Start your illustration career right here

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Resources for illustrators

I’ve developed a variety of resources to help you grow as an illustrator. Here, you’ll find everything you need to get started as a professional freelance illustrator and help you build your career.

The Book

Learn how to become an illustrator with the ultimate illustration career guide. Get your copy of The Illustrator’s Guide book here.

Read

YouTube Channel

Check out The Illustrator’s Guide YouTube channel. Learn about the illustration industry for free with my archive of useful videos.

Watch

Community

Join a community of like-minded illustrators and get support, feedback and encouragement. Learn more about illustration.community here.

Join

Illustration Pricing Course

If you’re looking to grow your confidence in pricing your work and increase your value as an illustrator, this course is for you.

Learn

Illustration Pricing Calculator

I made a pricing calculator to help with your illustration projects. Give it a try and send me some feedback for V2.

Calculate

Portfolio Review

Book in with me for a portfolio review. We’ll talk about you work, your website and your goals for your career.

Chat

Illustration blog

Check out my blog for a collection of useful articles and valuable references for illustrators.

Sep 16th

How to get into illustration

12 min read

General

Jun 4th

Where Can I Get an Illustration Portfolio Review?

4 min read

Portfolio

May 21st

The Illustrator’s Guide book

6 min read

News

Feb 24th

Are you ready for an illustration agent?

2 min read

Agents

Mar 2nd

Copyright for Illustrators

7 min read

Business

May 18th

Submitting work to an illustration agency

5 min read

Agents

About Me

James Hughes is an illustration agent @folioart in the UK, representing some of the best international professional illustrators. He has also been a contributor and contract adviser for the Association of Illustrators. James shares tips on the business of illustration through his blog and YouTube channel: ‘The Illustrator’s Guide’ and coaches and mentors freelance illustrators to help them get started in their creative careers.

what you saying about me?

Nicholas Vallen

“His portfolio review and content have equipped me with the essential knowledge to build meaningful connections with clients, agencies, and other industry professionals!”

Trevor Humphries

“I booked a portfolio review with James, and it was incredibly helpful in understanding my strengths, how to improve, and where to focus my attention on client outreach. James is super insightful. I recommend 100%!”

Emma Carpenter

“I’d never had a professional portfolio review before, but now I wish I’d done it sooner. James is really friendly and approachable and gives practical tailored advice. I’m planning on booking a follow up review in the future.”

Molly Maine

“My coaching call with James was focused, productive and exactly what I needed at this stage in my freelance career. James’s feedback on my illustration portfolio was constructive and his questions and advice were both insightful and helpful. We brainstormed lots of ideas together, and I’ve come away with a six month plan that is exciting, achievable, and catered to my goals. I can’t wait to get started!”

Nami Ralph

“My 1:1s with James have been extremely helpful in developing my creative practise. James asked me questions that I had not thought of asking myself and this led to a productive conversation around the realistic steps I could take in securing new clients. His reflections on my portfolio were also insightful and I understood my strengths a lot better and where I might be able to do more to give my work an extra push.”

Inma Hortas

“The Illustrators Guide community is a safe space where we support each other in the kindest and most honest way possible. James’ extensive experience in current illustration market is a great advantage for all of us. He can guide us through the big picture, but also those small details that make a key difference in our evolution as freelancers and illustrators. Definitely helpful. I recommend it!!”

Tristan Henry-Wilson

“James has created a really cool art community that’s different from any I’ve seen before. I’ve been part of many online art groups, but this one stands out. The video meetings make it feel like you’re really connecting with other artists. It’s like making friends in real life! Plus, there are always fun and creative activities that keep things exciting.”

Lele Sala

“James’ book, Youtube channel and Skillshare classes are the ultimate resources for starting and maintaining a career in illustration. Since following The Illustrator’s Guide tips I have improved my portfolio and gained confidence in reaching out potential clients – which has lead into illustration commissions. I always recommend The Illustrator’s Guide to anyone who asks me for illustration advice.”

Tinny

“The review provided a fresh perspective on my work, highlighting areas for improvement and offering a clear path with actionable steps toward my goals. It clarified how I can enhance my book cover art and overall portfolio. I’ve already started applying these insights to a new project already. Highly recommend James for valuable industry advice.”

Dorothy Luo

“I had a 30-minute portfolio review with James, and it was really beneficial. He gave an objective and professional assessment of my work and offered practical advice on how to develop new projects. His feedback will be really helpful as I look to grow and attract more clients.”