Autoplay
Autocomplete
Previous Lesson
Complete and Continue
2026: Empower Your Picture Book Portfolio!
Pre-Class Notes to Read
Class start date and need to know info.
Welcome & Orientation
Welcome to the class!
Welcome illustrators! Let's get started. (10:23)
Intro to what agents (& art directors) want to know. (11:00)
Learn the #kidlit language. (18:19)
What art directors want to know - beyond the language. (11:36)
Plan your course schedule. (5:00)
Element #1: Know Your Unique Voice
Finding your unique voice (part 1) (9:08)
Finding your unique voice (part 2) (11:41)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (8:46)
Illustrate! Portfolio project 1 - Experiment.
Recommended reading list featuring: Unique personal styles.
Terms Sheet: Available for Download
How to be an illustration professional. (6:25)
Element #2: Emotion & Expression
Emotion in kid's books (2:24)
The secret to emotion & expression (part 1) (8:02)
The secret to emotion & expression (part 2) (8:15)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (9:58)
Recommended reading list featuring: Emotion.
Illustrate! Portfolio projects 2 & 3: Character Studies.
Element #3: Color with Purpose
How colors enhance your storytelling. (part 1) (4:12)
Choosing color for meaning & marketability. (6:11)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (10:19)
Recommended reading list featuring: Color.
Illustrate! Portfolio projects 4 & 5 - Color choices.
Element #4: Character Interaction
Why character interaction? (part 1) (5:47)
Why character interaction? (part 2) (5:25)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (10:39)
Illustrate! Project 6: Four Interactive vignettes.
Hold yourself accountable! You've made it halfway!
Review, relax & re-energize!
How to write your biography. (3:50)
Element #5: Movement
How to illustrate movement! (8:00)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (10:40)
Illustrate! Portfolio Pieces 7 - A trio of movement.
Element #6: The Art of the Unexpected Detail
How to: Add details to create marketable illustrations! (10:46)
Case Studies: Real Illustration Reviews (9:43)
Element #7: The Art of Illumination (LIGHT)
How to add light with purpose - featuring case studies! (part 1) (9:47)
How to add light with purpose - featuring case studies! (part 2) (7:43)
Illustrate! Portfolio Project 8 - Illustrate with Light!
Illustrate! Portfolio project 9: Acing Character Ages
The Grand Finale: Creation & Curation
Illustrate! Portfolio project 10 - Your final project A!
Illustrate! Portfolio project 11 - Your final project B!
How to market your work: social media & your website. (8:35)
Action steps to help you follow through! (11:35)
BONUS: Downloadable portfolio builder checklist.
Artist credits and thanks!
How to market your work: social media & your website.
Lesson content locked
If you're already enrolled,
you'll need to login
.
Enroll in Course to Unlock