Inkygoodness Bootcamp 8-Month Creative Residency – Applications Open for 2027
Ready to discover your creative voice, build an exceptional portfolio and launch your illustration career?
The Inkygoodness Bootcamp Residency is an immersive creative experience designed for illustrators who want more than tutorials and short courses.
Over 8 months, you’ll develop your creative voice, work on commercial briefs inspired by real-world commissions, and create a signature project that showcases who you are as an illustrator, culminating in an industry-ready portfolio ready to pitch.
This is a studio experience built around mentorship, accountability, community and professional practice — giving you the time and support to develop both your craft and your career.
Starts Monday 25th January 2027
Apply for 2027
A New Chapter Begins
For 2027, our flagship Bootcamp has evolved into our most ambitious programme yet.
More than an online course, it’s a carefully structured 9-month creative residency designed to help illustrators build lasting creative momentum through expert teaching, mentorship, accountability and community.
Across the residency you’ll develop a portfolio you’re genuinely proud of, strengthen your creative identity, explore multiple commercial illustration markets, and finish with the confidence, strategy and professional tools to take the next step in your career.
We’ve redesigned every stage of the experience to provide more creative space, deeper learning and stronger industry connections than ever before.
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
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.
Built For Today’s Illustration Industry
The creative landscape is changing rapidly, and so is Bootcamp.
Throughout the programme we’ll explore emerging opportunities across commercial illustration while helping you build the skills that remain uniquely human: creative thinking, storytelling, originality, visual communication and personal perspective.
You’ll also explore important conversations around AI, copyright, authorship and the future of illustration — giving you practical knowledge and the confidence to position your work in an evolving industry.
Our focus isn’t on fear.
It’s on helping you build a creative career that is resilient, adaptable and unmistakably your own.
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.
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