Mentored by the world’s leading illustration agents — build a portfolio that gets you represented.
The ITSme illustration mentorship program is an 11-week intensive run by serving, top-tier illustration agents. We sign around 400 illustrators a year, many of whom refined their work through this program. We believe top illustrators aren’t just found, they’re created, and this mentorship is built to turn that spark into a professional career.
IF YOU ANSWER YES, THIS IS FOR YOU:
DO YOU WANT TO BE REPRESENTED?
DO YOU WANT TO SECURE HIGHER-PROFILE
COMMISSIONS YOURSELF?
Amanda Hendon, Global Manager at Advocate Art, on how representation provides support and mentoring from pros to help you become a pro.
Minhae Kim, former managing agent at Yeon Agency and artist, highlights her proactive approach to mentoring, including teaching mentees how to promote themselves effectively.
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 confused by contradictory advice from other artists or art directors with polarized 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 to create that work.
You will be supported with great video content generated with input from some 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 ethos of being a pro, doing what you enjoy.
Experience real industry feedback and private one-on-one training delivered by industry professionals.
It runs for 11 weeks, with deadlines across the sketch, colour, and final stages, three 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, and a live webinar.
The program costs $700 USD.
Bhavi and Ed talk about now represented artist Andy Su’s progression over the ITSme Mentorship (from emerging illustrator, to represented artist).
Atlanta Japp, active agent, on how rewarding it is to see an artist grow under guidance.
Harry Burns, Global Manager at Artistique Agency,
on leveraging a mentee’s style and interests within
the right industry.
Amy Milligan, Managing Agent 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 DO WHAT THEY ENJOY.
Don’t take our word for it — See what other illustrators have to say. We help illustrators transition into a professional career. Join hundreds of illustrators who have taken our 5-star reviewed courses and mentorships.
Posted on Google
Weerawan Boonweera24 September 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The ITSme Illustrator Mentorship Program has helped me understand the importance of creating a suitable portfolio and how to do it effectively. It has opened up new perspectives, with mentors providing crucial advice and guidance on portfolio building. I believe it has greatly increased my chances of getting new jobs and opportunities as a freelance artist.Posted on Trustindex
Aneliya Yankova8 June 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
Thank you a lot! The most important thing for me was that it was written in a way that I could understand. I mean what you're talking about. This inspires me to finally apply it, and not to keep despairing that no one wants to notice me as an illustrator because I just don't do anything real. Thank you very much for the advice! You are great!Posted on Google
Erika Ruggio19 December 2025My experience with the mentorship program was very positive. It helped me identify my strengths and the areas I need to improve in my portfolio. I am very satisfied and grateful, and I completed the program with a clear sense of the path I need to follow from now on.Posted on Google
Felipe Leoni17 December 2025Amazing experience! Very experienced professionals.Posted on Google
Aleksandra Krzanowska25 November 2025Thank you for the Withholding Tax - Thinking CAP - November 2025!Posted on Google
Megan Liljenquist13 November 2025I have completed both the mentorship and the portfolio course from ItsMe and now have a strong idea for the direction of my portfolio. The mentors are kind and encouraging, but also push you to take your work even further. I think both programs offer excellent value, especially if you are pursuing illustration professionally.Posted on Google
Ameena Siddique11 November 2025I participated in the Summer 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I was paired up with Christine Hong, who has an amazing creative eye, and her mentorship was very insightful. The feedback focused on principles and practices, which helped me improve my fundamental skills. In my opinion, this is what sets them apart from other mentorship programs, where the feedback is mainly focused on the pieces you're creating. The weekly videos offered insider knowledge of the industry, and the closing call with Ed Burns was both motivating and enriching. I highly recommend this program to any artist looking to break into the publishing industry as an illustrator.+4Posted on Google
Micsy Vargas6 November 2025I recently took part in a mentorship programme with ItsME Learning, and it was a truly encouraging and motivating experience. The mentors guided me to create more detailed sketches, to add more storytelling elements to them, and to keep improving and refining their final look. I’m very grateful for the experience and for how much it helped me grow as a professional.Posted on Google
Ane Schutz5 November 2025Highly recommended for junior artists or illustrators in a career transition. So many great insights during the calls, and it really opened my mind to new possibilities in my career.Posted on Google
Mariana Ostanik5 November 2025The It’s Me mentorship program was truly wonderful for my professional journey. My mentor, Bhavi, with great care and attention, helped me find the direction I’d been searching for regarding my style and market positioning. In addition, the lessons and insights shared by Bhavi and the team were incredibly valuable in broadening my horizons even further. Today, I feel much more confident that my work can continue to evolve and reach more and more people. I highly recommend the mentorship program!+3Posted on Google
Yana10 September 2025Very interesting video about Do’s and Don’ts. I picked up several valuable tips for myself. Thank you for such useful content for illustrators—it’s really important!Posted on Google
Vanessa Hahn7 August 2025I took the Character Intensive course with ITSme and it helped me a lot to enhance my character designs in terms of consistency. I can only recommend this course for those who struggle to keep their characters cohesive throughout multiple illustrations.Posted on Google
Addy Rivera Sonda4 August 2025I loved the video Be Your Own Art Director - from Tina Doffing. Tina guides and inspires artists to experiment while following a very clear, engaging and creative "step by step" process that allows each artist to grow and direct their efforts towards a clear goal, weather it is working with a specific client, improving our portfolio, or learning through observation and practice to be better illustrators.Posted on Google
Soumesh Choudhury (Soumesh)1 August 2025Its a brilliant feeling to have a mentorship from its me,I was kind of lost getting rejection from agencies,these course gave me a much light ,what is the issue how should I approach.my mentor was vicky she is absolutely amazing helps alott to improve my portfolio.really thankful to its mePosted on Google
Chloe Vazquez12 July 2025I recently participated in the Spring mentorship Program with ITSME, and it's been a great help for better understanding the publishing industry and tailoring my portfolio after I decided to pivot my work from animation production towards book illustration. I was partnered with mentor Kate Powell, who was incredibly kind and provided helpful feedback and critique, and took the time to provide me with clear answers to my questions. Based on my style and strengths, she helped me gain clarity on which sphere of publishing to pursue (YA Book Cover illustration). Ed Burns, the head of the ITSME society, is incredibly supportive and kind and provided great feedback about my portfolio. I really got the sense that he was genuinely invested in helping artists such as myself succeed. His words gave me the confidence to pursue submitting to agencies now that the program has concluded. The AI seminar from ITSME was very insightful and I appreciated it's inclusion given the current landscape of art industries being heavily affected by generative AI's use. My main critique is that I didn't find most of the other supplemental videos that are included in the program to be particularly helpful, but I think that was because they were usually very short, and the age demographic of what work I am making is for YA and not younger children. It would be nice if the program expanded it's content to include more advice specific to YA illustration for anyone like myself whose style might not be editorial or children's oriented. This didn't negatively impact my experience with the mentorship at all, but I felt it was worth mentioning. It would also be nice if there was more of a community aspect to the mentorship that allowed us to connect directly with other mentees after the program rather than coming across the pages by chance on social media platforms like Instagram or Linkedin. Overall I am pleased with my experience and would recommend anyone who wants to get into illustration in the publishing industry to consider the program. It is particularly helpful if you're unsure how to tailor your portfolio to the industry and want more insight as to what publishers look for when you're submitting real work projects. The feedback I received and the connections I've made with industry professionals through the program is truly invaluable. Thank you ITSME for your help and guidance!+4Posted on Google
Bianca Nithack1 July 2025I participated in the Itsme mentorship, which provided me with excellent guidance for improving my portfolio and navigating the illustration market. The people who supported me throughout the process were very attentive and showed great patience with my language barrier.Posted on Google
Linda Giulia Carluschi23 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Signing up for the illustrator mentorship has been one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The feedback I received was not only positive and encouraging but also incredibly insightful and constructive. My mentor guided me in discovering my own illustrative style, understanding my potential place in the market, and refining my portfolio to a more professional standard. I highly recommend this mentorship to any illustrator looking to grow and advance their career!+3Posted on Google
Alissa Staples21 June 2025I just completed the Spring 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening and uplifting experience! My mentor, Bhavisha Patel, accurately identified my artistic strengths and weaknesses, and she gave me plenty of insightful guidance to create my best work while also allowing for creative freedom. The program's videos and webinar were also very informative, covering currently relevant topics for our industry. I learned about the different markets for freelance illustration, and where my work might be best suited. Meeting with ITSme CEO Edward Burns virtually was a particular highlight in the program – I received invaluable advice and encouragement from him to level-up my artwork and illustration career! Developing a freelance illustration portfolio can feel isolating and unfocused at times, so receiving precise, insightful, and constructive feedback from professional agents through this mentorship has made a world of difference for me. I highly recommend this mentorship!+2Posted on Google
Josh Mauser18 June 2025Completed the ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship and had an incredibly positive experience. I was assigned Aurora as my mentor; her demeanor was pleasant and she was very easy to talk to. I feel like she understood immediately what markets my work would fit into best and assigned appropriate, focused prompts tailored to bolster my portfolio in that direction. She was very receptive to my own observations and was able to answer every question I had about content, style, industry, etc. I think it was because of this connection and feedback on the prompts that followed that I feel I produced some of my best work so far during the program. Ed was also very pointed and direct in suggesting a successful direction for my work, what markets it suited best, what markets were actually in need, etc. It was the kind of observations and advice that could only come from somebody with massive amounts of experience in the industry. Overall there was just this fantastic feeling of sincerity and investment throughout the program. A lot of online "classes" can just feel like a collection of generic videos that's capped off with a mass zoom call Q&A with 50 others where it's impossible for the instructors to focus on the students themselves. The ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship values personal connection and development with its mentees and it really does set them apart from so many other online programs.Posted on Google
Valeria Volodkó5 June 2025I really enjoyed the Navigating the World of AI – Thinking CAP webinar. I feel more confident and more at ease about the future of being an artist. I find all of Thinking CAP’s videos full of valuable information, and I’m happy to have the support of It’s Me to keep learning from professionals in the industry.Posted on Google
Miriam Viola5 June 2025I really needed a professional perspective to make progress, and I found it here. I was guided and directed with kindness, diligence, and professionalism to understand my strengths and the areas I need to work on. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do it to achieve your goals is invaluable. Thank you!Posted on Google
daniel crespo saavedra4 June 2025I signed up for the illustrator mentorship and I totally recommend it, I finish the program knowing what to do and very motivated thanks to his experience and knowledge.Posted on Google
Patricia Edlyn Claresta2 April 2025Just watched Look to the Movies - Thinking C.A.P by Edward Burns video. Very helpful and insightful! Ed's explanation were well understood and fun. Thank you so much for the video!Posted on Google
Brianna Boyd1 April 2025I participated in their mentorship program. The whole team was so kind, supportive and gave great critique and advice! Definitely came out of the program a stronger and more industry-aware artist!Posted on Google
Olga Smith31 March 2025I'm so glad I found Itsme mentorship! I was trying a few different illustration styles, and didn't know which direction to move forward. Getting a mentor who is also an agent in the industry has been immensely helpful! She helped me find the illustration style that is best for the industry and that I really enjoy. I'm so thankful for this program!Posted on Google
Anastasiia Panchenko26 March 2025I had the opportunity to watch the Look to the Movies – Thinking CAP webinar, and I found it packed with valuable insights on building and enhancing a portfolio to make it more appealing to publishers. Ed offered a fun and unexpected perspective, using movies as a reference point to help us view our portfolios in a new way. This approach made the process of developing a strong portfolio feel much clearer and more achievable. Definitely a lot to reflect on and apply to my own work! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.Posted on Google
Chris Perry12 March 2025Edward is great at what he does. I was most encouraged with his honest feedback and critiques. He gives heartwarming feedback and encouragement. He gave actionable feedback for both my work and my bio. He helped me to hone my portfolio, telling me what to keep, what to polish, and what should be removed- for maximum impact in the industry. He gives clear instructions. He showed me examples of work from artists who are successful in their careers to help my understand some terms I was unfamiliar with. He also has a sense of humor which helped me feel connected. Edward encouraged me to keep working and then generously offered to continue to coach me along with my ITSme mentor, Bhavi Patel. He encouraged me that my work was almost "good to go" and he wanted to be there when it did. I can sense that he truly cares about his artists and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, Edward, for all you do for artists. I am blessed to work with you and your team at ITSme. I can't praise, thank, or recommend you enough to other artists who want to make a living doing what they love. Chris PerryPosted on Google
Elmira Georgieva12 March 2025I have nothing but praise for their mentorship program! It has honestly been career-changing for my art. All the insights they’ve given me into how the industry works have been incredibly helpful. The team is really kind and welcoming, making all my uncertainties disappear from day one. It’s an amazing resource for illustrators who want an honest look at their work and valuable guidance on how to improve it further.Posted on Google
Nina Gagliardi12 March 2025i am looking forward to keeping in touch and i really appreciate your guidance more than you know!Posted on Google
Stefan Nikolić16 November 2024The 12-week illustration mentorship program was exactly what I needed, and I would recommend it to any artist, whether you’re just starting out or already experienced. My amazing mentor, Atlanta, showed me exactly what clients look for in an artist portfolio and she provided me with clear guidance on how to make mine stand out in this niche. She pointed out specific areas I could improve that clients paying attention to, that I didn't think about before. One of the best parts of the program was getting to talk with ITSme CEO Edward! He has an incredible way of explaining things visually, and hearing from him about my work and the industry was priceless. Thank you all for your dedication, and for giving me such a valuable experience!Posted on Google
Maria Teresa Palladino15 November 2024Consiglio ad illustratori che hanno già un portfolio e che vogliono migliorarlo per renderlo più adatto al target. Gli agenti ti aiutano ad avere una visione più realistica degli aspetti da migliorare e ti danno consigli mirati sul tuo lavoro. Senza dubbio mi è stato utile, lo consiglierei.Posted on Google
Marin Bagbey14 November 2024The ItsMe mentorship program has been an amazing experience. Its been great to work with the ItsMe staff, who truly believe in the illustrators they work with and want to help you with the next steps of your career. The connections and feedback they have given have been vital to my work so far and going into the future. Cannot recommend enough for any artist looking to get their foot in the door and/or elevate their portfolio!Posted on Google
Anita Bagdi14 November 2024Meeting with Ed Burns was a positive, clear guidance to direct me to the path of a strong portfolio. I’m so grateful and excited about every steps of progress, thank you. I totally recommend the mentorship program to any illustrators who feel stuck with their portfolio and need skyrocketing their progress in the industry.Posted on Google
Brandi Kim13 November 2024I had a great feedback on my work and meeting was delightful. I appreciate the insights on the business side of the industry.Posted on Google
Mauro Renard5 November 2024Great company, full of talented and committed people. It is a pleasure to work with them.Posted on Google
Ana Aguiar4 September 2024It's been amazing to work through the summer mentorship with ITSme learning. I've learned so much and in such a short amount of time. Also feel more and more confident about the direction to take and the steps that need to be done after the mentorship ends. I'm very grateful to each and everyone I've been in contact with in this journey, especially to Ed and Harry who have been guiding me in such a supportive way. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.Posted on Google
Mui Guma4 September 2024I took the illustration mentorship and overall the whole journey was wonderful. The portofolio reviews are compact yet thorough and the mentors, who are all experts on the field, are very helpful in guiding through the illustration pieces creation. Furthermore, the mentorship also comes with a number of video learning materials and a webinar.Posted on Google
Vaishnavi Dukhande3 September 2024Taking this mentorship course has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I can clearly see how much I’ve improved throughout the course, both in my skills and confidence. With Bhavisha’s guidance I’ve created some amazing artworks that I’m truly proud of. This mentorship has given me the confidence to take the next step in my career, and I now feel ready to apply to illustration agencies. Thank you for all the support and valuable insights!+4Posted on Google
Malory2 September 2024I'm glad I found their program. When I started as a freelance illustrator, I was confused and overwhelmed about which industry my style belonged to. The ItsMe program pointed me in the right direction with the help of an experienced agent. Everything fell into place, and I was able to identify the specific market I could work for and how to build my portfolio for that market. It has been a great investment! I was supported by their professionals in every aspect that needed fixing or reworking to properly market myself and my work.Posted on Google
Victoria smith2 September 2024Great program and feedback. Truly helpful for elevating your careerPosted on Google
Alina Slyshik2 September 2024Wonderful learning experience! I appreciate the personal approach and a great opportunity to update my portfolio. Highly recommend to all illustrators!Posted on Google
Susanna Lovisolo12 August 2024The ITSME Learning Mentorship program is professionally structured. I am extremely satisfied with my experience. I have found some excellent mentors. They encouraged me to experiment, helping me to improve my portfolio. Special thanks to Aurora, for the beautiful journey together and to Ed for everything he was able to convey and teach me during our meeting.Posted on Google
Zoe Hansen5 August 2024My meeting with Edward Burns was very informative and helpful. As an illustrator looking to learn more about my own strengths and areas I should focus on in my work, I found the whole program very useful.Posted on Google
Catherine Worsley22 July 2024I recently took the Character Study Intensive course with ITSme Learning, it's such a fantastic course and has taken my portfolio to another level! The briefs and inspiration are really well put together and helped me focus on what I needed to do to enhance this area of my portfolio. I've been looking to improve my character design skills for a while, I've now been able to add some pieces which I'm really proud of, and I've already had some interest from publishing clients so I'm over the moon! I would highly recommend taking this course if this is an area you want to get into.Posted on Google
Clarice Diamantino9 May 2024The It's Me mentorship program has been an amazing experience! I am about to finish the program next week, and I'm so impressed with how much I've learned in such a short time. The mentors are fantastic – their guidance and support have been invaluable to my artistic growth. The assignments, videos, and especially the one-on-one meetings were all incredibly helpful. The feedback from the It's Me team was honest, insightful, and always delivered with a positive and encouraging tone. I can't recommend this program enough! If you're an artist looking for guidance on your career path, It's Me is absolutely the way to go.Posted on Google
Olga U7 May 2024The mentorship program has been a wonderful experience. I received valuable feedback on my portfolio and great advice on how to align my illustrations towards the work I would like to do. Working with my mentor gave me clarity and a sense of direction. The briefs for my assignments took into account my interests and strengths, and I felt motivated to push my skills much further to create great illustrations for my portfolio. The team is composed of very knowledgeable and experienced agents. Through webinars, online videos and working directly with my mentor, I feel better prepared to work with illustration clients.Posted on Google
Joey R1 May 2024Mr. Burns was very personable and open. He listened actively to what I had to say and shared openly his thoughts and feelings. His demeanor put me at ease and gave me great insight, encouragement and perspective all while being refreshingly sincere.Posted on Google
Rekha Krishnamurthi30 April 2024The ItsMe Mentorship Program has truly enriched my development as both an illustrator and an artist. The opportunity to receive feedback from seasoned industry agents who possess current market insights has been invaluable. Their guidance has steered me towards refining my portfolio, aligning my creations with my skills, artistic style, and passions. Thanks to this program, I've honed my artwork, cultivating a distinct visual identity and moving away from the scattered approach I once had.Posted on Google
Yulia Zolotova29 April 2024I'm thrilled to share my experience with the ITSme International Talent Search mentorship. Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about finding this program. The mentorship has been transformative for my career, offering invaluable guidance, industry insights, and support from a skilled professional who truly cared about my progress. The matching process was spot. Highly recommend it for anyone serious about taking their career to the next level!Posted on Google
helen lanzrein4 April 2024Such a brilliant experience throughout the Itsme mentorship. My mentor Bhavi and chatting to Ed has been an amazingly positive experience. Thank you 😊❤️The direction my work has gone in and the overall quality has really helped boost my portfolio, a fabulous experience.+1Posted on Google
Monika Kucharska4 April 2024I had the opportunity to be a part of the 3-month ITSme Mentorship Program, and I must say it was truly enriching and life-changing! My Mentor, Alice, played a pivotal role in my professional growth, guiding me with expertise and patience. The video materials provided were insightful and complemented the Mentorship perfectly. The whole Learning Team was really supportive, encouraging, and created a welcoming environment. I felt really motivated throughout the program. If you are considering joining, I wholeheartedly recommend it for a transformative learning journey :)!Posted on Google
Gabriela Grave1 April 2024I attended the very fisrt Illustration Mentorship and it was one of the best things i've done for my career! It was really important for me to learn more about the industry and worked on my portfolio.Posted on Google
Monitos Bonitos (Jimena S.)29 February 2024Great program! I was struggling to get signed at an agency even when people told me the quality of my work wasn't the issue. This program was great at telling me how to change my portfolio and social media for the type of client I'm looking for. The also gave me great advice on how to continue regarding my style and the work it's best suited for.Posted on Google
Mauricio salmon29 February 2024Great experience with wonderful feed back and insights into building a successful portfolio .Posted on Google
Hamnah .Rizwan29 February 2024I had a wonderful experience attending the mentorship program where I gained incredibly valuable knowledge and insight into the illustration field! I feel so much more confident as an illustrator with the new pieces I've developed for the program and looking forward to utilizing all the skills I've gained for future projects.Posted on Google
Kaynat Zehra29 February 2024I had a lovely experience through this mentorship! It definitely gave me an idea of what it feels like working with industry professionals and responding to a brief! I would recommend it to anyone who feels confused about how to enter the illustration agency and wants help with understanding what to add to your portfolio!Posted on Google
Josseline Tanus6 February 2024Edward was amazing. He gave me really great advice and was super helpful.Posted on Google
John Knell26 January 2024I've been a part of the ITSme mentorship program and have found the content and feedback from not only the course materials but art directors and mentors highly valuable and insightful. Highest possible recommendation If you are an aspiring creative.Posted on Google
josep mª juli18 December 2023ITSme has helped me very warmly in entering the Astound agency, Vicky has been very professional and very kind all the time, I am very grateful to her :)Posted on Google
Sol Salinas11 December 2023ITSme is a vital resource to artists, agents, and agencies. They have a wealth of resources and knowledge! They have helped us so much in the recruitment of excellent illustrators as well as consulting.Posted on Google
Imogen Holmes11 December 2023ITSme has been such a wonderful resource for helping us find new talent! Thanks for your help!!Posted on Google
Atlanta Japp6 December 2023ITSme is a great resource for artists as they provide wonderful opportunities for artists to flourish and grow their careers and networks.Posted on Google
Koustubha Jagadeesh29 November 2023I had an amazing opportunity to develop my portfolio with my mentor, Bhavi, through the ITSme Illustrator Mentorship program. It helped me improve and expand my body of work. Extremely helpful resources were included in the program, along with insights about industry. I recommend this program to any Illustrator who is looking for professional guidance.Posted on Google
Miklós Eszter28 November 2023The Illustration Mentorship was a fantastic opportunity to develop my portfolio with the help of my lovely mentor, Bhavi. I truly recommend this program for illustrators who are ready to take the next big step in their career.Posted on Google
Gabriela Grave27 November 2023This Mentorship gave me the right insights to work on my portfolio and improve my art style! Developed work more aligned with myself and the illustration market. I would recommend this Mentorship to anyone looking for some professional reviews and guidance.
Posted on GoogleWeerawan Boonweera24 September 2026The ITSme Illustrator Mentorship Program has helped me understand the importance of creating a suitable portfolio and how to do it effectively. It has opened up new perspectives, with mentors providing crucial advice and guidance on portfolio building. I believe it has greatly increased my chances of getting new jobs and opportunities as a freelance artist.Posted on TrustindexAneliya Yankova8 June 2026Thank you a lot! The most important thing for me was that it was written in a way that I could understand. I mean what you're talking about. This inspires me to finally apply it, and not to keep despairing that no one wants to notice me as an illustrator because I just don't do anything real. Thank you very much for the advice! You are great!Posted on GoogleErika Ruggio19 December 2025My experience with the mentorship program was very positive. It helped me identify my strengths and the areas I need to improve in my portfolio. I am very satisfied and grateful, and I completed the program with a clear sense of the path I need to follow from now on.Posted on GoogleFelipe Leoni17 December 2025Amazing experience! Very experienced professionals.Posted on GoogleAleksandra Krzanowska25 November 2025Thank you for the Withholding Tax - Thinking CAP - November 2025!Posted on GoogleMegan Liljenquist13 November 2025I have completed both the mentorship and the portfolio course from ItsMe and now have a strong idea for the direction of my portfolio. The mentors are kind and encouraging, but also push you to take your work even further. I think both programs offer excellent value, especially if you are pursuing illustration professionally.Posted on GoogleAmeena Siddique11 November 2025I participated in the Summer 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I was paired up with Christine Hong, who has an amazing creative eye, and her mentorship was very insightful. The feedback focused on principles and practices, which helped me improve my fundamental skills. In my opinion, this is what sets them apart from other mentorship programs, where the feedback is mainly focused on the pieces you're creating. The weekly videos offered insider knowledge of the industry, and the closing call with Ed Burns was both motivating and enriching. I highly recommend this program to any artist looking to break into the publishing industry as an illustrator.+4Posted on GoogleMicsy Vargas6 November 2025I recently took part in a mentorship programme with ItsME Learning, and it was a truly encouraging and motivating experience. The mentors guided me to create more detailed sketches, to add more storytelling elements to them, and to keep improving and refining their final look. I’m very grateful for the experience and for how much it helped me grow as a professional.Posted on GoogleAne Schutz5 November 2025Highly recommended for junior artists or illustrators in a career transition. So many great insights during the calls, and it really opened my mind to new possibilities in my career.Posted on GoogleMariana Ostanik5 November 2025The It’s Me mentorship program was truly wonderful for my professional journey. My mentor, Bhavi, with great care and attention, helped me find the direction I’d been searching for regarding my style and market positioning. In addition, the lessons and insights shared by Bhavi and the team were incredibly valuable in broadening my horizons even further. Today, I feel much more confident that my work can continue to evolve and reach more and more people. I highly recommend the mentorship program!+3Posted on GoogleYana10 September 2025Very interesting video about Do’s and Don’ts. I picked up several valuable tips for myself. Thank you for such useful content for illustrators—it’s really important!Posted on GoogleVanessa Hahn7 August 2025I took the Character Intensive course with ITSme and it helped me a lot to enhance my character designs in terms of consistency. I can only recommend this course for those who struggle to keep their characters cohesive throughout multiple illustrations.Posted on GoogleAddy Rivera Sonda4 August 2025I loved the video Be Your Own Art Director - from Tina Doffing. Tina guides and inspires artists to experiment while following a very clear, engaging and creative "step by step" process that allows each artist to grow and direct their efforts towards a clear goal, weather it is working with a specific client, improving our portfolio, or learning through observation and practice to be better illustrators.Posted on GoogleSoumesh Choudhury (Soumesh)1 August 2025Its a brilliant feeling to have a mentorship from its me,I was kind of lost getting rejection from agencies,these course gave me a much light ,what is the issue how should I approach.my mentor was vicky she is absolutely amazing helps alott to improve my portfolio.really thankful to its mePosted on GoogleChloe Vazquez12 July 2025I recently participated in the Spring mentorship Program with ITSME, and it's been a great help for better understanding the publishing industry and tailoring my portfolio after I decided to pivot my work from animation production towards book illustration. I was partnered with mentor Kate Powell, who was incredibly kind and provided helpful feedback and critique, and took the time to provide me with clear answers to my questions. Based on my style and strengths, she helped me gain clarity on which sphere of publishing to pursue (YA Book Cover illustration). Ed Burns, the head of the ITSME society, is incredibly supportive and kind and provided great feedback about my portfolio. I really got the sense that he was genuinely invested in helping artists such as myself succeed. His words gave me the confidence to pursue submitting to agencies now that the program has concluded. The AI seminar from ITSME was very insightful and I appreciated it's inclusion given the current landscape of art industries being heavily affected by generative AI's use. My main critique is that I didn't find most of the other supplemental videos that are included in the program to be particularly helpful, but I think that was because they were usually very short, and the age demographic of what work I am making is for YA and not younger children. It would be nice if the program expanded it's content to include more advice specific to YA illustration for anyone like myself whose style might not be editorial or children's oriented. This didn't negatively impact my experience with the mentorship at all, but I felt it was worth mentioning. It would also be nice if there was more of a community aspect to the mentorship that allowed us to connect directly with other mentees after the program rather than coming across the pages by chance on social media platforms like Instagram or Linkedin. Overall I am pleased with my experience and would recommend anyone who wants to get into illustration in the publishing industry to consider the program. It is particularly helpful if you're unsure how to tailor your portfolio to the industry and want more insight as to what publishers look for when you're submitting real work projects. The feedback I received and the connections I've made with industry professionals through the program is truly invaluable. Thank you ITSME for your help and guidance!+4Posted on GoogleBianca Nithack1 July 2025I participated in the Itsme mentorship, which provided me with excellent guidance for improving my portfolio and navigating the illustration market. The people who supported me throughout the process were very attentive and showed great patience with my language barrier.Posted on GoogleLinda Giulia Carluschi23 June 2025Signing up for the illustrator mentorship has been one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The feedback I received was not only positive and encouraging but also incredibly insightful and constructive. My mentor guided me in discovering my own illustrative style, understanding my potential place in the market, and refining my portfolio to a more professional standard. I highly recommend this mentorship to any illustrator looking to grow and advance their career!+3Posted on GoogleAlissa Staples21 June 2025I just completed the Spring 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening and uplifting experience! My mentor, Bhavisha Patel, accurately identified my artistic strengths and weaknesses, and she gave me plenty of insightful guidance to create my best work while also allowing for creative freedom. The program's videos and webinar were also very informative, covering currently relevant topics for our industry. I learned about the different markets for freelance illustration, and where my work might be best suited. Meeting with ITSme CEO Edward Burns virtually was a particular highlight in the program – I received invaluable advice and encouragement from him to level-up my artwork and illustration career! Developing a freelance illustration portfolio can feel isolating and unfocused at times, so receiving precise, insightful, and constructive feedback from professional agents through this mentorship has made a world of difference for me. I highly recommend this mentorship!+2Posted on GoogleJosh Mauser18 June 2025Completed the ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship and had an incredibly positive experience. I was assigned Aurora as my mentor; her demeanor was pleasant and she was very easy to talk to. I feel like she understood immediately what markets my work would fit into best and assigned appropriate, focused prompts tailored to bolster my portfolio in that direction. She was very receptive to my own observations and was able to answer every question I had about content, style, industry, etc. I think it was because of this connection and feedback on the prompts that followed that I feel I produced some of my best work so far during the program. Ed was also very pointed and direct in suggesting a successful direction for my work, what markets it suited best, what markets were actually in need, etc. It was the kind of observations and advice that could only come from somebody with massive amounts of experience in the industry. Overall there was just this fantastic feeling of sincerity and investment throughout the program. A lot of online "classes" can just feel like a collection of generic videos that's capped off with a mass zoom call Q&A with 50 others where it's impossible for the instructors to focus on the students themselves. The ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship values personal connection and development with its mentees and it really does set them apart from so many other online programs.Posted on GoogleValeria Volodkó5 June 2025I really enjoyed the Navigating the World of AI – Thinking CAP webinar. I feel more confident and more at ease about the future of being an artist. I find all of Thinking CAP’s videos full of valuable information, and I’m happy to have the support of It’s Me to keep learning from professionals in the industry.Posted on GoogleMiriam Viola5 June 2025I really needed a professional perspective to make progress, and I found it here. I was guided and directed with kindness, diligence, and professionalism to understand my strengths and the areas I need to work on. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do it to achieve your goals is invaluable. Thank you!Posted on Googledaniel crespo saavedra4 June 2025I signed up for the illustrator mentorship and I totally recommend it, I finish the program knowing what to do and very motivated thanks to his experience and knowledge.Posted on GooglePatricia Edlyn Claresta2 April 2025Just watched Look to the Movies - Thinking C.A.P by Edward Burns video. Very helpful and insightful! Ed's explanation were well understood and fun. Thank you so much for the video!Posted on GoogleBrianna Boyd1 April 2025I participated in their mentorship program. The whole team was so kind, supportive and gave great critique and advice! Definitely came out of the program a stronger and more industry-aware artist!Posted on GoogleOlga Smith31 March 2025I'm so glad I found Itsme mentorship! I was trying a few different illustration styles, and didn't know which direction to move forward. Getting a mentor who is also an agent in the industry has been immensely helpful! She helped me find the illustration style that is best for the industry and that I really enjoy. I'm so thankful for this program!Posted on GoogleAnastasiia Panchenko26 March 2025I had the opportunity to watch the Look to the Movies – Thinking CAP webinar, and I found it packed with valuable insights on building and enhancing a portfolio to make it more appealing to publishers. Ed offered a fun and unexpected perspective, using movies as a reference point to help us view our portfolios in a new way. This approach made the process of developing a strong portfolio feel much clearer and more achievable. Definitely a lot to reflect on and apply to my own work! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.Posted on GoogleChris Perry12 March 2025Edward is great at what he does. I was most encouraged with his honest feedback and critiques. He gives heartwarming feedback and encouragement. He gave actionable feedback for both my work and my bio. He helped me to hone my portfolio, telling me what to keep, what to polish, and what should be removed- for maximum impact in the industry. He gives clear instructions. He showed me examples of work from artists who are successful in their careers to help my understand some terms I was unfamiliar with. He also has a sense of humor which helped me feel connected. Edward encouraged me to keep working and then generously offered to continue to coach me along with my ITSme mentor, Bhavi Patel. He encouraged me that my work was almost "good to go" and he wanted to be there when it did. I can sense that he truly cares about his artists and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, Edward, for all you do for artists. I am blessed to work with you and your team at ITSme. I can't praise, thank, or recommend you enough to other artists who want to make a living doing what they love. Chris PerryPosted on GoogleElmira Georgieva12 March 2025I have nothing but praise for their mentorship program! It has honestly been career-changing for my art. All the insights they’ve given me into how the industry works have been incredibly helpful. The team is really kind and welcoming, making all my uncertainties disappear from day one. It’s an amazing resource for illustrators who want an honest look at their work and valuable guidance on how to improve it further.Posted on GoogleNina Gagliardi12 March 2025i am looking forward to keeping in touch and i really appreciate your guidance more than you know!Posted on GoogleStefan Nikolić16 November 2024The 12-week illustration mentorship program was exactly what I needed, and I would recommend it to any artist, whether you’re just starting out or already experienced. My amazing mentor, Atlanta, showed me exactly what clients look for in an artist portfolio and she provided me with clear guidance on how to make mine stand out in this niche. She pointed out specific areas I could improve that clients paying attention to, that I didn't think about before. One of the best parts of the program was getting to talk with ITSme CEO Edward! He has an incredible way of explaining things visually, and hearing from him about my work and the industry was priceless. Thank you all for your dedication, and for giving me such a valuable experience!Posted on GoogleMaria Teresa Palladino15 November 2024Consiglio ad illustratori che hanno già un portfolio e che vogliono migliorarlo per renderlo più adatto al target. Gli agenti ti aiutano ad avere una visione più realistica degli aspetti da migliorare e ti danno consigli mirati sul tuo lavoro. Senza dubbio mi è stato utile, lo consiglierei.Posted on GoogleMarin Bagbey14 November 2024The ItsMe mentorship program has been an amazing experience. Its been great to work with the ItsMe staff, who truly believe in the illustrators they work with and want to help you with the next steps of your career. The connections and feedback they have given have been vital to my work so far and going into the future. Cannot recommend enough for any artist looking to get their foot in the door and/or elevate their portfolio!Posted on GoogleAnita Bagdi14 November 2024Meeting with Ed Burns was a positive, clear guidance to direct me to the path of a strong portfolio. I’m so grateful and excited about every steps of progress, thank you. I totally recommend the mentorship program to any illustrators who feel stuck with their portfolio and need skyrocketing their progress in the industry.Posted on GoogleBrandi Kim13 November 2024I had a great feedback on my work and meeting was delightful. I appreciate the insights on the business side of the industry.Posted on GoogleMauro Renard5 November 2024Great company, full of talented and committed people. It is a pleasure to work with them.Posted on GoogleAna Aguiar4 September 2024It's been amazing to work through the summer mentorship with ITSme learning. I've learned so much and in such a short amount of time. Also feel more and more confident about the direction to take and the steps that need to be done after the mentorship ends. I'm very grateful to each and everyone I've been in contact with in this journey, especially to Ed and Harry who have been guiding me in such a supportive way. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.Posted on GoogleMui Guma4 September 2024I took the illustration mentorship and overall the whole journey was wonderful. The portofolio reviews are compact yet thorough and the mentors, who are all experts on the field, are very helpful in guiding through the illustration pieces creation. Furthermore, the mentorship also comes with a number of video learning materials and a webinar.Posted on GoogleVaishnavi Dukhande3 September 2024Taking this mentorship course has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I can clearly see how much I’ve improved throughout the course, both in my skills and confidence. With Bhavisha’s guidance I’ve created some amazing artworks that I’m truly proud of. This mentorship has given me the confidence to take the next step in my career, and I now feel ready to apply to illustration agencies. Thank you for all the support and valuable insights!+4Posted on GoogleMalory2 September 2024I'm glad I found their program. When I started as a freelance illustrator, I was confused and overwhelmed about which industry my style belonged to. The ItsMe program pointed me in the right direction with the help of an experienced agent. Everything fell into place, and I was able to identify the specific market I could work for and how to build my portfolio for that market. It has been a great investment! I was supported by their professionals in every aspect that needed fixing or reworking to properly market myself and my work.Posted on GoogleVictoria smith2 September 2024Great program and feedback. Truly helpful for elevating your careerPosted on GoogleAlina Slyshik2 September 2024Wonderful learning experience! I appreciate the personal approach and a great opportunity to update my portfolio. Highly recommend to all illustrators!Posted on GoogleSusanna Lovisolo12 August 2024The ITSME Learning Mentorship program is professionally structured. I am extremely satisfied with my experience. I have found some excellent mentors. They encouraged me to experiment, helping me to improve my portfolio. Special thanks to Aurora, for the beautiful journey together and to Ed for everything he was able to convey and teach me during our meeting.Posted on GoogleZoe Hansen5 August 2024My meeting with Edward Burns was very informative and helpful. As an illustrator looking to learn more about my own strengths and areas I should focus on in my work, I found the whole program very useful.Posted on GoogleCatherine Worsley22 July 2024I recently took the Character Study Intensive course with ITSme Learning, it's such a fantastic course and has taken my portfolio to another level! The briefs and inspiration are really well put together and helped me focus on what I needed to do to enhance this area of my portfolio. I've been looking to improve my character design skills for a while, I've now been able to add some pieces which I'm really proud of, and I've already had some interest from publishing clients so I'm over the moon! I would highly recommend taking this course if this is an area you want to get into.Posted on GoogleClarice Diamantino9 May 2024The It's Me mentorship program has been an amazing experience! I am about to finish the program next week, and I'm so impressed with how much I've learned in such a short time. The mentors are fantastic – their guidance and support have been invaluable to my artistic growth. The assignments, videos, and especially the one-on-one meetings were all incredibly helpful. The feedback from the It's Me team was honest, insightful, and always delivered with a positive and encouraging tone. I can't recommend this program enough! If you're an artist looking for guidance on your career path, It's Me is absolutely the way to go.Posted on GoogleOlga U7 May 2024The mentorship program has been a wonderful experience. I received valuable feedback on my portfolio and great advice on how to align my illustrations towards the work I would like to do. Working with my mentor gave me clarity and a sense of direction. The briefs for my assignments took into account my interests and strengths, and I felt motivated to push my skills much further to create great illustrations for my portfolio. The team is composed of very knowledgeable and experienced agents. Through webinars, online videos and working directly with my mentor, I feel better prepared to work with illustration clients.Posted on GoogleJoey R1 May 2024Mr. Burns was very personable and open. He listened actively to what I had to say and shared openly his thoughts and feelings. His demeanor put me at ease and gave me great insight, encouragement and perspective all while being refreshingly sincere.Posted on GoogleRekha Krishnamurthi30 April 2024The ItsMe Mentorship Program has truly enriched my development as both an illustrator and an artist. The opportunity to receive feedback from seasoned industry agents who possess current market insights has been invaluable. Their guidance has steered me towards refining my portfolio, aligning my creations with my skills, artistic style, and passions. Thanks to this program, I've honed my artwork, cultivating a distinct visual identity and moving away from the scattered approach I once had.Posted on GoogleYulia Zolotova29 April 2024I'm thrilled to share my experience with the ITSme International Talent Search mentorship. Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about finding this program. The mentorship has been transformative for my career, offering invaluable guidance, industry insights, and support from a skilled professional who truly cared about my progress. The matching process was spot. Highly recommend it for anyone serious about taking their career to the next level!Posted on Googlehelen lanzrein4 April 2024Such a brilliant experience throughout the Itsme mentorship. My mentor Bhavi and chatting to Ed has been an amazingly positive experience. Thank you 😊❤️The direction my work has gone in and the overall quality has really helped boost my portfolio, a fabulous experience.+1Posted on GoogleMonika Kucharska4 April 2024I had the opportunity to be a part of the 3-month ITSme Mentorship Program, and I must say it was truly enriching and life-changing! My Mentor, Alice, played a pivotal role in my professional growth, guiding me with expertise and patience. The video materials provided were insightful and complemented the Mentorship perfectly. The whole Learning Team was really supportive, encouraging, and created a welcoming environment. I felt really motivated throughout the program. If you are considering joining, I wholeheartedly recommend it for a transformative learning journey :)!Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave1 April 2024I attended the very fisrt Illustration Mentorship and it was one of the best things i've done for my career! It was really important for me to learn more about the industry and worked on my portfolio.Posted on GoogleMonitos Bonitos (Jimena S.)29 February 2024Great program! I was struggling to get signed at an agency even when people told me the quality of my work wasn't the issue. This program was great at telling me how to change my portfolio and social media for the type of client I'm looking for. The also gave me great advice on how to continue regarding my style and the work it's best suited for.Posted on GoogleMauricio salmon29 February 2024Great experience with wonderful feed back and insights into building a successful portfolio .Posted on GoogleHamnah .Rizwan29 February 2024I had a wonderful experience attending the mentorship program where I gained incredibly valuable knowledge and insight into the illustration field! I feel so much more confident as an illustrator with the new pieces I've developed for the program and looking forward to utilizing all the skills I've gained for future projects.Posted on GoogleKaynat Zehra29 February 2024I had a lovely experience through this mentorship! It definitely gave me an idea of what it feels like working with industry professionals and responding to a brief! I would recommend it to anyone who feels confused about how to enter the illustration agency and wants help with understanding what to add to your portfolio!Posted on GoogleJosseline Tanus6 February 2024Edward was amazing. He gave me really great advice and was super helpful.Posted on GoogleJohn Knell26 January 2024I've been a part of the ITSme mentorship program and have found the content and feedback from not only the course materials but art directors and mentors highly valuable and insightful. Highest possible recommendation If you are an aspiring creative.Posted on Googlejosep mª juli18 December 2023ITSme has helped me very warmly in entering the Astound agency, Vicky has been very professional and very kind all the time, I am very grateful to her :)Posted on GoogleSol Salinas11 December 2023ITSme is a vital resource to artists, agents, and agencies. They have a wealth of resources and knowledge! They have helped us so much in the recruitment of excellent illustrators as well as consulting.Posted on GoogleImogen Holmes11 December 2023ITSme has been such a wonderful resource for helping us find new talent! Thanks for your help!!Posted on GoogleAtlanta Japp6 December 2023ITSme is a great resource for artists as they provide wonderful opportunities for artists to flourish and grow their careers and networks.Posted on GoogleKoustubha Jagadeesh29 November 2023I had an amazing opportunity to develop my portfolio with my mentor, Bhavi, through the ITSme Illustrator Mentorship program. It helped me improve and expand my body of work. Extremely helpful resources were included in the program, along with insights about industry. I recommend this program to any Illustrator who is looking for professional guidance.Posted on GoogleMiklós Eszter28 November 2023The Illustration Mentorship was a fantastic opportunity to develop my portfolio with the help of my lovely mentor, Bhavi. I truly recommend this program for illustrators who are ready to take the next big step in their career.Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave27 November 2023This Mentorship gave me the right insights to work on my portfolio and improve my art style! Developed work more aligned with myself and the illustration market. I would recommend this Mentorship to anyone looking for some professional reviews and guidance.
Posted on GoogleWeerawan Boonweera24 September 2026The ITSme Illustrator Mentorship Program has helped me understand the importance of creating a suitable portfolio and how to do it effectively. It has opened up new perspectives, with mentors providing crucial advice and guidance on portfolio building. I believe it has greatly increased my chances of getting new jobs and opportunities as a freelance artist.Posted on TrustindexAneliya Yankova8 June 2026Thank you a lot! The most important thing for me was that it was written in a way that I could understand. I mean what you're talking about. This inspires me to finally apply it, and not to keep despairing that no one wants to notice me as an illustrator because I just don't do anything real. Thank you very much for the advice! You are great!Posted on GoogleErika Ruggio19 December 2025My experience with the mentorship program was very positive. It helped me identify my strengths and the areas I need to improve in my portfolio. I am very satisfied and grateful, and I completed the program with a clear sense of the path I need to follow from now on.Posted on GoogleFelipe Leoni17 December 2025Amazing experience! Very experienced professionals.Posted on GoogleAleksandra Krzanowska25 November 2025Thank you for the Withholding Tax - Thinking CAP - November 2025!Posted on GoogleMegan Liljenquist13 November 2025I have completed both the mentorship and the portfolio course from ItsMe and now have a strong idea for the direction of my portfolio. The mentors are kind and encouraging, but also push you to take your work even further. I think both programs offer excellent value, especially if you are pursuing illustration professionally.Posted on GoogleAmeena Siddique11 November 2025I participated in the Summer 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I was paired up with Christine Hong, who has an amazing creative eye, and her mentorship was very insightful. The feedback focused on principles and practices, which helped me improve my fundamental skills. In my opinion, this is what sets them apart from other mentorship programs, where the feedback is mainly focused on the pieces you're creating. The weekly videos offered insider knowledge of the industry, and the closing call with Ed Burns was both motivating and enriching. I highly recommend this program to any artist looking to break into the publishing industry as an illustrator.+4Posted on GoogleMicsy Vargas6 November 2025I recently took part in a mentorship programme with ItsME Learning, and it was a truly encouraging and motivating experience. The mentors guided me to create more detailed sketches, to add more storytelling elements to them, and to keep improving and refining their final look. I’m very grateful for the experience and for how much it helped me grow as a professional.Posted on GoogleAne Schutz5 November 2025Highly recommended for junior artists or illustrators in a career transition. So many great insights during the calls, and it really opened my mind to new possibilities in my career.Posted on GoogleMariana Ostanik5 November 2025The It’s Me mentorship program was truly wonderful for my professional journey. My mentor, Bhavi, with great care and attention, helped me find the direction I’d been searching for regarding my style and market positioning. In addition, the lessons and insights shared by Bhavi and the team were incredibly valuable in broadening my horizons even further. Today, I feel much more confident that my work can continue to evolve and reach more and more people. I highly recommend the mentorship program!+3Posted on GoogleYana10 September 2025Very interesting video about Do’s and Don’ts. I picked up several valuable tips for myself. Thank you for such useful content for illustrators—it’s really important!Posted on GoogleVanessa Hahn7 August 2025I took the Character Intensive course with ITSme and it helped me a lot to enhance my character designs in terms of consistency. I can only recommend this course for those who struggle to keep their characters cohesive throughout multiple illustrations.Posted on GoogleAddy Rivera Sonda4 August 2025I loved the video Be Your Own Art Director - from Tina Doffing. Tina guides and inspires artists to experiment while following a very clear, engaging and creative "step by step" process that allows each artist to grow and direct their efforts towards a clear goal, weather it is working with a specific client, improving our portfolio, or learning through observation and practice to be better illustrators.Posted on GoogleSoumesh Choudhury (Soumesh)1 August 2025Its a brilliant feeling to have a mentorship from its me,I was kind of lost getting rejection from agencies,these course gave me a much light ,what is the issue how should I approach.my mentor was vicky she is absolutely amazing helps alott to improve my portfolio.really thankful to its mePosted on GoogleChloe Vazquez12 July 2025I recently participated in the Spring mentorship Program with ITSME, and it's been a great help for better understanding the publishing industry and tailoring my portfolio after I decided to pivot my work from animation production towards book illustration. I was partnered with mentor Kate Powell, who was incredibly kind and provided helpful feedback and critique, and took the time to provide me with clear answers to my questions. Based on my style and strengths, she helped me gain clarity on which sphere of publishing to pursue (YA Book Cover illustration). Ed Burns, the head of the ITSME society, is incredibly supportive and kind and provided great feedback about my portfolio. I really got the sense that he was genuinely invested in helping artists such as myself succeed. His words gave me the confidence to pursue submitting to agencies now that the program has concluded. The AI seminar from ITSME was very insightful and I appreciated it's inclusion given the current landscape of art industries being heavily affected by generative AI's use. My main critique is that I didn't find most of the other supplemental videos that are included in the program to be particularly helpful, but I think that was because they were usually very short, and the age demographic of what work I am making is for YA and not younger children. It would be nice if the program expanded it's content to include more advice specific to YA illustration for anyone like myself whose style might not be editorial or children's oriented. This didn't negatively impact my experience with the mentorship at all, but I felt it was worth mentioning. It would also be nice if there was more of a community aspect to the mentorship that allowed us to connect directly with other mentees after the program rather than coming across the pages by chance on social media platforms like Instagram or Linkedin. Overall I am pleased with my experience and would recommend anyone who wants to get into illustration in the publishing industry to consider the program. It is particularly helpful if you're unsure how to tailor your portfolio to the industry and want more insight as to what publishers look for when you're submitting real work projects. The feedback I received and the connections I've made with industry professionals through the program is truly invaluable. Thank you ITSME for your help and guidance!+4Posted on GoogleBianca Nithack1 July 2025I participated in the Itsme mentorship, which provided me with excellent guidance for improving my portfolio and navigating the illustration market. The people who supported me throughout the process were very attentive and showed great patience with my language barrier.Posted on GoogleLinda Giulia Carluschi23 June 2025Signing up for the illustrator mentorship has been one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The feedback I received was not only positive and encouraging but also incredibly insightful and constructive. My mentor guided me in discovering my own illustrative style, understanding my potential place in the market, and refining my portfolio to a more professional standard. I highly recommend this mentorship to any illustrator looking to grow and advance their career!+3Posted on GoogleAlissa Staples21 June 2025I just completed the Spring 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening and uplifting experience! My mentor, Bhavisha Patel, accurately identified my artistic strengths and weaknesses, and she gave me plenty of insightful guidance to create my best work while also allowing for creative freedom. The program's videos and webinar were also very informative, covering currently relevant topics for our industry. I learned about the different markets for freelance illustration, and where my work might be best suited. Meeting with ITSme CEO Edward Burns virtually was a particular highlight in the program – I received invaluable advice and encouragement from him to level-up my artwork and illustration career! Developing a freelance illustration portfolio can feel isolating and unfocused at times, so receiving precise, insightful, and constructive feedback from professional agents through this mentorship has made a world of difference for me. I highly recommend this mentorship!+2Posted on GoogleJosh Mauser18 June 2025Completed the ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship and had an incredibly positive experience. I was assigned Aurora as my mentor; her demeanor was pleasant and she was very easy to talk to. I feel like she understood immediately what markets my work would fit into best and assigned appropriate, focused prompts tailored to bolster my portfolio in that direction. She was very receptive to my own observations and was able to answer every question I had about content, style, industry, etc. I think it was because of this connection and feedback on the prompts that followed that I feel I produced some of my best work so far during the program. Ed was also very pointed and direct in suggesting a successful direction for my work, what markets it suited best, what markets were actually in need, etc. It was the kind of observations and advice that could only come from somebody with massive amounts of experience in the industry. Overall there was just this fantastic feeling of sincerity and investment throughout the program. A lot of online "classes" can just feel like a collection of generic videos that's capped off with a mass zoom call Q&A with 50 others where it's impossible for the instructors to focus on the students themselves. The ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship values personal connection and development with its mentees and it really does set them apart from so many other online programs.Posted on GoogleValeria Volodkó5 June 2025I really enjoyed the Navigating the World of AI – Thinking CAP webinar. I feel more confident and more at ease about the future of being an artist. I find all of Thinking CAP’s videos full of valuable information, and I’m happy to have the support of It’s Me to keep learning from professionals in the industry.Posted on GoogleMiriam Viola5 June 2025I really needed a professional perspective to make progress, and I found it here. I was guided and directed with kindness, diligence, and professionalism to understand my strengths and the areas I need to work on. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do it to achieve your goals is invaluable. Thank you!Posted on Googledaniel crespo saavedra4 June 2025I signed up for the illustrator mentorship and I totally recommend it, I finish the program knowing what to do and very motivated thanks to his experience and knowledge.Posted on GooglePatricia Edlyn Claresta2 April 2025Just watched Look to the Movies - Thinking C.A.P by Edward Burns video. Very helpful and insightful! Ed's explanation were well understood and fun. Thank you so much for the video!Posted on GoogleBrianna Boyd1 April 2025I participated in their mentorship program. The whole team was so kind, supportive and gave great critique and advice! Definitely came out of the program a stronger and more industry-aware artist!Posted on GoogleOlga Smith31 March 2025I'm so glad I found Itsme mentorship! I was trying a few different illustration styles, and didn't know which direction to move forward. Getting a mentor who is also an agent in the industry has been immensely helpful! She helped me find the illustration style that is best for the industry and that I really enjoy. I'm so thankful for this program!Posted on GoogleAnastasiia Panchenko26 March 2025I had the opportunity to watch the Look to the Movies – Thinking CAP webinar, and I found it packed with valuable insights on building and enhancing a portfolio to make it more appealing to publishers. Ed offered a fun and unexpected perspective, using movies as a reference point to help us view our portfolios in a new way. This approach made the process of developing a strong portfolio feel much clearer and more achievable. Definitely a lot to reflect on and apply to my own work! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.Posted on GoogleChris Perry12 March 2025Edward is great at what he does. I was most encouraged with his honest feedback and critiques. He gives heartwarming feedback and encouragement. He gave actionable feedback for both my work and my bio. He helped me to hone my portfolio, telling me what to keep, what to polish, and what should be removed- for maximum impact in the industry. He gives clear instructions. He showed me examples of work from artists who are successful in their careers to help my understand some terms I was unfamiliar with. He also has a sense of humor which helped me feel connected. Edward encouraged me to keep working and then generously offered to continue to coach me along with my ITSme mentor, Bhavi Patel. He encouraged me that my work was almost "good to go" and he wanted to be there when it did. I can sense that he truly cares about his artists and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, Edward, for all you do for artists. I am blessed to work with you and your team at ITSme. I can't praise, thank, or recommend you enough to other artists who want to make a living doing what they love. Chris PerryPosted on GoogleElmira Georgieva12 March 2025I have nothing but praise for their mentorship program! It has honestly been career-changing for my art. All the insights they’ve given me into how the industry works have been incredibly helpful. The team is really kind and welcoming, making all my uncertainties disappear from day one. It’s an amazing resource for illustrators who want an honest look at their work and valuable guidance on how to improve it further.Posted on GoogleNina Gagliardi12 March 2025i am looking forward to keeping in touch and i really appreciate your guidance more than you know!Posted on GoogleStefan Nikolić16 November 2024The 12-week illustration mentorship program was exactly what I needed, and I would recommend it to any artist, whether you’re just starting out or already experienced. My amazing mentor, Atlanta, showed me exactly what clients look for in an artist portfolio and she provided me with clear guidance on how to make mine stand out in this niche. She pointed out specific areas I could improve that clients paying attention to, that I didn't think about before. One of the best parts of the program was getting to talk with ITSme CEO Edward! He has an incredible way of explaining things visually, and hearing from him about my work and the industry was priceless. Thank you all for your dedication, and for giving me such a valuable experience!Posted on GoogleMaria Teresa Palladino15 November 2024Consiglio ad illustratori che hanno già un portfolio e che vogliono migliorarlo per renderlo più adatto al target. Gli agenti ti aiutano ad avere una visione più realistica degli aspetti da migliorare e ti danno consigli mirati sul tuo lavoro. Senza dubbio mi è stato utile, lo consiglierei.Posted on GoogleMarin Bagbey14 November 2024The ItsMe mentorship program has been an amazing experience. Its been great to work with the ItsMe staff, who truly believe in the illustrators they work with and want to help you with the next steps of your career. The connections and feedback they have given have been vital to my work so far and going into the future. Cannot recommend enough for any artist looking to get their foot in the door and/or elevate their portfolio!Posted on GoogleAnita Bagdi14 November 2024Meeting with Ed Burns was a positive, clear guidance to direct me to the path of a strong portfolio. I’m so grateful and excited about every steps of progress, thank you. I totally recommend the mentorship program to any illustrators who feel stuck with their portfolio and need skyrocketing their progress in the industry.Posted on GoogleBrandi Kim13 November 2024I had a great feedback on my work and meeting was delightful. I appreciate the insights on the business side of the industry.Posted on GoogleMauro Renard5 November 2024Great company, full of talented and committed people. It is a pleasure to work with them.Posted on GoogleAna Aguiar4 September 2024It's been amazing to work through the summer mentorship with ITSme learning. I've learned so much and in such a short amount of time. Also feel more and more confident about the direction to take and the steps that need to be done after the mentorship ends. I'm very grateful to each and everyone I've been in contact with in this journey, especially to Ed and Harry who have been guiding me in such a supportive way. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.Posted on GoogleMui Guma4 September 2024I took the illustration mentorship and overall the whole journey was wonderful. The portofolio reviews are compact yet thorough and the mentors, who are all experts on the field, are very helpful in guiding through the illustration pieces creation. Furthermore, the mentorship also comes with a number of video learning materials and a webinar.Posted on GoogleVaishnavi Dukhande3 September 2024Taking this mentorship course has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I can clearly see how much I’ve improved throughout the course, both in my skills and confidence. With Bhavisha’s guidance I’ve created some amazing artworks that I’m truly proud of. This mentorship has given me the confidence to take the next step in my career, and I now feel ready to apply to illustration agencies. Thank you for all the support and valuable insights!+4Posted on GoogleMalory2 September 2024I'm glad I found their program. When I started as a freelance illustrator, I was confused and overwhelmed about which industry my style belonged to. The ItsMe program pointed me in the right direction with the help of an experienced agent. Everything fell into place, and I was able to identify the specific market I could work for and how to build my portfolio for that market. It has been a great investment! I was supported by their professionals in every aspect that needed fixing or reworking to properly market myself and my work.Posted on GoogleVictoria smith2 September 2024Great program and feedback. Truly helpful for elevating your careerPosted on GoogleAlina Slyshik2 September 2024Wonderful learning experience! I appreciate the personal approach and a great opportunity to update my portfolio. Highly recommend to all illustrators!Posted on GoogleSusanna Lovisolo12 August 2024The ITSME Learning Mentorship program is professionally structured. I am extremely satisfied with my experience. I have found some excellent mentors. They encouraged me to experiment, helping me to improve my portfolio. Special thanks to Aurora, for the beautiful journey together and to Ed for everything he was able to convey and teach me during our meeting.Posted on GoogleZoe Hansen5 August 2024My meeting with Edward Burns was very informative and helpful. As an illustrator looking to learn more about my own strengths and areas I should focus on in my work, I found the whole program very useful.Posted on GoogleCatherine Worsley22 July 2024I recently took the Character Study Intensive course with ITSme Learning, it's such a fantastic course and has taken my portfolio to another level! The briefs and inspiration are really well put together and helped me focus on what I needed to do to enhance this area of my portfolio. I've been looking to improve my character design skills for a while, I've now been able to add some pieces which I'm really proud of, and I've already had some interest from publishing clients so I'm over the moon! I would highly recommend taking this course if this is an area you want to get into.Posted on GoogleClarice Diamantino9 May 2024The It's Me mentorship program has been an amazing experience! I am about to finish the program next week, and I'm so impressed with how much I've learned in such a short time. The mentors are fantastic – their guidance and support have been invaluable to my artistic growth. The assignments, videos, and especially the one-on-one meetings were all incredibly helpful. The feedback from the It's Me team was honest, insightful, and always delivered with a positive and encouraging tone. I can't recommend this program enough! If you're an artist looking for guidance on your career path, It's Me is absolutely the way to go.Posted on GoogleOlga U7 May 2024The mentorship program has been a wonderful experience. I received valuable feedback on my portfolio and great advice on how to align my illustrations towards the work I would like to do. Working with my mentor gave me clarity and a sense of direction. The briefs for my assignments took into account my interests and strengths, and I felt motivated to push my skills much further to create great illustrations for my portfolio. The team is composed of very knowledgeable and experienced agents. Through webinars, online videos and working directly with my mentor, I feel better prepared to work with illustration clients.Posted on GoogleJoey R1 May 2024Mr. Burns was very personable and open. He listened actively to what I had to say and shared openly his thoughts and feelings. His demeanor put me at ease and gave me great insight, encouragement and perspective all while being refreshingly sincere.Posted on GoogleRekha Krishnamurthi30 April 2024The ItsMe Mentorship Program has truly enriched my development as both an illustrator and an artist. The opportunity to receive feedback from seasoned industry agents who possess current market insights has been invaluable. Their guidance has steered me towards refining my portfolio, aligning my creations with my skills, artistic style, and passions. Thanks to this program, I've honed my artwork, cultivating a distinct visual identity and moving away from the scattered approach I once had.Posted on GoogleYulia Zolotova29 April 2024I'm thrilled to share my experience with the ITSme International Talent Search mentorship. Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about finding this program. The mentorship has been transformative for my career, offering invaluable guidance, industry insights, and support from a skilled professional who truly cared about my progress. The matching process was spot. Highly recommend it for anyone serious about taking their career to the next level!Posted on Googlehelen lanzrein4 April 2024Such a brilliant experience throughout the Itsme mentorship. My mentor Bhavi and chatting to Ed has been an amazingly positive experience. Thank you 😊❤️The direction my work has gone in and the overall quality has really helped boost my portfolio, a fabulous experience.+1Posted on GoogleMonika Kucharska4 April 2024I had the opportunity to be a part of the 3-month ITSme Mentorship Program, and I must say it was truly enriching and life-changing! My Mentor, Alice, played a pivotal role in my professional growth, guiding me with expertise and patience. The video materials provided were insightful and complemented the Mentorship perfectly. The whole Learning Team was really supportive, encouraging, and created a welcoming environment. I felt really motivated throughout the program. If you are considering joining, I wholeheartedly recommend it for a transformative learning journey :)!Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave1 April 2024I attended the very fisrt Illustration Mentorship and it was one of the best things i've done for my career! It was really important for me to learn more about the industry and worked on my portfolio.Posted on GoogleMonitos Bonitos (Jimena S.)29 February 2024Great program! I was struggling to get signed at an agency even when people told me the quality of my work wasn't the issue. This program was great at telling me how to change my portfolio and social media for the type of client I'm looking for. The also gave me great advice on how to continue regarding my style and the work it's best suited for.Posted on GoogleMauricio salmon29 February 2024Great experience with wonderful feed back and insights into building a successful portfolio .Posted on GoogleHamnah .Rizwan29 February 2024I had a wonderful experience attending the mentorship program where I gained incredibly valuable knowledge and insight into the illustration field! I feel so much more confident as an illustrator with the new pieces I've developed for the program and looking forward to utilizing all the skills I've gained for future projects.Posted on GoogleKaynat Zehra29 February 2024I had a lovely experience through this mentorship! It definitely gave me an idea of what it feels like working with industry professionals and responding to a brief! I would recommend it to anyone who feels confused about how to enter the illustration agency and wants help with understanding what to add to your portfolio!Posted on GoogleJosseline Tanus6 February 2024Edward was amazing. He gave me really great advice and was super helpful.Posted on GoogleJohn Knell26 January 2024I've been a part of the ITSme mentorship program and have found the content and feedback from not only the course materials but art directors and mentors highly valuable and insightful. Highest possible recommendation If you are an aspiring creative.Posted on Googlejosep mª juli18 December 2023ITSme has helped me very warmly in entering the Astound agency, Vicky has been very professional and very kind all the time, I am very grateful to her :)Posted on GoogleSol Salinas11 December 2023ITSme is a vital resource to artists, agents, and agencies. They have a wealth of resources and knowledge! They have helped us so much in the recruitment of excellent illustrators as well as consulting.Posted on GoogleImogen Holmes11 December 2023ITSme has been such a wonderful resource for helping us find new talent! Thanks for your help!!Posted on GoogleAtlanta Japp6 December 2023ITSme is a great resource for artists as they provide wonderful opportunities for artists to flourish and grow their careers and networks.Posted on GoogleKoustubha Jagadeesh29 November 2023I had an amazing opportunity to develop my portfolio with my mentor, Bhavi, through the ITSme Illustrator Mentorship program. It helped me improve and expand my body of work. Extremely helpful resources were included in the program, along with insights about industry. I recommend this program to any Illustrator who is looking for professional guidance.Posted on GoogleMiklós Eszter28 November 2023The Illustration Mentorship was a fantastic opportunity to develop my portfolio with the help of my lovely mentor, Bhavi. I truly recommend this program for illustrators who are ready to take the next big step in their career.Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave27 November 2023This Mentorship gave me the right insights to work on my portfolio and improve my art style! Developed work more aligned with myself and the illustration market. I would recommend this Mentorship to anyone looking for some professional reviews and guidance.
Posted on GoogleWeerawan Boonweera24 September 2026The ITSme Illustrator Mentorship Program has helped me understand the importance of creating a suitable portfolio and how to do it effectively. It has opened up new perspectives, with mentors providing crucial advice and guidance on portfolio building. I believe it has greatly increased my chances of getting new jobs and opportunities as a freelance artist.Posted on TrustindexAneliya Yankova8 June 2026Thank you a lot! The most important thing for me was that it was written in a way that I could understand. I mean what you're talking about. This inspires me to finally apply it, and not to keep despairing that no one wants to notice me as an illustrator because I just don't do anything real. Thank you very much for the advice! You are great!Posted on GoogleErika Ruggio19 December 2025My experience with the mentorship program was very positive. It helped me identify my strengths and the areas I need to improve in my portfolio. I am very satisfied and grateful, and I completed the program with a clear sense of the path I need to follow from now on.Posted on GoogleFelipe Leoni17 December 2025Amazing experience! Very experienced professionals.Posted on GoogleAleksandra Krzanowska25 November 2025Thank you for the Withholding Tax - Thinking CAP - November 2025!Posted on GoogleMegan Liljenquist13 November 2025I have completed both the mentorship and the portfolio course from ItsMe and now have a strong idea for the direction of my portfolio. The mentors are kind and encouraging, but also push you to take your work even further. I think both programs offer excellent value, especially if you are pursuing illustration professionally.Posted on GoogleAmeena Siddique11 November 2025I participated in the Summer 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I was paired up with Christine Hong, who has an amazing creative eye, and her mentorship was very insightful. The feedback focused on principles and practices, which helped me improve my fundamental skills. In my opinion, this is what sets them apart from other mentorship programs, where the feedback is mainly focused on the pieces you're creating. The weekly videos offered insider knowledge of the industry, and the closing call with Ed Burns was both motivating and enriching. I highly recommend this program to any artist looking to break into the publishing industry as an illustrator.+4Posted on GoogleMicsy Vargas6 November 2025I recently took part in a mentorship programme with ItsME Learning, and it was a truly encouraging and motivating experience. The mentors guided me to create more detailed sketches, to add more storytelling elements to them, and to keep improving and refining their final look. I’m very grateful for the experience and for how much it helped me grow as a professional.Posted on GoogleAne Schutz5 November 2025Highly recommended for junior artists or illustrators in a career transition. So many great insights during the calls, and it really opened my mind to new possibilities in my career.Posted on GoogleMariana Ostanik5 November 2025The It’s Me mentorship program was truly wonderful for my professional journey. My mentor, Bhavi, with great care and attention, helped me find the direction I’d been searching for regarding my style and market positioning. In addition, the lessons and insights shared by Bhavi and the team were incredibly valuable in broadening my horizons even further. Today, I feel much more confident that my work can continue to evolve and reach more and more people. I highly recommend the mentorship program!+3Posted on GoogleYana10 September 2025Very interesting video about Do’s and Don’ts. I picked up several valuable tips for myself. Thank you for such useful content for illustrators—it’s really important!Posted on GoogleVanessa Hahn7 August 2025I took the Character Intensive course with ITSme and it helped me a lot to enhance my character designs in terms of consistency. I can only recommend this course for those who struggle to keep their characters cohesive throughout multiple illustrations.Posted on GoogleAddy Rivera Sonda4 August 2025I loved the video Be Your Own Art Director - from Tina Doffing. Tina guides and inspires artists to experiment while following a very clear, engaging and creative "step by step" process that allows each artist to grow and direct their efforts towards a clear goal, weather it is working with a specific client, improving our portfolio, or learning through observation and practice to be better illustrators.Posted on GoogleSoumesh Choudhury (Soumesh)1 August 2025Its a brilliant feeling to have a mentorship from its me,I was kind of lost getting rejection from agencies,these course gave me a much light ,what is the issue how should I approach.my mentor was vicky she is absolutely amazing helps alott to improve my portfolio.really thankful to its mePosted on GoogleChloe Vazquez12 July 2025I recently participated in the Spring mentorship Program with ITSME, and it's been a great help for better understanding the publishing industry and tailoring my portfolio after I decided to pivot my work from animation production towards book illustration. I was partnered with mentor Kate Powell, who was incredibly kind and provided helpful feedback and critique, and took the time to provide me with clear answers to my questions. Based on my style and strengths, she helped me gain clarity on which sphere of publishing to pursue (YA Book Cover illustration). Ed Burns, the head of the ITSME society, is incredibly supportive and kind and provided great feedback about my portfolio. I really got the sense that he was genuinely invested in helping artists such as myself succeed. His words gave me the confidence to pursue submitting to agencies now that the program has concluded. The AI seminar from ITSME was very insightful and I appreciated it's inclusion given the current landscape of art industries being heavily affected by generative AI's use. My main critique is that I didn't find most of the other supplemental videos that are included in the program to be particularly helpful, but I think that was because they were usually very short, and the age demographic of what work I am making is for YA and not younger children. It would be nice if the program expanded it's content to include more advice specific to YA illustration for anyone like myself whose style might not be editorial or children's oriented. This didn't negatively impact my experience with the mentorship at all, but I felt it was worth mentioning. It would also be nice if there was more of a community aspect to the mentorship that allowed us to connect directly with other mentees after the program rather than coming across the pages by chance on social media platforms like Instagram or Linkedin. Overall I am pleased with my experience and would recommend anyone who wants to get into illustration in the publishing industry to consider the program. It is particularly helpful if you're unsure how to tailor your portfolio to the industry and want more insight as to what publishers look for when you're submitting real work projects. The feedback I received and the connections I've made with industry professionals through the program is truly invaluable. Thank you ITSME for your help and guidance!+4Posted on GoogleBianca Nithack1 July 2025I participated in the Itsme mentorship, which provided me with excellent guidance for improving my portfolio and navigating the illustration market. The people who supported me throughout the process were very attentive and showed great patience with my language barrier.Posted on GoogleLinda Giulia Carluschi23 June 2025Signing up for the illustrator mentorship has been one of the best decisions I've made for my career. The feedback I received was not only positive and encouraging but also incredibly insightful and constructive. My mentor guided me in discovering my own illustrative style, understanding my potential place in the market, and refining my portfolio to a more professional standard. I highly recommend this mentorship to any illustrator looking to grow and advance their career!+3Posted on GoogleAlissa Staples21 June 2025I just completed the Spring 2025 ITSme Illustration Mentorship, and it was an incredibly eye-opening and uplifting experience! My mentor, Bhavisha Patel, accurately identified my artistic strengths and weaknesses, and she gave me plenty of insightful guidance to create my best work while also allowing for creative freedom. The program's videos and webinar were also very informative, covering currently relevant topics for our industry. I learned about the different markets for freelance illustration, and where my work might be best suited. Meeting with ITSme CEO Edward Burns virtually was a particular highlight in the program – I received invaluable advice and encouragement from him to level-up my artwork and illustration career! Developing a freelance illustration portfolio can feel isolating and unfocused at times, so receiving precise, insightful, and constructive feedback from professional agents through this mentorship has made a world of difference for me. I highly recommend this mentorship!+2Posted on GoogleJosh Mauser18 June 2025Completed the ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship and had an incredibly positive experience. I was assigned Aurora as my mentor; her demeanor was pleasant and she was very easy to talk to. I feel like she understood immediately what markets my work would fit into best and assigned appropriate, focused prompts tailored to bolster my portfolio in that direction. She was very receptive to my own observations and was able to answer every question I had about content, style, industry, etc. I think it was because of this connection and feedback on the prompts that followed that I feel I produced some of my best work so far during the program. Ed was also very pointed and direct in suggesting a successful direction for my work, what markets it suited best, what markets were actually in need, etc. It was the kind of observations and advice that could only come from somebody with massive amounts of experience in the industry. Overall there was just this fantastic feeling of sincerity and investment throughout the program. A lot of online "classes" can just feel like a collection of generic videos that's capped off with a mass zoom call Q&A with 50 others where it's impossible for the instructors to focus on the students themselves. The ItsMe Illustration Spring Mentorship values personal connection and development with its mentees and it really does set them apart from so many other online programs.Posted on GoogleValeria Volodkó5 June 2025I really enjoyed the Navigating the World of AI – Thinking CAP webinar. I feel more confident and more at ease about the future of being an artist. I find all of Thinking CAP’s videos full of valuable information, and I’m happy to have the support of It’s Me to keep learning from professionals in the industry.Posted on GoogleMiriam Viola5 June 2025I really needed a professional perspective to make progress, and I found it here. I was guided and directed with kindness, diligence, and professionalism to understand my strengths and the areas I need to work on. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do it to achieve your goals is invaluable. Thank you!Posted on Googledaniel crespo saavedra4 June 2025I signed up for the illustrator mentorship and I totally recommend it, I finish the program knowing what to do and very motivated thanks to his experience and knowledge.Posted on GooglePatricia Edlyn Claresta2 April 2025Just watched Look to the Movies - Thinking C.A.P by Edward Burns video. Very helpful and insightful! Ed's explanation were well understood and fun. Thank you so much for the video!Posted on GoogleBrianna Boyd1 April 2025I participated in their mentorship program. The whole team was so kind, supportive and gave great critique and advice! Definitely came out of the program a stronger and more industry-aware artist!Posted on GoogleOlga Smith31 March 2025I'm so glad I found Itsme mentorship! I was trying a few different illustration styles, and didn't know which direction to move forward. Getting a mentor who is also an agent in the industry has been immensely helpful! She helped me find the illustration style that is best for the industry and that I really enjoy. I'm so thankful for this program!Posted on GoogleAnastasiia Panchenko26 March 2025I had the opportunity to watch the Look to the Movies – Thinking CAP webinar, and I found it packed with valuable insights on building and enhancing a portfolio to make it more appealing to publishers. Ed offered a fun and unexpected perspective, using movies as a reference point to help us view our portfolios in a new way. This approach made the process of developing a strong portfolio feel much clearer and more achievable. Definitely a lot to reflect on and apply to my own work! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.Posted on GoogleChris Perry12 March 2025Edward is great at what he does. I was most encouraged with his honest feedback and critiques. He gives heartwarming feedback and encouragement. He gave actionable feedback for both my work and my bio. He helped me to hone my portfolio, telling me what to keep, what to polish, and what should be removed- for maximum impact in the industry. He gives clear instructions. He showed me examples of work from artists who are successful in their careers to help my understand some terms I was unfamiliar with. He also has a sense of humor which helped me feel connected. Edward encouraged me to keep working and then generously offered to continue to coach me along with my ITSme mentor, Bhavi Patel. He encouraged me that my work was almost "good to go" and he wanted to be there when it did. I can sense that he truly cares about his artists and wants to see them succeed. Thank you, Edward, for all you do for artists. I am blessed to work with you and your team at ITSme. I can't praise, thank, or recommend you enough to other artists who want to make a living doing what they love. Chris PerryPosted on GoogleElmira Georgieva12 March 2025I have nothing but praise for their mentorship program! It has honestly been career-changing for my art. All the insights they’ve given me into how the industry works have been incredibly helpful. The team is really kind and welcoming, making all my uncertainties disappear from day one. It’s an amazing resource for illustrators who want an honest look at their work and valuable guidance on how to improve it further.Posted on GoogleNina Gagliardi12 March 2025i am looking forward to keeping in touch and i really appreciate your guidance more than you know!Posted on GoogleStefan Nikolić16 November 2024The 12-week illustration mentorship program was exactly what I needed, and I would recommend it to any artist, whether you’re just starting out or already experienced. My amazing mentor, Atlanta, showed me exactly what clients look for in an artist portfolio and she provided me with clear guidance on how to make mine stand out in this niche. She pointed out specific areas I could improve that clients paying attention to, that I didn't think about before. One of the best parts of the program was getting to talk with ITSme CEO Edward! He has an incredible way of explaining things visually, and hearing from him about my work and the industry was priceless. Thank you all for your dedication, and for giving me such a valuable experience!Posted on GoogleMaria Teresa Palladino15 November 2024Consiglio ad illustratori che hanno già un portfolio e che vogliono migliorarlo per renderlo più adatto al target. Gli agenti ti aiutano ad avere una visione più realistica degli aspetti da migliorare e ti danno consigli mirati sul tuo lavoro. Senza dubbio mi è stato utile, lo consiglierei.Posted on GoogleMarin Bagbey14 November 2024The ItsMe mentorship program has been an amazing experience. Its been great to work with the ItsMe staff, who truly believe in the illustrators they work with and want to help you with the next steps of your career. The connections and feedback they have given have been vital to my work so far and going into the future. Cannot recommend enough for any artist looking to get their foot in the door and/or elevate their portfolio!Posted on GoogleAnita Bagdi14 November 2024Meeting with Ed Burns was a positive, clear guidance to direct me to the path of a strong portfolio. I’m so grateful and excited about every steps of progress, thank you. I totally recommend the mentorship program to any illustrators who feel stuck with their portfolio and need skyrocketing their progress in the industry.Posted on GoogleBrandi Kim13 November 2024I had a great feedback on my work and meeting was delightful. I appreciate the insights on the business side of the industry.Posted on GoogleMauro Renard5 November 2024Great company, full of talented and committed people. It is a pleasure to work with them.Posted on GoogleAna Aguiar4 September 2024It's been amazing to work through the summer mentorship with ITSme learning. I've learned so much and in such a short amount of time. Also feel more and more confident about the direction to take and the steps that need to be done after the mentorship ends. I'm very grateful to each and everyone I've been in contact with in this journey, especially to Ed and Harry who have been guiding me in such a supportive way. Thank you so much and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.Posted on GoogleMui Guma4 September 2024I took the illustration mentorship and overall the whole journey was wonderful. The portofolio reviews are compact yet thorough and the mentors, who are all experts on the field, are very helpful in guiding through the illustration pieces creation. Furthermore, the mentorship also comes with a number of video learning materials and a webinar.Posted on GoogleVaishnavi Dukhande3 September 2024Taking this mentorship course has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I can clearly see how much I’ve improved throughout the course, both in my skills and confidence. With Bhavisha’s guidance I’ve created some amazing artworks that I’m truly proud of. This mentorship has given me the confidence to take the next step in my career, and I now feel ready to apply to illustration agencies. Thank you for all the support and valuable insights!+4Posted on GoogleMalory2 September 2024I'm glad I found their program. When I started as a freelance illustrator, I was confused and overwhelmed about which industry my style belonged to. The ItsMe program pointed me in the right direction with the help of an experienced agent. Everything fell into place, and I was able to identify the specific market I could work for and how to build my portfolio for that market. It has been a great investment! I was supported by their professionals in every aspect that needed fixing or reworking to properly market myself and my work.Posted on GoogleVictoria smith2 September 2024Great program and feedback. Truly helpful for elevating your careerPosted on GoogleAlina Slyshik2 September 2024Wonderful learning experience! I appreciate the personal approach and a great opportunity to update my portfolio. Highly recommend to all illustrators!Posted on GoogleSusanna Lovisolo12 August 2024The ITSME Learning Mentorship program is professionally structured. I am extremely satisfied with my experience. I have found some excellent mentors. They encouraged me to experiment, helping me to improve my portfolio. Special thanks to Aurora, for the beautiful journey together and to Ed for everything he was able to convey and teach me during our meeting.Posted on GoogleZoe Hansen5 August 2024My meeting with Edward Burns was very informative and helpful. As an illustrator looking to learn more about my own strengths and areas I should focus on in my work, I found the whole program very useful.Posted on GoogleCatherine Worsley22 July 2024I recently took the Character Study Intensive course with ITSme Learning, it's such a fantastic course and has taken my portfolio to another level! The briefs and inspiration are really well put together and helped me focus on what I needed to do to enhance this area of my portfolio. I've been looking to improve my character design skills for a while, I've now been able to add some pieces which I'm really proud of, and I've already had some interest from publishing clients so I'm over the moon! I would highly recommend taking this course if this is an area you want to get into.Posted on GoogleClarice Diamantino9 May 2024The It's Me mentorship program has been an amazing experience! I am about to finish the program next week, and I'm so impressed with how much I've learned in such a short time. The mentors are fantastic – their guidance and support have been invaluable to my artistic growth. The assignments, videos, and especially the one-on-one meetings were all incredibly helpful. The feedback from the It's Me team was honest, insightful, and always delivered with a positive and encouraging tone. I can't recommend this program enough! If you're an artist looking for guidance on your career path, It's Me is absolutely the way to go.Posted on GoogleOlga U7 May 2024The mentorship program has been a wonderful experience. I received valuable feedback on my portfolio and great advice on how to align my illustrations towards the work I would like to do. Working with my mentor gave me clarity and a sense of direction. The briefs for my assignments took into account my interests and strengths, and I felt motivated to push my skills much further to create great illustrations for my portfolio. The team is composed of very knowledgeable and experienced agents. Through webinars, online videos and working directly with my mentor, I feel better prepared to work with illustration clients.Posted on GoogleJoey R1 May 2024Mr. Burns was very personable and open. He listened actively to what I had to say and shared openly his thoughts and feelings. His demeanor put me at ease and gave me great insight, encouragement and perspective all while being refreshingly sincere.Posted on GoogleRekha Krishnamurthi30 April 2024The ItsMe Mentorship Program has truly enriched my development as both an illustrator and an artist. The opportunity to receive feedback from seasoned industry agents who possess current market insights has been invaluable. Their guidance has steered me towards refining my portfolio, aligning my creations with my skills, artistic style, and passions. Thanks to this program, I've honed my artwork, cultivating a distinct visual identity and moving away from the scattered approach I once had.Posted on GoogleYulia Zolotova29 April 2024I'm thrilled to share my experience with the ITSme International Talent Search mentorship. Happy doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about finding this program. The mentorship has been transformative for my career, offering invaluable guidance, industry insights, and support from a skilled professional who truly cared about my progress. The matching process was spot. Highly recommend it for anyone serious about taking their career to the next level!Posted on Googlehelen lanzrein4 April 2024Such a brilliant experience throughout the Itsme mentorship. My mentor Bhavi and chatting to Ed has been an amazingly positive experience. Thank you 😊❤️The direction my work has gone in and the overall quality has really helped boost my portfolio, a fabulous experience.+1Posted on GoogleMonika Kucharska4 April 2024I had the opportunity to be a part of the 3-month ITSme Mentorship Program, and I must say it was truly enriching and life-changing! My Mentor, Alice, played a pivotal role in my professional growth, guiding me with expertise and patience. The video materials provided were insightful and complemented the Mentorship perfectly. The whole Learning Team was really supportive, encouraging, and created a welcoming environment. I felt really motivated throughout the program. If you are considering joining, I wholeheartedly recommend it for a transformative learning journey :)!Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave1 April 2024I attended the very fisrt Illustration Mentorship and it was one of the best things i've done for my career! It was really important for me to learn more about the industry and worked on my portfolio.Posted on GoogleMonitos Bonitos (Jimena S.)29 February 2024Great program! I was struggling to get signed at an agency even when people told me the quality of my work wasn't the issue. This program was great at telling me how to change my portfolio and social media for the type of client I'm looking for. The also gave me great advice on how to continue regarding my style and the work it's best suited for.Posted on GoogleMauricio salmon29 February 2024Great experience with wonderful feed back and insights into building a successful portfolio .Posted on GoogleHamnah .Rizwan29 February 2024I had a wonderful experience attending the mentorship program where I gained incredibly valuable knowledge and insight into the illustration field! I feel so much more confident as an illustrator with the new pieces I've developed for the program and looking forward to utilizing all the skills I've gained for future projects.Posted on GoogleKaynat Zehra29 February 2024I had a lovely experience through this mentorship! It definitely gave me an idea of what it feels like working with industry professionals and responding to a brief! I would recommend it to anyone who feels confused about how to enter the illustration agency and wants help with understanding what to add to your portfolio!Posted on GoogleJosseline Tanus6 February 2024Edward was amazing. He gave me really great advice and was super helpful.Posted on GoogleJohn Knell26 January 2024I've been a part of the ITSme mentorship program and have found the content and feedback from not only the course materials but art directors and mentors highly valuable and insightful. Highest possible recommendation If you are an aspiring creative.Posted on Googlejosep mª juli18 December 2023ITSme has helped me very warmly in entering the Astound agency, Vicky has been very professional and very kind all the time, I am very grateful to her :)Posted on GoogleSol Salinas11 December 2023ITSme is a vital resource to artists, agents, and agencies. They have a wealth of resources and knowledge! They have helped us so much in the recruitment of excellent illustrators as well as consulting.Posted on GoogleImogen Holmes11 December 2023ITSme has been such a wonderful resource for helping us find new talent! Thanks for your help!!Posted on GoogleAtlanta Japp6 December 2023ITSme is a great resource for artists as they provide wonderful opportunities for artists to flourish and grow their careers and networks.Posted on GoogleKoustubha Jagadeesh29 November 2023I had an amazing opportunity to develop my portfolio with my mentor, Bhavi, through the ITSme Illustrator Mentorship program. It helped me improve and expand my body of work. Extremely helpful resources were included in the program, along with insights about industry. I recommend this program to any Illustrator who is looking for professional guidance.Posted on GoogleMiklós Eszter28 November 2023The Illustration Mentorship was a fantastic opportunity to develop my portfolio with the help of my lovely mentor, Bhavi. I truly recommend this program for illustrators who are ready to take the next big step in their career.Posted on GoogleGabriela Grave27 November 2023This Mentorship gave me the right insights to work on my portfolio and improve my art style! Developed work more aligned with myself and the illustration market. I would recommend this Mentorship to anyone looking for some professional reviews and guidance.
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 to the world, just like singers should sing, and dancers should dance.
Clarice appreciates the honesty and sincerity of the mentorship in regards to improve her art.
Sofia recalls her “AHA moment”: learning that style can be flexible, shining through emotion and color in her work.
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.
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 Drayson talks about what agents bring into the mentorship program, like key themes or current trends or industry insights.
It’s not about us – it’s about you. In this video our industry expert and former senior agent, Christine Hong, talks about how your ability to storytell is key and unique to your art.
MEET YOUR MENTORS – ACTIVE INDUSTRY EXPERTS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Bhavisha Patel talks about how rewarding it is how much an illustrator can grow under the right guidance.
Former Senior agent Aurora Barlam, on how it is important to figure out who your dream client is and how she is tailoring the feedback so that her mentee can reach out to those clients.
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 art directors.
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.
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.
Learn how to spot AI art in this comprehensive guide.
