Do Make Art That Sells courses really work? YES – and here’s the proof!
We absolutely love sharing our brilliant students’ success stories, and luckily for us we have tons to share. Check out previous student success stories here or read on for the latest from our alumni (and look out for even more stories coming up next week too!).
Kruti Desai
Make Art That Sells student Kruti has landed more than half a dozen picture book illustration jobs since taking Illustrating Children’s Books!
Kruti told us: “[Illustrating Children’s Books] was truly a valuable learning experience for me! It helped me understand that having knowledge of or passion for illustration is only the beginning: what really matters is learning how to channel that creativity in the right direction. The course gave me a clearer understanding of visual storytelling, character development, and how illustrations work together to build a strong picture book narrative.”
Art from two of Kruti’s books. She’s illustrated SIX picture books since taking Illustrating Children’s Books!
Kruti added: “The structured assignments and guidance encouraged me to think more intentionally about my work, and pushed me to develop stronger ideas. It also helped me realise the importance of building a focused portfolio that reflects both storytelling and professional presentation.”
Kruti’s full page spread for the Illustrating Children’s Books course. In five weeks, you’ll make a complete ready-to-send pitch containing everything an art director or publisher wants to see.
Kruti continued: “After completing the course, I presented my portfolio at a KidLit conference in Melbourne. That experience helped my work reach several publishers and eventually led to opportunities to work on different illustration projects. [Illustrating Children’s Books] gave me both direction and confidence, and it played an important role in shaping the next steps of my illustration career.”
Another spread from one of the six books Kruti has illustrated since taking Illustrating Children’s Books. Want to transform your illustration career? Sign up here.
See more of Kruti’s art on her Instagram
Audrey Szabo
Make Art That Sells student Audrey Szabo got in touch to let us know that she’d already sold art she’d made in January and February for Portfolio Club!
Lilla created this fun downloadable worksheet which students can use to tell us their success stories and how they make them feel – this is what Audrey sent us!
Audrey told us: “Feel inspired, so thank you!”
Make Art That Sells student Audrey created these two gorgeous pieces of art for Portfolio Club – and has already sold prints of both of them!
See more of Audrey’s art on her website and Instagram.
Martina Meier
Make Art That Sells student Martina Meier got in touch to let us know that her first children’s book was published in March, and she’s currently working on her second book.
Make Art That Sells student Martina Meier (left) and her first picture book (center and right).
Martina told us: “Around a year ago, I took two courses with Lilla and Make Art That Sells, and they marked a turning point in my career. The teaching gave me both the tools and the confidence I needed to move forward and take my work seriously. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for everything I learned.”
Martina continued: “I am very happy to share that my first children’s book will be published this March. It was commissioned by a Chilean publisher and will be presented at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.”
Art by Martina for Make Art That Sells. She told us: “I took two courses with Lilla and Make Art That Sells, and they marked a turning point in my career.” Ready to boost YOUR career? Grab a course here.
Martina continued: “My work focuses on creating atmospheric, sensory-driven worlds that invite children to imagine and feel. My first book was written by someone I deeply admire — Chilean author Cecilia Beuchat. I’m incredibly grateful for her trust in me, and I truly hope we can continue collaborating on future projects.”
More images from Martina’s first picture book illustration job, which will be featured at the Chilean stand at Bologna Children’s Book Fair this week.
Martina added: “In a week’s time, I’ll be heading to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair — a real dream for me. I’m so excited that my first book will be featured at the Chilean stand at the fair, and that I’ll also be bringing my second proposal in the hope of finding a publisher.”
Martina concluded: “I truly believe that the courses I took with you played a fundamental role in this journey, and I am deeply grateful for the content and guidance you provide. Being able to work in what I love feels incredibly meaningful, and I am excited for what lies ahead. Thank you, Lilla, for all your support and guidance along the way.”
Lilla replied: “Thank you, Martina! This is why I do what I do – you made my day.”
See more of Martina’s art on her website and Instagram.
We hope you enjoyed the show! Don’t forget we’ll be sharing even more student success stories next week – but in the meantime, our big Spring Sale is on NOW, so if you’re ready to give your illustration career a huge boost for less then sign up for one of our career-changing courses here.
- ON NOW! Our big Spring Sale is on NOW, with 25% off individual courses and up to 45% off our great value bundles! This is your sign to grab those courses you’ve had your eye on and get ready to boost your creative career – but HURRY, sale ends SOON!
- ON NOW! Join us for our FREE Art Career Accelerator Week with art agent Lilla! Join Lilla for either or both of the two remaining fab FREE live Zoom events where she’ll be answering your art career questions, popping volunteers up on-screen to chat with them directly, and helping you create your blueprint for creative career success!
- TOMORROW, Wednesday, April 15th! Join top art agent Lilla for a FREE live Zoom TOMORROW at 2 pm ET/7 pm BST! She’ll be taking your career questions, sharing her wisdom from decades in the creative industry as an art agent, illustrator, author, speaker, columnist, educator and more, and popping volunteers up live on-screen to chat directly! Get your portfolio reviewed or whatever else you need – join the Zoom here or find the link on our Facebook and Instagram accounts and on the front page of our website at www.makeartthatsells.com.
- Monday, April 27th: Our career-making picture book illustration course, Illustrating Children’s Books, starts in in less than two weeks! Join Lilla and brilliant children’s book art director and author Zoë Tucker for five intense weeks where you’ll create a ready-to-send pitch that contains everything an art director or publisher needs to see to give you a book illustration deal! Find out more and sign up here – don’t forget it’s currently 25% off!
- Next newsletter: Get your portfolio reviewed by a top art agent in the FREE Zoom with Lilla!
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
