Are you certain what steps you need to take to be a professional illustrator? Are you confused about which path to follow?

THIS IS THE ONLY COURSE RUN BY SERVING
TOP-TIER ILLUSTRATION AGENTS

Most formal art training, such as degrees or MAs, encourages you to experiment and explore styles—but they don’t provide commercial grounding. This lack of clarity can leave you lost, pulled in different artistic directions, and creating work with no commercial application. We frequently hear from talented illustrators who are utterly confused by contradictory advice from other artists or art directors with polarised views of the market. Consequently, many illustrators give up, believing the industry is too tough to break into. We will set you on the clear path to becoming a professional. This program is your first step.

Our Illustration Mentorship is unique: you are mentored by the world’s leading Illustration Agents. These agents manage portfolios for 200+ regular art buyers, commissioning literally millions of dollars in art annually. No one has a more holistic, global view of what the art industry is using right now.

Take the next step in your creative journey and start making a living doing what you love. It’s actually not hard—you just need the work in your portfolio that art buyers pay for. And we’ll show you how.

You will be supported with great video content generated with input from 5 of the world’s top illustration agencies. This is the same content the leading illustrators in the world are coached on. You will be gently directed toward a commercial goal that aligns with our brand: being a pro, doing what you enjoy.

See Our 5 Stars Review

SEE THE DIFFERENCE EXPERT GUIDANCE MAKES

Bahvi and Ed talk about now represented artist Andy Su’s progression over the ITSme Mentorship

WHAT DO YOU (THE MENTOR) BRING TO THE COURSE?

Christine Hong, former Senior agent, on how your ability to storytell will significantly impact your career.

Harry Burns, Global Manager at Artistique Agency,
on leveraging a mentee’s style and interests within
the right industry.

Amy Milligan, Manager at Illo Agency, on how your
point of view and passions are a major asset for
your career

WE LIVE UP TO OUR BRAND, TURNING ILLUSTRATORS INTO PROFESSIONALS WHO ENJOY

Don’t Take Our Word for It — See What They Say. We are proud of helping artists transition into a professional career. Join hundreds of illustrators who have taken our 5-star reviewed courses and mentorships.

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Josh Mauser
2025.06.18

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Josh Mauser
2025.06.18

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Josh Mauser
2025.06.18

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Josh Mauser
2025.06.18

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IS IT WORK WHEN YOU’RE BEING PAID TO DO SOMETHING THAT YOU REALLY ENJOY?

You have a gift; you can draw, and you enjoy it. People need artists, and people pay for artists. We’ll make that link. You deserve to be doing what you do best and bringing that talent out to the world, just like singers should sing, and dancers should dance.

Rosie discusses her “AHA moment”: realizing her portfolio can be shaped by multiple people.

PROOF THAT THE MENTORSHIP WORKS — STRAIGHT FROM OUR STUDENTS.

DON’T POSTPONE YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE.

Every day you spend illustrating the wrong pieces, or getting the wrong advice, is a day lost. Our Illustration Mentorship is your fast track to focus, clarity, and career growth, your compass for a clear path toward the projects that truly advance your career. With expert guidance from real agents and mentors who know the industry inside and out, you’ll get the direction, feedback, and connections you need to evolve your art and your professional life. Opportunities like this don’t wait, and neither should you. Spots are limited, guidance is real, and this is your moment to get on the right path. Don’t wait. Secure your place and start shaping your professional future today by applying to our mentorship program.

YOUR GUIDE, YOUR CHALLENGER, YOUR BIGGEST

Our mentors work with illustrators every day. They know your language, they know how to get the best out of you, and they know how to communicate tough, personal artistic direction in a way that will energise, not deflate, you.

Meet the mentors who’ve helped artists turn potential into thriving careers. Each mentor brings real-world industry experience, honest feedback, and the guidance you need to move forward with clarity and confidence. These mentors are carefully selected experts who work with a limited number of artists to ensure personalised attention. Opportunities to learn directly from them are rare—this is your chance to gain trusted insight that can truly transform your path.

Active agent Will Draysons talks about what agents bring into the mentorship program, like key themes or current trends or industry insides.

It’s not about us I- it’s about YOU. In this video our industry expert an former Senior agent Christine Hong talks about how your ability of Storytelling is key and unique to your art.

MEET YOUR MENTORS – ACTIVE INDUSTRY EXPERTS

BHAVI

I’m Bhavi Patel, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Hertfordshire, where I look after our London territory of clients.

I’m Bhavi Patel, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Hertfordshire, where I look after our London territory of clients. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Illustration and Art History from the University of Portsmouth. Before joining Advocate, I began my career as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and gained experience at the Victoria and Albert Museum, progressing from front-of-house to exhibitions administration. I then spent three years at the Royal Academy of Arts within their Art Sales Initiative, managing bespoke exhibitions and limited-edition print sales. In 2017, I returned to my illustration roots by joining Advocate Art, where I had previously interned during university. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as HarperCollins, DK, Nosy Crow, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. What I value most about mentoring artists is witnessing their growth and creative development. It’s incredibly rewarding to share industry insights and see mentees apply them to refine their portfolios and elevate their work. Many have gone on to secure agency representation and collaborate with the publishers they once aspired to work with— seeing that transformation is the most fulfilling part of the process.

HARRY

I’m Harry Burns, based in London, where I lead operations at Artistique International.

I’m Harry Burns, based in London, where I lead operations at Artistique International. I bring two years of agenting experience, supported by a design background from the London College of Fashion (UAL). Earlier in my career, I worked at a Microsoft-backed AI startup, developing sales operations and leading client presentations. At Artistique, I now focus on driving marketing and sales initiatives, meeting with clients, and helping develop the styles and careers of our artists. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as Vogue, Ferrero, Leo Burnett, LVMH, and The Wall Street Journal. Sharing my knowledge of what art directors look for in illustrators has been an incredibly rewarding part of mentoring. I feel a strong responsibility to give back to the illustration community—helping emerging artists understand the industry, refine their portfolios, and position themselves for success. Many of my mentees have gone on to identify their ideal markets and styles, allowing them to attract the kinds of projects they’ve always aspired to.

AMANDA

I’m Amanda Hendon, based in New York, NY, and the Global Manager/Agent at Advocate Art.

I’m Amanda Hendon, based in New York, NY, and the Global Manager/Agent at Advocate Art. I began as a part-time intern after earning my BFA in Illustration from Parsons The New School for Design and worked my way up through roles as Trainee Agent, Artist Agent, and Senior Agent. I’ve now been with Advocate for nine years, managing a team of 10 across the US, UK, France, Germany, and Spain. I’ve collaborated with clients including Hachette, Scholastic, American Greetings, Hallmark, and Macmillan. Mentoring is an extremely rewarding process—it brings together eager artists and experienced guidance to create collaborative, successful outcomes. I love supporting illustrators on their artistic journey and watching their growth. I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring many talented artists, including Jimena Sanchez Sarquiz and Naida Junoes, both of whom we now represent.

ATLANTA

I’m Atlanta Japp, West Coast Manager at Advocate Art, based in Los Angeles, CA.

I’m Atlanta Japp, West Coast Manager at Advocate Art, based in Los Angeles, CA. I started my publishing career seven years ago as a trainee in New York City and gradually worked my way up, learning every aspect of the industry along the way. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Mattel, and Sourcebooks.Mentoring artists is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I love seeing how much growth can happen over a short period—watching artists take notes, experiment, and evolve their work is incredibly fulfilling. It’s exciting to help them recognize how far they’ve come and the new opportunities that lie ahead.

ALICE

I’m Alice Morentorn, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Lyon, France.

I’m Alice Morentorn, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Lyon, France. Before joining Advocate, I worked as a video game artist on several major licensed and original titles, and for over a decade as a professional illustrator and art professor in higher education, teaching illustration and digital creation to students at all levels. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as Gallimard Jeunesse, Hachette Group, Flammarion Jeunesse, Larousse, and Sarbacane. I love mentoring because it allows me to help illustrators—whether students or emerging professionals—refine their craft and see their work from a new perspective. I take pride in guiding artists toward their full potential, offering insight drawn from my deep understanding of the children’s illustration market. Seeing the incredible growth and beautiful work that emerges through the mentorship process is truly rewarding.

KATE

I’m Kate Powell, based in Brooklyn, NY, and formerly an illustration agent and global manager at Astound US Inc.

I’m Kate Powell, based in Brooklyn, NY, and formerly an illustration agent and global manager at Astound US Inc., where I spent over 11 years representing artists and overseeing agency operations. During my time there, I collaborated with clients such as Random House Children’s Books, Knopf Doubleday, Little Golden Books/Disney, Little Simon, Aladdin Books, Atheneum BFYR, Macmillan, Hachette, and HarperCollins. I love mentoring because of the collaborative process and the incredible growth I see in my mentees. It’s rewarding to witness artists develop new ways of thinking about their illustration practice and approach projects with fresh perspectives. Many express how transformative and inspiring they find the immersive, in-depth mentorship experience.

AMY

I’m Amy Milligan, an agent at Illo Agency, based in London.

I’m Amy Milligan, an agent at Illo Agency, based in London. I’ve spent the past 15 years working across advertising and illustration agencies, including Breed London (10 years) and Advocate Art (3 years), before joining Illo. My experience bridges both sides of the creative process—communicating briefs to artists and collaborating with them to bring design-led products to life in retail spaces. I’ve helped place products in the Design Museum, Southbank Centre, Harrods, and the V&A Museum of Childhood, and have partnered with clients such as Lush Cosmetics, Puffin PRH, Bloomsbury, Faber, Quarto, BBC, The Guardian, and Reddit. Mentoring gives me valuable insight into how artists think and work—and it’s incredibly rewarding to help them discover where their skills and passions align with the industry. It also helps me spot those who might be a perfect fit for our agency’s creative family.

CHRISTINE

I’m Christine Hong, an artist agent at Astound US Inc., based in New Jersey.

I’m Christine Hong, an artist agent at Astound US Inc., based in New Jersey. Before joining Astound, I worked at Advocate Art as a junior artist agent, where I gained valuable experience supporting artists and connecting them with publishing opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as Macmillan, Scholastic, Candlewick, and Penguin Random House. I love seeing the incredible progress mentees make in just a few months—the confidence they gain and the challenges they overcome. One of my favorite parts of mentoring is helping artists identify what’s been holding them back and seeing that lightbulb moment when everything clicks. A few of my mentees have even gone on to secure representation, which makes me so proud.

AURORA

I’m Aurora Barlam, based in New York, formerly a full-time agent at Astound US Inc. and Illo Agency.

I’m Aurora Barlam, based in New York, formerly a full-time agent at Astound US Inc. and Illo Agency, where I represented illustrators and collaborated with clients including HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, First Second, Hallmark, and Bloomsbury Children’s Books. I now focus on mentoring and developing artists through ITSme, helping them grow their portfolios and navigate the illustration industry. I love mentoring because it allows me to help artists set meaningful goals and explore new directions in their work. It’s especially rewarding to see mentees gain confidence and secure representation, such as Anita Bagdi signing with Illo Agency and Maria Teresa Palladino signing with Astound, thanks to the growth and focus they developed during our sessions.

WILL

I’m Will Drayson, based in North Yorkshire, England, and a Senior Art Agent at Advocate Art, where I’ve worked for the past six years.

I’m Will Drayson, based in North Yorkshire, England, and a Senior Art Agent at Advocate Art, where I’ve worked for the past six years. I’ve also worked as a freelance illustrator, with experience at St Paul’s School London Art Department and as an illustrator for Foster and Partners Architecture. I’ve collaborated with clients including Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, Quarto, and Nosy Crow. I’m passionate about helping artists achieve their ambitions by guiding them to build portfolios that truly open doors. I work closely with illustrators to develop the right body of work, enabling them to attract dream commissions from leading publishers. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an artist’s talent recognized and their career flourish through the right opportunities.

MIN

I’m Minhae Kim, formerly an agent at Yeon Agency and now with Advocate Art, based in Singapore

I’m Minhae Kim, formerly an agent at Yeon Agency and now with Advocate Art, based in Singapore. Over the past several years, I’ve collaborated with a range of international publishers, including Samsung Publishing, Roy Books, Kids’ Scole, Applebee, and Armour Publishing/Epigram. At Yeon Agency, I managed artist relations and project coordination—curating artwork, communicating with clients, and overseeing contracts and schedules to ensure smooth collaborations between artists and publishers. Mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I love seeing students’ growth and helping them build both artistic and professional confidence. It’s especially fulfilling when mentees go on to join agencies or advance their careers after our time together.

MEET YOUR MENTORS – ACTIVE INDUSTRY EXPERTS

BHAVI

I’m Bhavi Patel, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Hertfordshire, where I look after our London territory of clients.

I’m Bhavi Patel, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Hertfordshire, where I look after our London territory of clients. I hold a First-Class Honours degree in Illustration and Art History from the University of Portsmouth. Before joining Advocate, I began my career as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and gained experience at the Victoria and Albert Museum, progressing from front-of-house to exhibitions administration. I then spent three years at the Royal Academy of Arts within their Art Sales Initiative, managing bespoke exhibitions and limited-edition print sales. In 2017, I returned to my illustration roots by joining Advocate Art, where I had previously interned during university. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as HarperCollins, DK, Nosy Crow, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. What I value most about mentoring artists is witnessing their growth and creative development. It’s incredibly rewarding to share industry insights and see mentees apply them to refine their portfolios and elevate their work. Many have gone on to secure agency representation and collaborate with the publishers they once aspired to work with— seeing that transformation is the most fulfilling part of the process.

HARRY

I’m Harry Burns, based in London, where I lead operations at Artistique International.

I’m Harry Burns, based in London, where I lead operations at Artistique International. I bring two years of agenting experience, supported by a design background from the London College of Fashion (UAL). Earlier in my career, I worked at a Microsoft-backed AI startup, developing sales operations and leading client presentations. At Artistique, I now focus on driving marketing and sales initiatives, meeting with clients, and helping develop the styles and careers of our artists. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as Vogue, Ferrero, Leo Burnett, LVMH, and The Wall Street Journal. Sharing my knowledge of what art directors look for in illustrators has been an incredibly rewarding part of mentoring. I feel a strong responsibility to give back to the illustration community—helping emerging artists understand the industry, refine their portfolios, and position themselves for success. Many of my mentees have gone on to identify their ideal markets and styles, allowing them to attract the kinds of projects they’ve always aspired to.

AMANDA

I’m Amanda Hendon, based in New York, NY, and the Global Manager/Agent at Advocate Art.

I’m Amanda Hendon, based in New York, NY, and the Global Manager/Agent at Advocate Art. I began as a part-time intern after earning my BFA in Illustration from Parsons The New School for Design and worked my way up through roles as Trainee Agent, Artist Agent, and Senior Agent. I’ve now been with Advocate for nine years, managing a team of 10 across the US, UK, France, Germany, and Spain. I’ve collaborated with clients including Hachette, Scholastic, American Greetings, Hallmark, and Macmillan. Mentoring is an extremely rewarding process—it brings together eager artists and experienced guidance to create collaborative, successful outcomes. I love supporting illustrators on their artistic journey and watching their growth. I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring many talented artists, including Jimena Sanchez Sarquiz and Naida Junoes, both of whom we now represent.

ATLANTA

I’m Atlanta Japp, West Coast Manager at Advocate Art, based in Los Angeles, CA.

I’m Atlanta Japp, West Coast Manager at Advocate Art, based in Los Angeles, CA. I started my publishing career seven years ago as a trainee in New York City and gradually worked my way up, learning every aspect of the industry along the way. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Mattel, and Sourcebooks.Mentoring artists is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I love seeing how much growth can happen over a short period—watching artists take notes, experiment, and evolve their work is incredibly fulfilling. It’s exciting to help them recognize how far they’ve come and the new opportunities that lie ahead.

KATE

I’m Kate Powell, based in Brooklyn, NY, and formerly an illustration agent and global manager at Astound US Inc.

I’m Kate Powell, based in Brooklyn, NY, and formerly an illustration agent and global manager at Astound US Inc., where I spent over 11 years representing artists and overseeing agency operations. During my time there, I collaborated with clients such as Random House Children’s Books, Knopf Doubleday, Little Golden Books/Disney, Little Simon, Aladdin Books, Atheneum BFYR, Macmillan, Hachette, and HarperCollins. I love mentoring because of the collaborative process and the incredible growth I see in my mentees. It’s rewarding to witness artists develop new ways of thinking about their illustration practice and approach projects with fresh perspectives. Many express how transformative and inspiring they find the immersive, in-depth mentorship experience.

AMY

I’m Amy Milligan, an agent at Illo Agency, based in London.

I’m Amy Milligan, an agent at Illo Agency, based in London. I’ve spent the past 15 years working across advertising and illustration agencies, including Breed London (10 years) and Advocate Art (3 years), before joining Illo. My experience bridges both sides of the creative process—communicating briefs to artists and collaborating with them to bring design-led products to life in retail spaces. I’ve helped place products in the Design Museum, Southbank Centre, Harrods, and the V&A Museum of Childhood, and have partnered with clients such as Lush Cosmetics, Puffin PRH, Bloomsbury, Faber, Quarto, BBC, The Guardian, and Reddit. Mentoring gives me valuable insight into how artists think and work—and it’s incredibly rewarding to help them discover where their skills and passions align with the industry. It also helps me spot those who might be a perfect fit for our agency’s creative family.

CHRISTINE

I’m Christine Hong, an artist agent at Astound US Inc., based in New Jersey.

I’m Christine Hong, an artist agent at Astound US Inc., based in New Jersey. Before joining Astound, I worked at Advocate Art as a junior artist agent, where I gained valuable experience supporting artists and connecting them with publishing opportunities. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as Macmillan, Scholastic, Candlewick, and Penguin Random House. I love seeing the incredible progress mentees make in just a few months—the confidence they gain and the challenges they overcome. One of my favorite parts of mentoring is helping artists identify what’s been holding them back and seeing that lightbulb moment when everything clicks. A few of my mentees have even gone on to secure representation, which makes me so proud.

AURORA

I’m Aurora Barlam, based in New York, formerly a full-time agent at Astound US Inc. and Illo Agency.

I’m Aurora Barlam, based in New York, formerly a full-time agent at Astound US Inc. and Illo Agency, where I represented illustrators and collaborated with clients including HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, First Second, Hallmark, and Bloomsbury Children’s Books. I now focus on mentoring and developing artists through ITSme, helping them grow their portfolios and navigate the illustration industry. I love mentoring because it allows me to help artists set meaningful goals and explore new directions in their work. It’s especially rewarding to see mentees gain confidence and secure representation, such as Anita Bagdi signing with Illo Agency and Maria Teresa Palladino signing with Astound, thanks to the growth and focus they developed during our sessions.

WILL

I’m Will Drayson, based in North Yorkshire, England, and a Senior Art Agent at Advocate Art, where I’ve worked for the past six years.

I’m Will Drayson, based in North Yorkshire, England, and a Senior Art Agent at Advocate Art, where I’ve worked for the past six years. I’ve also worked as a freelance illustrator, with experience at St Paul’s School London Art Department and as an illustrator for Foster and Partners Architecture. I’ve collaborated with clients including Penguin, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, Quarto, and Nosy Crow. I’m passionate about helping artists achieve their ambitions by guiding them to build portfolios that truly open doors. I work closely with illustrators to develop the right body of work, enabling them to attract dream commissions from leading publishers. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an artist’s talent recognized and their career flourish through the right opportunities.

MIN

I’m Minhae Kim, formerly an agent at Yeon Agency and now with Advocate Art, based in Singapore

I’m Minhae Kim, formerly an agent at Yeon Agency and now with Advocate Art, based in Singapore. Over the past several years, I’ve collaborated with a range of international publishers, including Samsung Publishing, Roy Books, Kids’ Scole, Applebee, and Armour Publishing/Epigram. At Yeon Agency, I managed artist relations and project coordination—curating artwork, communicating with clients, and overseeing contracts and schedules to ensure smooth collaborations between artists and publishers. Mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I love seeing students’ growth and helping them build both artistic and professional confidence. It’s especially fulfilling when mentees go on to join agencies or advance their careers after our time together.

ALICE

I’m Alice Morentorn, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Lyon, France.

I’m Alice Morentorn, an agent at Advocate Art, based in Lyon, France. Before joining Advocate, I worked as a video game artist on several major licensed and original titles, and for over a decade as a professional illustrator and art professor in higher education, teaching illustration and digital creation to students at all levels. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with clients such as Gallimard Jeunesse, Hachette Group, Flammarion Jeunesse, Larousse, and Sarbacane. I love mentoring because it allows me to help illustrators—whether students or emerging professionals—refine their craft and see their work from a new perspective. I take pride in guiding artists toward their full potential, offering insight drawn from my deep understanding of the children’s illustration market. Seeing the incredible growth and beautiful work that emerges through the mentorship process is truly rewarding.

Active agent Will Draysons talks about what agents bring into the mentorship program, like key themes or current trends or industry insides.

It’s not about us I- it’s about YOU. In this video our industry expert an former Senior agent Christine Hong talks about how your ability of Storytelling is key and unique to your art.

WHY OUR MENTORS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE — SEE FOR YOURSELF

PROGRESSION, CLEAR DIRECTION, REPRESENTATION, DOING WHAT YOU ENJOY!

ACT NOW! AND GET ON TRACK WITH OUR ILLUSTRATION MENTORSHIP!

Act now! We select artists who are close to breaking through and need the right insight to go pro—get signed or start winning regular, well-paid commissions from top buyers.
It takes time to match you with the right mentor and build a portfolio that actually works. It’s not instant, but it delivers. illustrators. This course costs $700 USD

Get on track today. If you’re looking for artistic development rather than career acceleration, choose one of our self-serve courses instead. There is no time to waste. The time is now

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