Why mentoring?
Mentoring for Beginning Picture Book Illustrators
Are you a budding illustrator dreaming of a career in children's picture books? Uncertain about the types of illustrations to include in your portfolio or how to find an agent? Looking for a professional guide to help you take the next step in your career?
Join me for three months of personalised mentoring to help you navigate the path to success. From portfolio building to publishing, I'll offer feedback and guidance to help you achieve your goals.
Aspiring to become a children's book illustrator can feel daunting, but with the right mentor, you can make significant progress. I bring a mix of motivation, advice, direction, coaching, support, feedback, inspiration, and training to help you achieve your goals. Let's work together to bring your artistic vision to life.
Meet the mentor
Denise Holmes
Denise Holmes is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and educator living in Chicago, IL. An official SCBWI Mentor.
Mentoring path
3 months
$600
Twice a month call with your mentor
Personalized assignments
Feedback on your projects
Tailored advice to help you achieve your goals
1 project
$150
1-on-1 call with Denise
Receive feedback on your project
Ask questions
After the call receive a list with resources and an action plan
Billed for 1-hour call to discuss one project.
what is included
Whether you’re interested in picture books, baby board books, chapter books or graphic novels, Denise will help you understand what publishers and agents are looking for and how to create a portfolio that reflects the types of books you want to create. You will receive weekly assignments and weekly video chats to discuss your work and get feedback on your progress.
Month 1
You will continue to work together to finalize your portfolio and website to get it ready. During this time you will research agencies and publishers that would be a good fit for your goals.
Month 2
Your final month together, you will have worked so hard to get here—ready to share your journey and your amazing work with the world. Together you’ll craft together a portfolio and cover letter to start applying, and you will end your mentorship with a clear goal in mind and tools to help you succeed in the industry.
Month 3
Outcomes
Build confidence as an artist through inspiration and motivation.
Explore your personal style and figure out which types of children’s picture books resonate with you.
Grow your portfolio. Under Denise’s watch and guidance create high-quality children’s artwork for your portfolio.
Develop your artistic skill. Denise will be there to clearly explain the best techniques and workflow for your project. Together you will recognize your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can continue to build the skills you need to succeed.
Marketing your art on social media is essential to growing your following and connecting with agents and art directors. Denise will share ways to find your audience and improve your presence.
Find agents. Let’s find out who your dream agents are and make a plan on how to approach them.
Succeed in the industry. For a long term plan to help you continue to succeed in children’s picture books long after your mentorship.
“Career changer! I never realized I needed this mentorship. It was eye opening and a wonderful experience” — Erin Hookana
-
Have questions?
If you have questions about our mentoring programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
-
Who is this service suitable for?
The mentoring program is perfect for aspiring children’s book illustrators who want to advance quickly in their career and need guidance.
-
Cancelation & Refund Policy
You can cancel and receive a full refund in the first 7 days of the program.
-
What if I can not fit the intensive program in my schedule?
If you are busy with client work or you are a mom and can not do the weekly intensive work, we can discuss a more suitable schedule.
A peek into the mentoring program
In an interview with Denise Holmes, she delves deeper into her mentoring process and offers valuable insights.