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The Lady Behind The Illustration Initiative®

Hi, I'm Emily. I’m here to help you empower your visual storytelling and achieve a fulfilling career in illustration.

With years of experience as an international illustration agent at Astound US Inc, I've guided both emerging and established illustrators to become full-time professionals and secure dream projects. I’ve collaborated with domestic and global publishers, including the Big 5, met with thousands of art directors and editors, attended international book fairs, and worked on books that have appeared on the New York Times and Amazon Best Seller lists.

Now, I offer 1-on-1 coaching, online courses, and detailed portfolio reviews to help you advance your illustration career. My portfolio reviews are highly praised for their depth and affordability.

Why do I do this? I’ve seen many talented illustrators miss out on opportunities due to incomplete portfolios and a lack of understanding of industry needs. That’s why I founded The Illustration Initiative®: to help illustrators bridge these gaps and succeed in their careers.

In addition to my role at The Illustration Initiative®, I work daily in the illustration and children’s literature fields as the Director of Marketing for the ITSme Society agencies. I promote the work of artists and authors across seven agencies, including Advocate Art, Astound US Inc, Yeon Agency, Illo Agency, Collaborate Agency, Artistique International, and Caroline Wakeman Literary Agency.

The Illustration Initiative®

is here to help you

empower your visual storytelling.

Advance your illustration career by improving your illustration portfolio & learning about the #kidlit industry. All with 1-1 guidance from a proven industry professional.

Who needs a coach?

Our illustration coaching and creative art and design consulting services at The Illustration Initiative® are perfect for:

  • Aspiring Illustrators: Looking to break into the children's book market.

  • Hobbyists Transitioning to Professionals: Passionate illustrators ready to turn their hobby into a full-time career.

  • Successful Illustrators: Best-selling artists aiming to transition to higher-end, higher-paid markets.

  • Selective Creators: Wanting to focus on high-quality projects & achieve fulfillment with fewer, but more lucrative, opportunities.

  • Emerging Talent: Seeking guidance to refine their portfolio and stand out.

  • Illustrators with Goals: Aiming for specific achievements, like landing a book deal or becoming a best-seller.

Check out our coaching

& class options!

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Why do you need an illustration coach?

“Everyone has potential to become a full-time, well paid illustrator—IF they are ready to put in the time, commitment, and dedication to leveling up their technique, learning more about the industry, and understanding the WHY behind how we create characters & scenes. As a former agent I will personally guide you, and share industry insider knowledge that will put you ahead of illustrators going at it alone.”

~ Emily Coggins || Founder of The Illustration Initiative® & The Empower Your Picture Book Portfolio™ online course. Former International Illustration agent.