With more than a decade of in-house experience as an award-winning book designer and art director, I’ve had the joy of reviewing hundreds of portfolios, collaborating with talented illustrators on dozens of traditionally published children’s books, and guiding artists through moments of growth and breakthrough.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been illustrating for years, if your goal is to bring children’s books to life with your art, I’m here to help you get there. From polishing your portfolio and refining your picture book dummy to preparing submissions for agents and publishers, I’m here to cheer you on and help you take those next steps with clarity and confidence.
Preparing to pitch your picture book to an agent as an author-illustrator? This service offers a detailed critique of your query or pitch plus a 30-minute Zoom session where we’ll discuss your story, voice, and how to make your submission stand out. You’ll receive clear, constructive feedback and personalized guidance to help you communicate your story concept and artistic vision with confidence.
What’s included:
✔ In-depth critique of your pitch or query (up to 300 words)
✔ Notes on tone, clarity, and industry fit
✔ Guidance on highlighting your strengths as an author-illustrator
✔ Advice on positioning your story and art style for the children’s publishing market
✔ 30-minute Zoom session to discuss feedback, answer questions, and strategize next steps
Perfect for:
Author-illustrators preparing to submit to illustration agents
Creatives querying for the first time
Artists looking to promote their story clearly and effectively
Are you developing a picture book dummy and want professional feedback before you submit or share it? This critique service focuses on your story’s pacing, narrative clarity, and the visual storytelling flow through your sketches or rough dummy, to help you strengthen story arc, visual storytelling and character designs, and identify areas for refinement before proceeding to final art.
What’s included:
✔ Detailed written critique of your sketch dummy (up to 40 pages)
✔ Notes on narrative structure, pacing, and visual clarity
✔ Suggestions for reordering, refining sketches, or enhancing storytelling
✔ 30-minute Zoom session to discuss the feedback and ask questions
Perfect for:
Picture book illustrators preparing a dummy for submission to agents and publishers
Creatives refining their visual storytelling before proceeding to final art
Anyone wanting a professional, story-focused perspective on their in-progress picture book project
If you're an illustrator hoping to be hired by publishers to illustrate children’s books, this premium review includes a written critique plus a 30-minute Zoom session where we’ll talk through your work, your creative direction, and your next steps in the children’s publishing world. You’ll receive honest, constructive feedback that highlights your strengths and identifies clear next steps—delivered with encouragement and care.
What’s included:
✔ Review of your illustration portfolio, taking into account your professional goals
✔ Focused notes on up to eight pieces, as well as overall impressions of your portfolio and suggested for areas to improve
✔ 30-minute Zoom session to discuss the feedback and ask questions
Perfect for:
Illustrators preparing to reach out to publishers, art directors, or agents
Artists working toward their first book contract
Creatives wanting professional feedback to strengthen their portfolio and presentation