The Editorial Illustrator’s Playbook – Self Paced Course
Learn how to pitch, illustrate and get hired in just six weeks!
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 just £149 & Grab Your Bonus!
Launch Offer Ends 23rd 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.
Playbook Alumni: Akari Nakamura for our Everyday Joy in Motion brief set by Libby VanderPloeg
Class Overview
Self Paced Course includes 12 months access.
WK 1: Foundations of Editorial Illustration
Topics: Editorial roles, visual tone, types of commissions, case studies
Assignment: Two thumbnail sketches in response to an opinion piece
WK 2: Reportage Illustration with Adrian Hogan
Topics: Observational drawing, sketching on location, storytelling with line
Assignment: Reportage piece from a real-life scene
WK 3: Visual Metaphor & Editorial IdeasTopics: Ideation techniques, metaphor, thumb-nailing
Assignment: Develop 3 illustrated concepts for one article
WK 4: Conceptual Storytelling with Molly McCammon
Topics: Working with complex briefs, visual interpretation, narrative clarity
Assignment: Full-page mock editorial illustration
WK 5: Personal Voice & Playful Narrative with Libby VanderPloeg
Topics: Illustration as self-expression, building your signature style
Assignment: 3–5 frame sequential piece for a lifestyle article
WK 6: Portfolio & Pitching MasterclassTopics: Pitching to editors, portfolio tips, licensing basics
Final Project: Polished illustration + mockup + pitch email
Meet Your Instructors
Libby VanderPloeg is an artist and illustrator based in Southern California. Surrounded by books and stories growing up—her mother was a children’s librarian and storyteller—Libby’s creativity was nurtured from an early age. 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. With a background in design and a love for visual metaphor, Molly’s illustrations have appeared in major publications, offering thought-provoking imagery that cuts straight to the heart of a story.
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.
Together, our mentors are excited to teach, share their insights, and help you level up your editorial illustration skills from concept to commission.
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 available inside our Course platform. Get instant access when you join!
Playbook Alumni: Madalina Buzchenci for our Passport to Value brief set by Molly McCammon
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 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 & Grab Your Bonus!
– 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
We look forward to welcoming you on board!