Course is OPEN for pre-launch enrollment!
Check out the special pre-launch pricing offers below!
What will you get from The Empower Your Picture Book Portfolio course?
- Create a stunning portfolio filled with the art agents and art directors are looking for from picture book illustrators, by learning the key elements you need to improve your visual storytelling & create a marketable portfolio.
- 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!
- Are you looking to develop a new style, or elevate your current style into a higher end market, or round out your current folio? Then this course is for you!
- 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.
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A sneak peek of some of the illustrations we will discuss in the course:
Course Flow
Explore the full curriculum below!
(press the down arrow to expand to see the full list of modules)
- 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)
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 lecturer?
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 creative agencies, helping all of their artists, writers and talent market their work toward fulfilling and successful careers.
See some books she agented.
Questions? We've got answers!
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. 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 to get paying work. It is not an art class.
When does the course begin and end?
This course can be started and finished on your own schedule. The choice is yours and access is open until December 15th, 2026, so begin upon course launch or later on in 2026!
How long can I access the course?
Once you join, you retain access until December 15th, 2026.
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 us if you are still unsure if this course is for you, and she is happy to answer your questions. Her email is: [email protected]