NEW: The Editorial Illustrator’s Playbook – Starts September 15th
Learn how to pitch, illustrate and get hired in just six weeks!
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.
Class Overview
Each Live session will be recorded and uploaded into our dedicated course space.
Course includes six months access.
Attend live or watch the replays!
WK 1: Foundations of Editorial Illustration
Live Class: Wednesday 17th Sept @ 11am BST
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
Live Guest Session: Thursday 25th Sept @ 10am BST
Topics: Observational drawing, sketching on location, storytelling with line
Assignment: Reportage piece from a real-life scene
WK 3: Visual Metaphor & Editorial Ideas
Live Class: Wednesday 1st Oct @ 11am BST
Topics: Ideation techniques, metaphor, thumb-nailing
Assignment: Develop 3 illustrated concepts for one article
WK 4: Conceptual Storytelling with Molly McCamon
Live Guest Session: Thursday 9th Oct @ 7pm BST
Topics: Working with complex briefs, visual interpretation, narrative clarity
Assignment: Full-page mock editorial illustration
WK 5: Personal Voice & Playful Narrative with Libby VanderPloeg
Live Guest Session: Wednesday 15th Oct @ 7pm BST
Topics: Illustration as self-expression, building your signature style
Assignment: 3–5 frame sequential piece for a lifestyle article
WK 6: Portfolio & Pitching Masterclass
Live Class: Thursday 23rd Oct @ 11am BST
Topics: Pitching to editors, portfolio tips, licensing basics
Final Project: Polished illustration + mockup + pitch email
Meet Our Guest Artist Speakers
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. After studying fine art at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she worked as a graphic designer, art director, and even a cheesemonger in Brooklyn before fully embracing her lifelong love of drawing through illustration.
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.
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.
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 Monday 18th August to help you prep before we kick off.
This 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 six week 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 Early Bird Bonuses
– 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
Course starts on Monday 15th September with a live kick-off and welcome event.
