ENROLMENT FOR THE EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATOR'S PLAYBOOK HAS NOW CLOSED
✓ What Makes a Strong Editorial Image
Understand how editorial illustration works across formats—from spot to full-page—and how to tell stories that stick.
✓ Draw the Moment: Reportage & Observational Illustration
Capture real-life scenes with confidence and turn on-location sketches into compelling editorial work.
✓ Think Like an Art Director
Master the use of visual metaphor, concept development, and strategic thinking to create illustrations with impact.
✓ Conceptual Storytelling
Learn how to break down complex topics and distill them into powerful, thought-provoking visuals.
✓ Injecting Personality into Every Page
Discover how to develop a distinctive voice and style while staying flexible to different briefs and tones.
✓ From Practice to Paid Work
Build a portfolio that gets noticed, learn how to pitch like a pro, and start getting hired by publications that matter.
This course is for curious, ambitious artists and illustrators who are ready to level up their skills, break into editorial work, and get their illustrations out into the world. If you’re itching to sharpen your style, learn the insider tricks of the trade, and build a portfolio that makes art directors say “yes!”, this is your creative playground!
Get insider access to the industry with our live AMA Sessions, where top art directors share their secrets on portfolios, pitching, and breaking into editorial. We’ll wrap up with two Round Table Portfolio Sessions, giving you the chance to submit your work for live feedback and career-shaping guidance. Confirmed guests include Holly Catford (History Today, PIT Magazine, Eye), Anne Latini (Fast Company), Jeff Glendenning (NYT Opinions Desk, Washingtonian), and Sarah Garcea (People, Refinery29).
Our three mentors bring a powerhouse mix of experience and style to editorial illustration. Libby VanderPloeg, a Southern California–based artist, is known for her playful, inclusive illustrations and vibrant maps for clients like The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Adrian Hogan, an illustrator and educator based in Tokyo, is celebrated for his on-location drawing and rich visual storytelling that captures the energy of everyday life. Molly McCammon, a London-based illustrator, blends smart concepts with striking visuals for publications including ELLE, Frankie Magazine, and Brummell.
Together, they’ll share their insider tips, creative processes, and practical strategies to help you level up your editorial illustration skills from concept to commission.
This is more than a course—it’s a launchpad.
In 6 action-packed weeks, you’ll learn how to respond to briefs like a pro, craft powerful visual ideas, and create illustrations that editors want to commission. From punchy spots to layered narrative scenes, we’ll explore what it really takes to thrive in the editorial world— with industry insights from top illustrators, hands-on assignments, and live feedback every step of the way.
You’ll sharpen your voice, build your portfolio, and learn how to pitch with confidence.
When you join The Editorial Illustration Playbook, you’ll get our bonus bundle of mini guides designed to help you stand out and get hired:
10 Ways to Find Editorial Briefs (Before You’re Commissioned) – A practical guide to help illustrators practice with intention
Pitch-Perfect Emails: Templates to Get You Noticed – Take the fear out of outreach with customisable pitch templates
Build a Portfolio That Gets You Hired – A no-fluff guide to curating your work like an art director.
Get ready to hit the ground running — your bonus guides drop on enrolment to help you prep before we kick off.
→ You want to get published and land real commissions.
→ You struggle to turn ideas into strong visual concepts.
→ You want to build a portfolio that stands out.
→ You want to master editorial formats like spot, cover, and reportage.
→ You’re ready to level up and take your work seriously.
✓ Know how to respond to briefs with bold, clear visual ideas
✓ Create editorial illustrations that reflect your voice and fit real-world formats
✓ Confidently pitch your work to editors, art directors, and publications
✓ Have a polished, professional portfolio ready to showcase
✓ Understand how to turn your ideas into commissions—and get paid for them!
Enrol Today & Join over 120 global artists inside the Playbook!
→ Learn how to turn real-world stories into powerful, publishable illustrations
→ Build a portfolio that gets noticed by editors and art directors
→ Gain insider insight from top illustrators working in the field today
