There are just FOUR places remaining on art agent Lilla’s small-group mentoring intensive, Inner Circle, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
To help you decide whether Inner Circle is right for you, we’ve been catching up with some former participants to find out what their experience was like and what happened next, and – crucially – whether it was worth it.
Today we’re meeting Ilana Diamond, who took part in the very first Inner Circle, just over a year ago in April 2025.
Ilana (left) and one of the pieces she worked on with Lilla in Inner Circle (right). You’ll get personalized assignments to help you hone your style and give your illustration career a huge boost.
Q. What successes have you had since taking Inner Circle?
A The piece I created during Inner Circle, Vintage Shop, was published as a 1,000-piece puzzle by Cobble Hill and presented at the 2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals (along with fellow Inner Circler’s Christy Obalek’s puzzle too!). That same piece was also shortlisted by Communication Arts earlier this year.
Another piece I made during Inner Circle, Antique Shop, was a Chosen Winner of American Illustration 45 and will be part of their permanent online archive. And I just illustrated a cover for Gazetteer that’s coming out soon!
With four decades of experience, Lilla can pick out your strengths as an illustrator and suggest tiny tweaks which can have a transformative effect on your art. This piece which Ilana worked on during Inner Circle was a Chosen Winner of American Illustration 45!
Q. How did Inner Circle help you on your way?
A. Lilla helped me home in on what truly makes my art my art. She took the time to look at every single piece on my website and thoughtfully evaluate what belonged and what didn’t. She helped me find joy in my work and clarify my style. Also, the camaraderie of the other eleven students was—and still is—invaluable. We still check in with each other and cheer each other on.
Q. Do you think Inner Circle was worth it?
A. Yes, 100%.
Art by Ilana for Illustrating Children’s Books. Lilla can look at the artwork in your portfolio or on your website and help you figure out which art markets are perfect for you.
Q. Do you think it did or will pay for itself in terms of jobs gotten?
A. Taking Inner Circle was an investment in myself — both as an artist and as a person. For most of my professional career as a photo director and creative producer, I was on the other side of the creative process: developing concepts, commissioning and guiding artists, and matching the right talent to the right stories or campaigns. I had always kept my own art on the back burner because, frankly, I was intimidated to share it. Lilla addressed that particular flavor of self-doubt head-on in the course, and it was one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
I also came in wanting something specific: an unbiased, expert opinion on whether I could actually be a professional illustrator. Lilla knows the industry inside and out, and I deeply respect her judgment and experience. (Also, I really connect with her art!) I was genuinely delighted when she believed I could do it. She helped me hone my visual voice and pointed me toward the right people to approach with my portfolio.
And it’s already paying off. The Vintage Shop puzzle published by Cobble Hill was a paid project, as was the magazine cover I just illustrated — both directly or indirectly connected to Inner Circle. Since the course, I’ve recouped about half the cost so far. I’m hopeful that it will continue to pay for itself as my illustration career grows.
Art by Ilana for two of our FREE Quarterly Art Challenges.
Q. Anything else someone thinking about Inner Circle should know?
A. Inner Circle is a six-week intensive and I took the “intensive” quite literally! I dedicated the time and effort so I wasn’t wasting Lilla’s time or anyone else’s. Clearing the decks and fully concentrating made a big difference. It was absolutely worth it!
Thanks so much, Ilana! See more of her stunning art on her website and Instagram.
Art by Ilana for Creating Collections for Home Décor. Invest in Inner Circle now to get personalized support, twice-weekly group Zooms with Lilla, a private warm supportive 1:1, and a cohort of fellow artists to cheer you on your way!
Do you want art agent Lilla to look at every single piece of art on your website or portfolio and pick out your strengths? Do you want her to help you hone your style and crush your self-doubt?
Then hurry HURRY – Inner Circle 2026 starts October 12th and there are just FOUR places left! Spots on Inner Circle are strictly limited so that every participant can get the support and attention from Lilla that they need, so once those places are filled you won’t be able to sign up until 2027! Get your place here.
- June 8th: Being able to do lettering can radically increase how many jobs you get and how much money you make! Join illustrator and penmanship enthusiast Lilla for Assignment Bootcamp: Lettering to learn how to do hand lettering and create some dreamy art for your portfolio. Sign up here.
- October 12th: There are just four places left on Lilla’s small-group mentorship intensive, Inner Circle. Sign up now to get personalized assignments and support from a former top art agent that will give your illustration career a huge boost! Find out more and sign up here.
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
