Getting Paid to Draw starts soon! - Register now !
THE 5-DAY ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO CHALLENGE
DAY ONE
How the challenge works.
1. Watch the video lesson.
2. Read the notes below!
3. Complete the assignment.
4. Don't forget to download your free eBook!
5. Have fun!
6. Join the live sessions this week!
The Lessons
click below to watch!
Day 1
Brainstorming!
Day 2
Sketch it out!
Day 3
Scan & Color!
Day 4
Finish it up!
Day 5
Show it off!
Sketchbook Challenge
LIVE!
Sketchbook to Published
LIVE!
Grab this free eBook!
To help get your portfolio moving, here are a few of the most common mistakes that illustrators make in their portfolios. This 20-page book is totally free as a thank you for taking this mini-course with me!
(control click or right click to download)
Day 1 - Brainstorming!
Welcome to Day One! I am so excited you're here to give your illustration portfolio a boost.
Every day this week, you will receive a short video lesson. Watch the lesson and read the notes below it to complete that step.
In today's lesson, we will learn a little bit about what it takes to get started as a freelance illustrator. Plus, we will brainstorm ideas for our week-long portfolio project.
EXERCISE ONE.
Create your "Things I Like" list. Set a timer for five minutes and try to list as many items as you can.
EXERCISE TWO.
Create a list of phrases associated with one or two of the items from the first list.
BIG TIP.
Try to turn off your internal editor and just write down whatever you think of. You can always edit it later!
Workshop Supplies
For my demos, I'll be using these art supplies.
Required:
- Paper, pencil and eraser
Optional but highly recommended:
- Photoshop OR Procreate (pick one!)
- iPad Pro with Apple Pencil
- Or a scanner app for your phone (I like Genius Scan)
Want to build your portfolio in just EIGHT weeks?! Keep reading!
For more than 20 years, Mike Lowery has been helping artists to build portfolios that get work.
Kickstart Your Portfolio.
If you've been hoping to find new ways to build your illustration portfolio, you're in the right spot.
Over the next few days, you're going to build an awesome new piece that is ready to show off.
If you want to dive deeper into the business of illustration, join me in Getting Paid to Draw! It's my once-a-year, 8-week portfolio-building course. It's the ultimate way to find paid illustration assignments.
Registration starts very soon.
Getting Paid to Draw 2026
"I finally know exactly how I should build my portfolio and how to present it to...find clients."
-Kajetana F
“I learned more about the business of illustration and how to feel comfortable in my style than in all my years of college."
- Andrew C.
A Lettering Workshop with Martina Flor!
Just announced! Students in this year's Getting Paid to Draw are invited to a LIVE lettering for illustrators workshop with Lettering Artist Martina Flor.
More info!
Join a LIVE Q&A!
NOTE! THIS IS NOT THE BIG MEET-UP FOR THE PORTFOLIO CHALLENGE. This is a short Q&A about the upcoming course.
Click on the date & time you'd like to attend to add it to your calendar.
All sessions are in Eastern Time (like New York.) Use this time zone converter to check your local time.
