Course closed until 2025.
What will you get from The Empower Your Picture Book Portfolio course?
Over an extremely in depth set of modules, discover the 7 key elements you need to improve your visual storytelling & create a marketable portfolio - thereby earning you work with the art directors and agents of your dreams, on the projects you love!
Create a new portfolio piece for every element + lots of extra illustration briefs!
You will complete a full portfolio of new work by the end of the class! - Making this perfect for those developing a style, elevating their style into a higher end market, or rounding out their current folio!
We are illustrators, and our goal is to make money by following our passion. But to do that, we need the right guidance. And that guidance is given in depth throughout the course.
A sneak peek of some of the illustrations we will discuss in the course:
Does any of this feel like you?
“I have a decent portfolio, why is no one is hiring me?”
“Why can't I get an agent?"
"Why haven't I gotten any jobs yet?"
“Why am I getting the same jobs over and over again?”
“Why is my current agent not getting me work?”
“Why can't I get jobs with the publishers I want?”
“Why am I not getting paid the money I want?”
After I see a portfolio, it's always 100% clear why it's not getting work. My goal is to help everyone identify their weakness, highlight their strengths, and fill the gaps in their portfolio while maintaining their unique style.
I teach YOU to evaluate your own work, so that you can create brilliant illustrations for decades to come!
This course details the key elements illustrators need in their portfolios, to solve those problems.
Who will benefit the most from
enrolling in this class?
This course is for an illustrator who has a drawing / illustration background and is looking to advance their career, change styles, or just get their first book deal! From recent art school grads to full-time working illustrators, all can find benefit from the course.
Who’s your instructor?
Empower Your Picture Book Portfolio is taught by me, Emily—hi!—an illustration agent-turned-portfolio coach.
During my time as an international illustration agent, I helped everyone from new and upcoming illustrators to already-published professionals get the jobs they dream of, and reach #1 on the NY Times and Amazon bestseller lists. Not only that, I’ve met with more art directors than I can count, attended many (many!) international and domestic book fairs, and agented various books that have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list, as well as award winners and celeb titles!
Currently, when not working for the Illustration Initiative, Emily is deeply involved in all things kids books. She works with 7 creative agencies, helping all of their artists, writers and talent market their work toward fulfilling and successful careers.
See some books she agented.
FAQ
Will I learn how to DRAW from this course?
I suggest understanding how to draw (in at least one medium) for this course to benefit you in the ways I mention. However, we do not teach you how to draw in this class. It’s also worth mentioning this class is designed specifically to help children’s book illustrators (aspiring through professional) elevate their portfolio.
When does the course begin and end?
This course can be started and finished on your own schedule. I suggest completing it in 7-9 weeks, just a couple hours a week (which I will go over in the intro to the course). But the choice is yours and access is unlimited for one year after enrollment—so begin now, or in the future.
How long can I access the course?
Once you join, you retain access for 1 year.
Does Emily really review my work?
Yes! She will work 1-1 with you on the 2 final project illustrations via email. You will come out with 2 NEW full spreads. You must complete the entire course before completing the 2 final projects and submitting your work for her to review. Note: It may take up to 3 weeks for the review to be returned.
Is this for writers / picture book creators?
Not unless you are also an illustrator. This course is designed for illustrators who have some technical skill and are ready to take their portfolio to the next level.
Is this course for me?
Email Emily if you are still unsure if this course is for you, and she is happy to answer your questions. Her email is: [email protected]