all... There's nothing else in the world I would rather do!
Could it be right for you too?
SEE WHAT MY STUDENTS THINK OF THE BOOTCAMP!
"I LOVED this program! Each lesson was a highlight of my day. Ness is a good teacher with a fun and chill approach. You can see that she cares for her students and truly wants us to grow! I feel more confident and determined than ever in my freelance career. Highly recommend 💗"
Agata Plank
Picture book illustrator
"A lot of times I have wondered what I would be doing now if I had not come across the Bootcamp. I must also say, Ness is one of the sweetest persons you could meet. She is always there to guide you and never gets annoyed. I know how many email conversations I've had with her and how many times I have run to her for suggestions!"
Shrijha Krishnan
Surface designer
"Each lesson is jam-packed with useful information I would never have discovered on my own. Vanessa is a warm and exceedingly generous teacher; she makes sure she is available to address any concern we have, big or small. It's easy to see that the Art Business Bootcamp is not merely a job to her. 10/10."
Brenna Rae
Graphic novel artist
WANT TO JOIN TOO?
I'm currently focusing on mentoring the last group for 12 months to ensure their success. I will be taking new students in September 2025.
I only open the doors once a year, so you don't want to miss it!
Join the waiting list to be notified!
(c) Art Business with Ness 2024