Inner Circle – small group mentoring with illustrator and former top art agent Lilla Rogers – is BACK, with a brand new intensive starting this September. But hurry HURRY – places are limited, and it won’t run again until late 2026!
Lilla told us: “I’m so incredibly excited about Inner Circle small group mentoring. It’s a chance for me to do what I love most: closely mentor a small group of artists and help them reach the next level. So many artists crave individual guidance, and with my decades of experience as an agent and teacher, I know exactly how to help people make their work more true to themselves, more gorgeous, and more lucrative. That’s what lights me up.”
But what does getting mentored by Lilla really look like? And what can it do for you and your creative career?
We caught up with Ilana Diamond, who took part in Lilla’s first Inner Circle mentorship intensive, to find out what she thought of the experience. Scroll down to find out what she told us.
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Want to find out if Inner Circle is for you? Want to hear direct from the previous participants? Want the chance to get FREE live career coaching from Lilla or to win a FREE Make Art That Sells course?
Here’s Lilla! Join her for a FREE live Zoom event to get your creative career questions answered and maybe win a FREE place in one of her classes! With decades of experience in the creative industry, Lilla has tons of wisdom to share.
Don’t miss the FREE live Zoom event with Lilla TOMORROW, August14th! Bring your questions for Lilla and the previous Inner Circle mentees, plus Lilla will be popping a volunteer up on screen live so they can chat one-to-one. Lilla will be performing her famous creative career tarot and giving away a FREE place in one of her classes!
Check out Lilla’s dreamy creative career oracle deck. She’ll be doing a reading for a lucky volunteer – join the Zoom and it could be you!
Don’t miss it! Join the Zoom here – you’ll also find the link to join in our Instagram and Facebook Stories on the day, and on the front page of our website at www.makeartthatsells.com. Set a reminder now!
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Q. Hi Ilana! How did you find the group sessions? Fun? Challenging? Stretching? Valuable? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Meeting twice a week with my classmates was a total joy! There was something incredibly energizing about gathering with fellow artists from all over the world—each of us committed to growing and evolving our work. It gave me so much hope, not just in my art, but in the creative community as a whole. What made it even more special was the supportive vibe—no competition, just cheering each other on. Everyone brought such unique styles and perspectives to the table, and the more experienced artists were so generous in sharing their knowledge. It truly felt like a magical mix of talent, encouragement, and camaraderie.
Q. How has your work improved or changed over the course of Inner Circle? What was the most valuable thing you learned from Lilla?
One of the biggest takeaways for me was Lilla’s encouragement to infuse more of me into my work—to let my personality and inner thoughts guide the art, not just the visuals. I always knew that mattered, but hearing it directly from someone whose career I admire so deeply made it click in a whole new way. It was permission to go deeper, to get more personal, and to trust that my voice matters—and that’s been transformative.
Q. What difference has the mentorship programme made to you and your art? What do you feel you know now that you didn’t know before?
So much! I now know the power of giving it my all—110%—but also of making sure I’m pouring that energy into what I love. I’ve learned to pay attention to the little details in my work that bring me joy and to follow that path. That clarity—to create from love, not just for approval—has changed the way I approach everything.
Q. Why did you sign up for Inner Circle? Was it what you were expecting?
I’ve taken a lot of Make Art That Sells classes over the years and always got so much out of them, but I really wanted to know what Lilla personally thought of my work. I respect her so much as both an artist and a human, and I wanted her insight—am I ready? Is my work at the level it needs to be to get an agent and start putting it into the world professionally? I was also super excited about the possibility of agent or art director suggestions (and I’m looking forward to exploring that more in the 1:1!).
But beyond all of that, I felt truly seen by Lilla. She noticed the little things in my work that matter to me—the things I wasn’t sure anyone would pick up on. Before this, I felt like I was creating in a bit of a vacuum, wondering if this dream was realistic. Now, knowing that Lilla sees something in me… it’s given me so much encouragement and clarity. I’m truly hopeful about what’s ahead.
Q. How would you describe Inner Circle to a friend?
It’s a rare and beautiful chance to be mentored by a generous, wise artist who really takes the time to understand you. Lilla doesn’t just teach—she listens. She learns about what drives you, what holds you back, and where you want to go. Then she offers thoughtful, actionable guidance to help you get there. She’s a wellspring of insight, experience, and support, and I feel so lucky to have been one of the twelve to learn from her. I’m walking away with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper belief in my path as an artist.
See more of Ilana’s work on her website and Instagram.
Want to transform your art, refine your style, get tailored advice from a former art agent with decades of experience in the industry, and discover a closeknit group of creatives for friendship and support?
Then hurry, HURRY – we’re thrilled to announce that the second round of Inner Circle will run from 29 September to 7 November, and places are going fast!
As with the previous round, the group will be strictly limited to 12 places. You can expect twice-weekly live group meetings with Lilla and the rest of the participants, and a warm, supportive live 1:1 with Lilla after the intensive has finished.
Plus you’ll get personalized assignments, tons of tips and advice to take your art and your creative career to the next level and more.
Ready to fly? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – and don’t forget, Inner Circle won’t run again until late 2026. Don’t put it off for another year: find out more and sign up here.
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
