Learn how to pitch, illustrate and get hired in our flexible, self paced course!
This is more than a course—it’s a launchpad.
Dive in at your own pace with instant access to every lesson, resource, and assignment. Across six focused modules, you’ll learn how to crack editorial briefs, develop bold visual ideas, and create illustrations editors actually want to commission.
With industry insight from leading illustrators, practical creative prompts, and 12 months of access to revisit as you grow, you’ll sharpen your voice, strengthen your portfolio, and level up your pitching — on your schedule, your way.
Enrol Today for Only £149 - Launch Offer Ends 16th January!
What You'll Learn
✓ 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.
Creative Briefs
Plus, you’ll dive into five thoughtfully crafted creative briefs — three set by our guest artists, one by Pit Magazine Art Director Holly Catford, and a final Inkygoodness brief. Together, they explore reportage, visual metaphor, and conceptual storytelling inspired by New Scientist and Wine Spectator.
You’ll also unlock full access to everything previously delivered in the live course, including in-depth workshop replays, feedback sessions, and our final round-table conversations with guest art directors — a rare behind-the-scenes look at how editorial illustration is commissioned, developed, and refined.
What You'll Get
All sessions were originally delivered live as part of the cohort experience and are now available on demand. You’ll have 12 months of access to the full course library, giving you the freedom to revisit lessons and learn at your own pace.
Kick Off & Welcome Module
A warm welcome to the course, guidance on setting your goals, an overview of the editorial illustration journey ahead.
M1: Foundations of Editorial Illustration
Module: Editorial roles, visual tone, types of commissions, case studies
Assignment: Create two thumbnail sketches in response to an opinion piece
M2: Reportage Illustration with Adrian Hogan
Module: Observational drawing, sketching on location, storytelling with line
Assignment: Neighborhood Notes - Create a reportage-style illustration from a real-life scene
M3: Visual Metaphors with Libby VanderPloeg
Module: Ideation techniques, visual metaphor, thumbnailing
Assignment: Everyday Joy in Motion - Spot illustratrations and an optional animated GIF
M4: Conceptual Storytelling with Molly McCammon
Topics: Working with complex briefs, visual interpretation, narrative clarity
Assignment: Passport to Value - Full-page mock editorial illustration
M5: Personal Voice & Playful Narrative
Topics: Illustration as self-expression, building your signature style
Assignment: 3–5 frame sequential piece for a lifestyle article
M6: Portfolio & Pitching Masterclass
Topics: Pitching to editors, portfolio tips, licensing basics
Final Project: Polished illustration + mockup + pitch email
Round Table Portfolio Reviews with Leading Commissioners
Plus get industry insight inside Round Table Portfolio Sessions with Art Directors at the helm of publications including Fast Company, Pit Magazine, Refinery29 and The Washingtonian & The New York Times.
Please note all sessions are recorded and live access and feedback is not included in this course.
Meet Our Guest Artist Speakers
Libby VanderPloeg is an artist and illustrator based in Southern California.
Her work includes quirky, sweet, and playful illustrations and animated gifs that celebrate community, inclusivity, and pattern, as well as vibrant, detailed maps. When she’s not drawing, Libby loves to travel, hike with her dog Tucker, and explore the natural world for inspiration. Her clients include The New Yorker, The New York Times, Netflix, Penguin Random House and TED Talks.
Adrian Hogan is an illustrator and educator based in Tokyo, known for his masterful on-location drawing and vibrant visual storytelling through reportage. Whether he’s capturing the energy of a bustling street or the quiet details of everyday life, Adrian brings warmth, observation, and narrative to every sketch. His work bridges fine art and illustration, and he regularly collaborates with global brands while teaching the art of drawing from life.
Molly McCammon is a London-based illustrator whose smart, conceptual approach brings clarity, emotion, and wit to even the most complex editorial briefs.
She’s created powerful illustrations for publications including ELLE, Konferkt, EasyJet Magazine, Carpe Diem Magazine, Frankie Magazine and Brummell — and now she’s here to guide you through her process. Her work is a brilliant example of how strong ideas and thoughtful execution can elevate any brief.
Learn from experienced mentors through recorded classes packed with real-world insight, designed to help you grow your editorial illustration practice — on your schedule, in your own time.
Get the Commission-Ready Bundle – (Worth £75) – FREE with your enrolment!
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 are live inside our course space when you join!
This Self Paced Course is for You if…
→ 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.
After completing The Editorial Playbook Self Paced Course you will:
✓ 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!
Your Editorial Illustration Journey Starts Here
Enrol Today & Unlock Your Creativity This January!
→ 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
