If you’re new to illustration and feeling a bit lost—take a deep breath. You’re in the right place. This guide is everything I wish someone had walked me through when I was starting out. It’s full of real-world advice, organized to help you build a solid foundation, focus your efforts, and begin your career with purpose.

If you're serious about growing your illustration career, learning how to connect with art directors is essential. While submitting your work through company submission portals is helpful, reaching out to art directors directly can be even more effective. Let’s go over how to do this successfully.

One of the hardest aspects of being an artist is figuring out how much to charge. Whether you're working on a picture book, editorial illustration, or a commission, pricing can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks everything down so you can price your work fairly, sustainably, and with confidence.