Illustrator Denise Holmes Shares Insights on Her Picture Book Mentoring Program

How would you describe your mentoring philosophy when it comes to picture book illustration?

I truly believe that support and guidance from an experienced mentor can significantly contribute to achieving one’s goal. My approach to mentoring focuses on helping creatives discover their unique niche that will set them apart in the competitive children’s book market. Together we explore your interests and passions, allowing you to create a portfolio that will attract agents and publishers. As a mentor, I am able to look over your body of work and identify your strengths as well as areas that need development. I am your motivation that gives you direction to achieving your dreams, while cheering you on and giving you personalized feedback along the way!

What inspired you to become a picture book illustration coach and mentor?

I have been teaching since 2014; from classes for adults to workshops for little kids. I recently worked as an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago in the illustration department where I created the syllabus and weekly lectures for beginning illustrators as well as students in their last year looking to become freelancers. I love teaching and mentoring students just as much as I love illustrating. It brings me joy to share my knowledge and to help others create work that they love.

Can you walk us through your typical coaching process with a new mentee?

A 3-month mentorship is built depending on the schedule of the mentee, but together we will create a schedule that works for you. Typically we will plan six 1 hour long video meeting sessions over the course of our time together. In those sessions we will go over your goals, give feedback on your work and will answer any industry related questions.

Each week I provide 3 to-do’s:

• A daily drawing prompt to help you develop a sketchbook habit

• A worksheet with 3-4 questions to help you discover more about the work you want to create and reflecting on makes you - you

• A weekly homework assignment

I use a productivity app called Notion that houses the mentorship information, homework assignments and goals. The app let’s us communicate via real time; so whatever I type, the mentee will see it at the same time! I go through a few times a week, leaving feedback and updating for the next weeks assignments.

What do you think are the most important skills or traits for a successful picture book illustrator to develop?

I believe that if you figure out the types of picture books you want to create and focus on building portfolio pieces that represent that and the types of things you love to draw, it will blend together the perfect formula for a successful illustrator.

I think it’s important for a picture book illustrator to be familiar with drawing characters; animal, human, anthropomorphic and to show emotion and interaction.

How do you help your mentees find their unique illustration style?

We work together to uncover all the things that they love! Leaning into what you love and building upon that is a strength that will make any of the work you create your style. Combining likes, techniques and a custom color palette has been the key to finding my style and I believe it will be your key as well.

In what ways do you encourage your mentees to stay motivated and engaged throughout their mentorship?

Having to pay someone a fee can be very motivating factor! It’s important that you have the time to focus on a 3 month membership to really benefit from this opportunity. I also set weekly deadlines and the video call meetings are great motivation to receive feedback as well!

How do you approach giving constructive feedback to your mentees, and how do you tailor your approach to each individual?

I received straightforward honest feedback at the start of my career and while it made me cry, it actually motivated me to get my act together and work really hard. If I didn’t receive this harsh critique on a picture book I was working on, I don’t think I would have become the person I am today. I always take that to heart and let my mentees know that I am going to give my honest feedback with their work. It’s important to remember that it’s just one persons opinion, but having fresh eyes on your work can be just the thing to remind you what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Can you share a success story or a memorable experience you’ve had as an illustration coach?

As a teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing numerous success stories. Through these experiences I not only get to share my knowledge, but I also get to learn from each person. Watching someone grow and develop their work is an incredibly rewarding experience that I really cherish. Many of my students have gone on to get artist representation and books published - and that just feels amazing.

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and integrate them into your coaching methods?

To stay-up-to-date with the picture book industry, I read a ton of books! I am a weekly visitor to my local library, I purchase way too many books (I love supporting my friends!) and I am a member and co-illustration rep of SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrator’s). Knowing the types of books that are getting published and what is trending helps me guide my mentees to create relevant work that is trending in the industry. I also believe that while trends are helpful to know, it’s just as important to create work that we are passionate about, even if the subject matter isn’t currently trending.

What advice do you have for aspiring picture book illustrators seeking mentorship or coaching?

Make sure this is something you really want to do and that you have the time to focus on it. It’s a lot of work, but such an amazing opportunity to gain insight about yourself, your work and the industry. You will also gain a new friend and someone who will be cheering for you throughout your career.