1:1 coaching for illustrators, designers, and creative freelancers. Honest feedback, practical direction, and a real plan – tailored to where you are right now.
Who is
this for?
Just starting out
You want to get into illustration, design, or freelancing — but have no idea where to begin or what to do first.
01
Early in your career
You've done a few projects, but feel unsure about pricing, finding clients, or what to focus on next.
02
Years in, feeling stuck
You've been working for a while, but growth has stalled. You know something needs to change — you're just not sure what.
03
Whether you're in illustration, graphic design, motion, or another creative field – if you're freelancing (or want to be) and need outside perspective, this is for you.
"I don't know how to price my work — and I'm scared of charging too much or too little."
"My portfolio exists, but it doesn't feel like it's working."
"I want more clients, but I have no idea how to find them or what to say."
"I keep comparing myself to others and feel like I'm falling behind."
"I have so many questions, but no one to ask."
"I've been doing this for years but still feel stuck in the same place."
If any of this sounds like you — you're not alone. And you don't have to figure it out by yourself.
What we can
work on
Portfolio & presentation
Honest review of your work. What's strong, what's missing, and how to showcase your unique voice.
Pricing & proposals
How to price your work with confidence, scope projects, and communicate value to clients.
Finding clients
Practical strategies for outreach, self-promotion, and building visibility — without feeling salesy.
Client communication
How to handle inquiries, set boundaries, and navigate tricky conversations.
Career direction
Figuring out your niche, your next steps, and where to focus your energy.
Style & creative growth
Developing your visual voice, analyzing your work, and identifying areas to push further.
Process
How it
works
Step 2
Fill out the intake form
Tell me what you want to focus on, your questions, and share links to your work. This helps me prepare so we make the most of our time.
Step 3
We meet on Google Meet
A focused 1:1 conversation tailored to your situation. No generic advice — just honest feedback and clear direction.
Every session is different because every situation is different. This isn't a script — it's a real conversation about your work, your goals, and your next steps.
I've been where you are.
Figuring out pricing on my own. Sending emails into the void. Staring at my portfolio wondering if it's good enough. Feeling stuck and not knowing who to ask. No one handed me a roadmap – I had to build it myself, one project and one mistake at a time.
After 6+ years as a freelance illustrator and designer, I've worked with clients like Adobe, Google, Dell, and Shake Shack. I run Deeply, an independent design studio for startups and growing businesses. And I write art·apart – a newsletter where I talk honestly about the parts of freelance life no one prepares you for.
But credentials aren't why I do this. I do this because I remember how lonely and confusing it felt to figure everything out alone. And I want to help you skip some of that.
What to expect from me:
I won't sugarcoat things or give you generic advice you could find on Google. I'll tell you what I actually see, what I'd do in your situation, and what I think your next move should be. Practical, honest, and specific to you.
What you can
walk away with
Real examples from past sessions:
Portfolio clarity
"Irene gave me very clear directions on what I need to do to build a stronger portfolio. Knowing that what I have can be reworked into more commercial-looking pieces gives me so much confidence in what to do next."
Practical growth
"Your advice really helped me grow my followers – joining challenges, engaging with other illustrators. I made wonderful connections and was able to get clients too!"
Outreach that works
"I adapted the message template Irene helped me craft to engage with a creative director. He felt that my message was to the point and real."
Direction & confidence
"Irene offered thoughtful advice on the direction I'm heading with my work and helped me feel much more grounded in the face of some confidence issues I've been facing."
Before you reach out
This might not be for you if...
But if you're ready to have a real conversation, do the work, and take action -
Reviews
Kind words
from past mentees
All sessions are 1:1 and focused on practical freelance growth. Topics are tailored to your situation and discussed before we begin.
$120
CAD
Format
1 x 45-minute 1:1 video call
What’s included
Live Q&A based on your current questions
Honest feedback and clear direction
No preparation needed
Good fit if
You need quick answers
You want a second opinion
You're not ready for a deeper process yet
$250
CAD
Format
1 x 60-minute 1:1 video call
What’s included
Intake form before the session
Review of your situation, work, or portfolio
A follow-up summary with notes, resources, and action plan
Bonus: 7 days of async follow-up questions
Good fit if
You feel stuck or overwhelmed
You want structure and priorities
You need clear next steps
Most popular
$750
$670
CAD
Format
3 x 60-minute 1:1 video calls
Spread over 4-6 weeks
What’s included
Intake form before each session
Review of your situation, work, or portfolio
A follow- up summary with notes, resources, and action plan after each call
Async support between sessions
Bonus: Client discovery & brief template
Bonus: Red flags checklist
Good fit if
You already freelance and want to grow
You need accountability and direction
One session isn't enough
$1500
$1300
CAD
Format
6 x 60-minute 1:1 video calls
3-month mentorship
2 calls per month
What’s included
Intake form before each session
Review of your situation, work, or portfolio
A follow- up summary with notes, resources, and action plan after each call
Priority async support throughout 3 months
Strategy refinement between sessions
Bonus: Client discovery & brief template
Bonus: Red flags checklist
Bonus: Positioning & niche clarity workbook
Bonus: Cold email outreach templates
Good fit if
You want a real shift, not quick fixes
You're ready for long-term change and work
You value structure and support
Free guide for
creative freelancers
I put together a free guide on the professional basics that most creative freelancers figure out the hard way. 7 pages on what clients actually notice – and why it determines whether they come back, refer you, and pay more.
FAQ
Questions?
Who are these sessions for?
Illustrators, graphic designers, motion artists, and creative freelancers at any stage — starting out, mid-career, or feeling stuck.
What if I'm not sure which package to choose?
Start with a Strategy Session. It's the best way to get clarity and decide if deeper work makes sense for you.
Will this actually help my specific situation?
Every session is personalized. You'll fill out an intake form beforehand, and I'll prepare based on YOUR questions and goals — not a generic script.
What if I can't afford the bigger packages?
Start with a Quick Check or single Strategy Session. Even one focused conversation can shift how you see things.
Do I need to prepare anything?
For Quick Check — no prep needed. For other sessions, you'll fill out an intake form so I can come prepared.
What happens after the session?
You'll get a follow-up summary with notes, resources, and action steps (except for Quick Check, which is conversation only).
Can we talk about [specific topic]?
Probably yes! If you're unsure, reach out before booking — I want to make sure I can actually help.
Let's chat
Still
not sure?
Start with a Strategy Session. One conversation might be all you need to get unstuck.