Each lesson focuses on a specific skill that you need to demonstrate in your portfolio:

• Choosing your moment
• Charismatic characters
• Compelling emotions
• Book covers
• Complex storytelling techniques
• And many more!

Get in-depth advice on each topic along with actionable tips, visual examples and 3 original prompts per lesson, specifically designed to help you showcase that skill.

A little nugget reading my Petit Panda book.

Small customer enjoying my Donut Give Up book.

A career in picture books isn't just a pipe dream, like us artists have been told all of our lives.

Did you know that the average rate to illustrate a 32-page book is between $8,000 - $12,000?

And that's with a small to mid-size publisher! With a top publisher, this figure can grow to $50,000 - $60,000.

Wowzer!

No one has ever said that breaking into the picture book industry is a walk in the park, but it's far from impossible (especially with a little help!) and it can even be very lucrative.

I'm living proof of that! I'm no Norman Rockwell, I'm just a normal artist with a plan. If I can do it, so can you. 😊

Instead of telling yourself "is this even possible??", it's time to start focusing on "what steps do I need to follow to make it happen? What do I need to learn to ensure my success?"

You have the power in your hands to learn everything that you need to achieve your goals. And I can help you with that!

You don't have to do it all alone.

In just 10 days, get priceless industry secrets that could have taken you years to learn by yourself. Get tips to bring out your best, most impressive work. Ask questions and get support to achieve your goals.

Let's do it together!

LESSON 1:

KIDLIT THEMES AND TOPICS

Have you been putting random illustrations in your portfolio? Stop now! In this lesson we're discussing topics that appeal to kids so you can demonstrate your understanding of the target audience.

LESSON 2:

CHOOSING YOUR MOMENT

Picture book scripts often describe multiple actions or situations on the same page. How do you pick the right moment, the most exciting moment to draw?

LESSON 3:

CHARISMATIC CHARACTERS

In this market, storytelling is the point and characters are the main focus. Learn what kind of characters to draw, the variety you need and how to create memorable designs.

LESSON 4:

COMPELLING EMOTIONS

In a story, you will see the characters go through a wide variety of emotions. In this lesson we're discussing which one you shouldn't leave out, and how to convincingly portray them.

LESSON 5:

LOCATIONS WITH PERSONALITY

Backgrounds, yikes! The Achilles' heel of many artists! Learn how to tackle backgrounds and draw truly magical locations - even if perspective isn't your forte.

LESSON 6:

THE ART OF COMPOSITION

In this lesson, we put together everything we've learned so far! How to integrate it all together, and balance every element so that the right things stand out? That's what the magic of composition is for!

LESSON 7:

SEASONAL TOPICS

Often forgotten, seasonal topics are tremendously marketable and a golden opportunity to wow art directors with your understanding of the market. Learn all about it in this lesson!

LESSON 8:

BOOK COVERS

Let's not forget about covers! Every single book needs one, so art directors decidedly look for an artist who can create attractive cover designs that pop from the shelves!

LESSON 9:

COMPLEX STORYTELLING TECHNIQUES

Picture books are ALL about storytelling. But don't settle on merely drawing exactly what the text says! In this lesson, we're digging deeper and I'll teach you next level techniques that will bring out the story's full potential and impress art directors.

LESSON 10:

SUPERB SEQUENCES

Every portfolio needs at least one sequence: a series of illustrations from the same story that can demonstrate your consistency with the characters, the atmosphere and the stylistic choices. But how do you go about that? What story to draw if you're not a writer? I'll show you how to get the most out of your sequence, the centerpiece of your portfolio!