Illustration Mentorship Program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.