Bootcamp Special: Character Play 2026
create characters for books, toys, games and more!
Learning how to create winning characters can give a huge boost to your creative career and get you more work in a ton of hot art markets! Join our portfolio-boosting Make Art That Sells bootcamp !
Now self-paced, you’ll get access to an amazing archive of content from when it ran as a LIVE course. You’ll get 26 assignments that will teach you how to create characters, while creating show-stopping pieces of art for your illustration portfolio. Imagine getting paid to dream up appealing characters for children and adults to fall in love with … Let Zoë and Riley show you how!
Join brilliant children’s book art director and picture book author, Zoë Tucker, and art agent and smash-hit game creator, Riley Wilkinson, in this exciting course! Your portfolio will love you for it!
Want to find out more? Scroll down for more information.
* excluding sales tax which will be added at checkout depending on your country of residence.
OVERVIEW
Look at all the markets! Books for all ages, gifts, toys, socks with a plant face, a coin purse! And look at all the different styles too: there’s room for everyone. Join Make Art That Sells Bootcamp and boost your portfolio!
Learning how to create characters is fantastic for your art career. Here’s why:
- You can get tons of work. You can license your characters for children’s books and toys and games (plush toys, play sets, card and board games and so on) of course, but there are shedloads of things that you probably haven’t even thought of – clothing for kids and adults alike, cushions, bedlinens, tea towels and oven gloves, phone cases: basically anything you can decorate.
- It’s a great way to show an agent or art director that quirky, unique personality of yours. Whether you’re witty, dreamy, playful, nerdy or whatever else, the characters you dream up will reflect that.
- You can create characters no matter what level you’re at: it can be something as simple as a stick figure or putting eyes on a lamp. You’ll learn more in class.
In this easy to follow course, your favorite Make Art That Sells teachers, with support from fairy artmother Lilla Rogers, show you just how easy and fun it can be to create unique, appealing characters that you can licence for children’s books, toys and games, and tons more.
Art by Make Art That Sells student Sue Gibbins for Bootcamp Special: Character Play.
Now available as an instant access course, you’ll get access to a wonderful archive of content! You’ll get assignments from your teachers that will help you dream up some incredible and unique characters, while cranking out some amazing art for your portfolio that’s designed to catch an art director’s eye and get you work!
In each assignment you’ll focus on a different kind of character. You’ll get an exclusive mini-text from picture book author Zoë Tucker, plus supporting downloads to help you start to focus on your unique character, including a gorgeous Character Inspiration Board created for you by art agent Lilla. Then smash-hit game creator Riley will show you how you can use your character to create one of a kind toys, games, play sets, and more, ready for licensing. You’ll also have access to replays of the zoom events with Zoë, Riley and Lilla.
Are you ready to tap into that huge, quirky imagination of yours and learn how to create unique characters? Do you want to see your gorgeous art on toys, games, books and more? Do you want to dream up kooky new characters – and get paid for it? Then you won’t want to miss out on Bootcamp Special: Character Play!
Artwork by Clare Vacha for Bootcamp Special: Character Play. What will your characters be like?
You’ll get an amazing archive of 26 assignments gathered from the live course: Each section will include:
- A children’s book mini story assignment to illustrate from art director and author Zoe Tucker
- A toy assignment from toy inventor and agent at Lilla Rogers Studio, Riley Wilkinson
- Bonus surprise from your teachers
- A replay of a live event in which students asked questions, and teachers covered any news from the biz.
- Tips and insights on other markets in which you can use your characters and leverage your art.
Don’t miss out. Sign up today!
Contents & Schedule
Originally run over 4 years as a live course, you’ll now get access to ALL the fabulous content to work through at your own pace. The classroom remains open until 31 January 2027 to give you plenty of time to work through the content and create some amazing portfolio pieces!
The Noodle Thief game by Darcie Olley for a previous Bootcamp Special: Character Play class.
- Get top texts from art director and author Zoe Tucker as inspiration for your illustrations
- Get 26 character assignments from Zoe and illustrate for top markets including children’s picture books, board books and graphic novels
- Get 26 toy and game assignments from Riley demonstrating ways to leverage your character art into other markets such as plush toys, card games, blind boxes and more
Plus get access to our exclusive class Facebook group. Some say our community is the most supportive of any they’ve experienced. You’ll enjoy an invaluable community of like-minded artists of all levels to inspire, support and motivate you.
Just some of the gorgeous products illustrated by artists represented by Lilla Rogers. There are so many products out there that need your art, your lettering and your gorgeous characters!
Supercharge your portfolio fun character assignments. Sign up to class today!
Is This for You?
Bootcamp Special: Character Play is open to anyone regardless of their ability and experience. It’s a great way to build on previous experience of Make Art That Sells courses or to run alongside another Make Art That Sells course, but it’s also a fun standalone course if you just want to take some time for yourself, play, create some art and see where it takes you.
Some of the stickers that Erin Williams was commissioned to create. There are so many ways to use the artwork that you make for Bootcamp Special: Character Play!
Bootcamp Special: Character Play is for you if:
- You love dreaming up whimsical new characters and you want to get paid for it
- You want to learn how to create unique new characters and how to license them
- You’ve already taken Illustrating Children’s Books, loved it, and want to broaden and strengthen your portfolio
- …or you’re thinking of taking Illustrating Children’s Books and you want a taster of creating characters
- You do not have time for an intensive learning experience – instead, you want to create a strong body of work over several months
- You want access to a community of talented, supportive artists
- You want to treat yourself, do something for you and have fun making art
- You loved the assignments in any (or all!) of our other Make Art That Sells classes and want more of them!
And remember, you’re going to find out exactly how easy it is to create winning characters for some of the hottest art markets right now. Children’s books and toys and games are both huge markets for illustrators – but you could also license your characters for products like gift, stationery, partyware, apparel, fabric, greeting cards and more!
Art by Make Art That Sells student Brooke O Neill for Bootcamp Special: Character Play. Imagine creating appealing, engaging characters like these – don’t miss this course!
Meet Your Teachers
Art agent of over 30 years Lilla says: “I put together two of my favorite teachers, Zoë Tucker and Riley Wilkinson, to teach this course. Zoë is an expert art director for children’s books and Riley Wilkinson is an expert in toy and game development. You are an excellent hands! We’ve talked for many, many months about the assignments and I’ve personally helped to make sure that the assignments generate powerful assets for your portfolio yet ensuring that they are accessible for all levels of ability and experience.”
Lilla noticed the incredible energy between Zoë and Riley when they were contributing to each other’s classes. She also realized that so much of what they both teach is all about creating unique new characters – and so Bootcamp Special: Character Play was created!
Zoë Tucker
Zoë is a brilliant children’s book art director whose clients include Scholastic, Alison Green Books, Frances Lincoln, First Editions, Hachette UK, Harper Collins UK, DK, and Magic Light Productions. She’s also the author of several highly acclaimed children’s picture books, including Ada and the Number-Crunching Machine and Greta and the Giants, both of which she originally wrote for our Illustrating Children’s Books course; and others including Meet the Supremes and Meet the Beatles. She also co-teaches Illustrating Children’s Books and Illustrating Children’s Books PLUS alongside art agent Lilla Rogers.
Zoë holds a copy of her first picture book, Ada and the Number-Crunching Machine, illustrated by Make Art That Sells student Rachel Katstaller, which she originally wrote for Illustrating Children’s Books.
Riley Wilkinson
Riley is a creative director and creator of The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, a smash hit preschool game that has sold more than two million units and has nearly 10,000 five star reviews on Amazon.
Riley with the 10th birthday edition of his Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game, which has sold more than two million units and has nearly 10,000 five star reviews on Amazon.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity. Sign up to class today!
Q&A with Zoe & Riley
We caught up with Zoë and Riley to ask some questions about Bootcamp Special: Character Play.
Q: Why did you write this course?
A: Riley says: “Lilla asked us both what sort of course we’d LOVE to take. Zoë and I were like twins: THIS is the course we’d both take. We took bits from each of our markets to give students a course that gives them a taste of two huge children’s markets, children’s books and toys. There’s no other course like it anywhere! Plus, Zoë is such an expert. I’ve taken her classes, and I’ve wanted to work with her for years. Now we get to spend time together with all of you!”
Zoë adds: “Yes! We wanted to show you how simple and enjoyable it can be to develop great characters, which are key for the toy and children’s book markets.”
Art by Make Art That Sells student Martine Stuhlberger for Bootcamp Special: Character Play.
Q: What’s different about this course?
A: Zoë says: “In some ways it’s very familiar. The structure is very similar to everything you’ve come to know and love about Assignment Bootcamp: Portfolio: great content, broken down into bite size assignments that are fun and easy to engage with, lots of motivation and accountability, and tons of tips and ideas from Riley and me.”
Riley agrees: “Absolutely. Lilla, Zoë, and I wanted to give students what they’ve been asking for: MORE, MORE, MORE! The Bootcamp projects and deadlines are a proven formula that works: do more work and more opportunities show up!”
Zoë continues: “The whole course is focused around creating your own cool characters that will work in books, the toy market and lots of other products and markets. It gives you the all the basics you need to get started.”
Q: Why should someone take this course? Why do I need it?
A: Zoë says: “When I was younger, I never knew my job existed. I think a lot of people are like that. I didn’t quite understand what Riley did until a few weeks ago (don’t tell him!). I think students sometimes don’t know all the cool stuff they can do with their art, and in this Bootcamp course we hope to show them another angle, something new and accessible to them as another revenue stream. Hopefully this course will inspire and excite students about the possibilities around them. And it should be a lot of fun too!”
Gorgeous products illustrated by artists represented by Lilla Rogers. Look at all these incredible characters! Let Zoë and Riley show you how you can get jobs like these.
Riley answers: “Feeling stuck or bored? Bootcamp is exactly the fix. Just like a personal trainer who tells you to do those push ups, Make Art That Sells Bootcamp keeps your creativity in shape and refreshed! As a creative director in the toy industry, I crave motivation and seek it out. As a former Make Art That Sells student, I took the courses to keep making art, and working alongside other artists helps you become a better artist. Plus the children’s market needs your art! You’ll get character and toy assignments that add variety and interest to your work.”
Q: Which part of the course are you most excited about?
A: Riley says: “The Zoë/Riley combo is such a creative JOLT! Every time I talk to her, I’ve got ten more project ideas. Plus it’s sort of a secret way for me to work with a children’s book expert! The two of us combined is exactly the kind of course I’d love to take.”
Zoë says: “Definitely! I’m so excited to be working with Riley. I feel like together we have lots to offer, and lots to learn.”
Co-teacher, toy creator and art agent Riley hard at work writing course content.
Riley adds: “Also, I can’t wait to see students fall in love with their own art style and become more of who they were meant to be as artists. Zoë’s stories and my assignments are sure to bring out your best. I get so much out of seeing the work!”
Zoë agrees: “Yes! One of my favourite parts of Make Art That Sells is seeing their work grow and develop, and seeing them get picked up by art directors and agents all over the world. I am constantly inspired by the work I see in the gallery.”
Illustration by Maria Ofili for Bootcamp Special: Character Play
Want in? Sign up now!
Want in? Sign up now!
FAQ’s
If you have a question about Make Art That Sells please check these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) first. If you do not find an answer to your question here please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Q: I’ve never taken an online class before. How does it work? Do I need to be at my computer at a certain time?
A: No, all content is presented in a beautiful password-protected online classroom here on the Make Art That Sells website. The course is instant-access and you can work at your own pace.
Q: What format is the class taught in?
Make Art That Sells Bootcamp consists written assignments, videos, downloads, live events and more, delivered via a password-protected online classroom.
Q: Can I interact with Zoë, Riley and Lilla during the course?
No, as the course is self-paced. Remember you can always ask questions of the super-supportive MATS community in the private group.
Q: Do I need any special materials?
The course looks at art using a variety of media. We encourage you to try new things, so it is up to you. Use any materials you like – digital or traditional. Just get out your favorite art supplies! You can use a scanner or even your smartphone camera to photograph your work. You may find it useful to have access to a printer to print out course materials.
Q: Do I need any special software?
As with all Make Art That Sells classes, it’s possible to complete the entire course using traditional techniques (painting, drawing, etc.), but if you wish to complete the assignments digitally you’ll need basic knowledge of Photoshop or Illustrator. Photograph or scan in your assignments to showcase your work at its best.
Q: Will I be able to communicate with others in the class?
Yes, you’ll be able to communicate in the private Facebook group (where you can also share your work). This is a great chance to connect with other artists and designers, get different perspectives and share your work.
Q: Is this an art class or a business class?
This class is purely assignment-based aimed at helping you strengthen your portfolio and create commercially-viable pieces. Your teachers will share advice and tips in the replays, but if you are looking for significant business/industry insight please consider taking one of our other popular live courses.
By registering for any of the Make Art That Sells classes and participating in any of the Make Art That Sells community areas, please be aware you are agreeing to the following Terms & Conditions:
- You agree that Make Art That Sells may give permission to select art directors to view the finished works submitted for critique. Should they be interested in working with you, Make Art That Sells will put you in contact and you can continue your discussions directly.
- You give permission for Make Art That Sells to use any images you submit for critique in any class, or share in the class community area, to be included in any future class-related marketing or promotional strategies, online or offline. You will always be credited and will retain the rights to your work.
- You agree to the class Ground Rules which are as follows:
- (i) Stay open
- (ii) Be positive
- (iii) No negative critique of others
- (iv) No excuses are necessary. If you miss a deadline for submitting your assignment that is fine, but the entire class does not need to know the reasons for that.
- You acknowledge that Make Art That Sells and Do What You Love Ltd are the owner(s) or licensee(s) of all intellectual property rights in the site and the digital products you purchase, including any databases that hold relevant information about the site and its products. They are protected by copyright or trademark registration and you may only use any of the digital products in line with these terms.
- You acknowledge that all of the digital products that are available for sale on our site are owned or controlled by our licensors, or us. Upon payment of the price for any of these digital products, we grant you a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the digital products for your own personal, non-commercial use.
- You agree that you shall not redistribute, transmit, assign, sell, commercially exploit, broadcast, modify, adapt, edit, sub-license, rent, share, lend, or transfer any digital products that you purchase through this site, or any of the contents delivered via Live Zoom or within our private communities.
- You acknowledge that Make Art That Sells reserves the right to delete any inappropriate comments in the classroom or any of the class-related community spaces, in order to provide and maintain a supportive classroom environment.
- You confirm that you are purchasing a single license for this course for your individual use only. To enquire about educational/corporate rates (for official groups of 10 or more) please send an email to hello [at] makeartthatsells.com.
- You acknowledge that Make Art That Sells/Lilla Rogers Studio reserves the right to replace any advertised content with alternative content of equivalent value without notice.
- You acknowledge that Make Art That Sells/Lilla Rogers Studio reserves the right to replace any advertised lead teacher or co-teacher with another suitable lead teacher or co-teacher chosen at Make Art That Sells/Lilla Rogers Studio’s sole discretion without notice. This includes replacing Lilla Rogers for any particular course should she be unavailable due to unforseen circumstances, such as illness.
- You acknowledge that all sales are final and no refunds will be given before, during or after class.
- You acknowledge that, if paying in installments, no part-payments will be refunded should you cancel your place before class begins.
- All courses are priced in GBP £. Any approximate $ equivalents given are for reference only. When paying by PayPal, you will be charged in your local currency at the prevailing PayPal exchange rate.
- You give permission for your email address to be added to the mailing lists of Lilla Rogers Studio, Make Art That Sells and Do What You Love. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Privacy Policy
We do not store credit card details nor do we share customer details with any 3rd parties.
Delivery Policy
All our courses are delivered online in a private password-protected classroom. We do not deliver physical products in the post, but rather send you an email with the URL of the classroom and the password you need to log in. This email is sent to the email address you used to register for the class. Our online communities are offered via individual Facebook groups, to which you can request access, which will be granted once your enrolment has been confirmed. You can access the private classroom for your course via the Account section of this website, on or after the advertised start date of the course. For self-paced classes, you can access the private classroom via the Account section of this website, as soon as your purchase is complete.
Make Art That Sells reserves the right to change the time of any advertised Live Review without notice, for any reason whatsoever. If you have any issues accessing classrooms you can contact us at [email protected] where we will always endeavor to respond within 72 hours.
You can view our full detailed terms & conditions here: https://makeartthatsells.com/terms-conditions/
Make Art That Sells, 2025
