Inkygoodness Bootcamp 8-Month Creative Residency – Applications Open for 2027
An 8-Month Creative Residency for Illustrators Ready to Make Their Next Big Creative Leap.
Bootcamp 2027 is our most ambitious programme yet — an immersive eight-month creative residency for illustrators ready to strengthen their creative voice, build an exceptional portfolio and take their career to the next level.
This is more than an online course.
It’s eight months of focused creative development, mentorship, industry insight, accountability and community — giving you the structure, support and space to push your work further and build real momentum.
Eight months. Four phases. One major creative leap.
Across the residency, you’ll:
- Strengthen your creative voice and develop a more distinctive illustration practice.
- Build an industry-ready portfolio through commercial briefs and a signature passion project.
- Develop the confidence and career strategy to position your work and pursue new opportunities.
You’ll learn alongside an ambitious community of illustrators, supported by internationally recognised artists, mentors and creative industry professionals through live workshops, critiques, industry Q&As and honest conversations about building a creative career today
Apply for 2027
Bootcamp Alumni: Luke McConkey – Represented by Handsome Frank
Built for the Future of Illustration
The illustration industry is changing fast.
As AI-generated imagery becomes increasingly commonplace, we believe the ideas, experiences, instincts and perspectives behind human-made work matter more than ever.
Throughout Bootcamp, we’ll explore AI, copyright, authorship and emerging opportunities while helping you strengthen what makes your work unmistakably yours: creative thinking, storytelling, originality, visual communication and personal perspective.
This isn’t simply about becoming a better illustrator.
It’s about becoming a more confident, resilient and commercially aware creative — with stronger work, clearer direction and the tools to shape what comes next.
What You’ll Experience
Phase 1 – Creative Direction | February
Build creative confidence, develop lasting creative habits and cultivate the mindset needed to thrive as an illustrator.
Mindset / Momentum / Creative Confidence
Phase 2 – Commercial Illustration Lab | March – May
Build your portfolio through industry-inspired briefs across editorial, branding, advertising, fashion, motion and culture.
Commercial Briefs / Portfolio Projects / Industry Experience
Phase 3 – Passion Project Residency | June – July
Create a self-directed portfolio project with expert mentoring, studio critiques and personalised feedback.
Passion Project / Mentoring / Portfolio Centrepiece
Phase 4 – Portfolio & Industry Launch | September
Polish your portfolio, grow your professional confidence and prepare to launch your illustration career.
Portfolio Launch / Professional Practice / Career Ready
Bootcamp Alumni: Craig Boylan – Represented by Making Pictures
Designed For Real Creative Growth
This isn’t about rushing through projects.
It’s about developing sustainable creative habits, producing your strongest work, and building the confidence to create consistently long after Bootcamp finishes.
We’ve introduced a dedicated Summer Studio Break, giving you time to refine projects, reflect on feedback, recharge creatively and continue developing your portfolio without the pressure of new lessons or deadlines.
Because lasting growth needs space.
Learn from internationally recognised illustrators and leading creative industry professionals
Every year, we bring together some of the world’s most inspiring illustrators, art directors, agents, publishers, and creative leaders to share their expertise, creative process, and honest industry insight. Throughout the programme, our artist mentors will teach the core curriculum, alongside Inkygoodness coach & founder Lisa Hassell, whilst industry experts provide career insight, live Q&As, and real-world creative briefs— helping illustrators strengthen their craft and build industry-ready portfolios.
Our full 2027 line-up will be announced throughout September & October.
Previous guest speakers and partners include: The New York Times • The Atlantic • New York Magazine • HOW&HOW • Oat Agency • Creative Review • Frankie Magazine • Vault49 • Animade • The Drawing Arm • and many more!
A 8-Month Creative Residency for Illustrators Ready to Build a Sustainable Creative Career
Who It’s For
This Residency Is Designed For You If…
- You’re ready to develop a distinctive illustration practice.
- You want to build a portfolio that attracts commercial opportunities.
- You’re looking for structure, accountability and expert mentorship.
- You want to understand both the creative and business sides of illustration.
- You value being part of a supportive community of ambitious illustrators.
Whether you’re transitioning from editorial or product illustration, refining your style, or beginning your journey in children’s publishing — this course will help you develop a pitch-ready picture book concept and a cohesive set of story-led illustrations.
“Being a member of Inkygoodness Collective has completely changed the way I approach my illustration practice. Every workshop is thoughtfully designed, packed with practical insight and genuinely connected to today’s industry. After speaking to Bootcamp alumni, I knew this was the programme that would help me grow in ways I simply couldn’t achieve on my own.”
— Frances, Illustrator
What You’ll Learn
Over 8 months, we’ll guide you through the key principles are building a career in illustration.
You’ll learn how to:
Discover Your Creative Voice – Develop a distinctive illustration practice and creative identity.
Master Commercial Illustration – Respond to industry-inspired briefs across a range of creative sectors.
Build an Industry-Ready Portfolio – Create a body of work that showcases your skills, versatility and personal style.
Learn from Leading Creatives – Gain insights from professional illustrators, Creative Directors and Art Directors.
Launch Your Illustration Career – Build the confidence, knowledge and professional skills to attract creative opportunities.
What You’ll Gain
By the End of the Residency You’ll Have
A cohesive portfolio of commercial illustration projects.
A signature passion project that reflects your creative voice.
Greater confidence in your style and creative process.
A clearer understanding of how to work with clients and creative teams.
The tools and strategies to build a sustainable illustration career.
You’ll finish strong with with a pitch-ready portfolio, industry knowledge and the confidence to approach commissioners, clients and creative agencies professionally.
How the Course Works
Duration: 8 months, including a scheduled summer break to rest, reflect and recharge. | Format: Live sessions + guided assignments
Inside the course you’ll get:
Weekly live workshops and taught lessons delivered by Inkygoodness & Guest Mentors
Creative briefs and short assignments focused on editorial, branding, advertising & more.
Expert feedback and guidance to help refine your ideas and strengthen your work.
A supportive illustrator community to share progress, ideas, and encouragement throughout the course.
Industry Q&As with art directors, commissioners and agents
Round Table Portfolio Crit sessions at the end of the residency to gain professional insight on your work.
Invest in Your Creative Growth
Bootcamp 2027 is more than time away to focus on your practice. It’s an investment in yourself, your creativity and where you want to take your work next.
Choosing to invest in yourself and your creative practice is a big decision. So before you decide whether Bootcamp 2027 is right for you, we want to share the investment clearly — along with the ways we’re making it easier to take that next step.
The full investment for Bootcamp 2027 is £999.
Apply early and, if your application is successful, you can access our Super Early Bird pricing of £799 when you pay in full by 31st August — saving £200 and unlocking additional resources and opportunities to support your growth before and during Bootcamp.
Prefer to spread the investment? You’ll also have the option to secure your place with a £199 deposit and use our payment plan.
Our pricing will increase in stages during September and November, so applying early gives you access to our best available rate.
Your creativity is worth making space for. If you’re ready to invest in what could come next, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply Now for 2027
Inkygoodness Bootcamp begins Monday 25th January 2027.
Applications are now open for illustrators, artists and creatives worldwide. Shortlisting commences in late July and runs throughout Autumn. Super Early Bird packages available to those who enrol before 13th August. Limited spaces available.
Our first guest speakers and mentors will be announced in September.
We can’t wait to welcome the next cohort!
Apply to join our 2027 residency now