Ready to step into a world of picture book illustration? Imagine a community that’s all about boosting your artistic dreams and turning your picture book ambitions into reality. Dive into an ongoing program that’s packed with inside knowledge, resources, and industry insights. You’ll also become a part of a creative community as you work towards bringing your picture book dreams to life. Let’s do this together!
Just 1-Hour a Week!
Dedicate just one hour each week to unlock your potential and nurture the skills needed to become a confident, capable children’s picture book illustrator. Each month, we dive into themes designed to inspire and elevate your abilities.
- April: Your Illustration Portfolio
- May: Portfolio and Pitching
- June: Text Integration and Composition
- July: Illustration Techniques and Mediums
- August: Emotions and Expressiveness
- September: Character Design and Development
As you walk through each month embrace the lessons, and watch your confidence and competence flourish.
Elevate Your Picture Book Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or at the start of your picture book journey, step into a vibrant community of illustrators, artists, creatives and picture book enthusiasts and immerse yourself in a world of weekly inspiration, workshops, resources, portfolio prompts, expert insights, and support.
Elevate your portfolio with “Project Portfolio” design briefs. Cultivate a consistent art practice with thoughtfully curated projects that promise portfolio growth. These design briefs are your gateway to refining your style and expanding your portfolio.
Enrich your picture book journey throughout the year with exclusive workshops. These deep-dive sessions are tailored to nurture your skills, enhance your techniques, and foster your professional development as an illustrator.
Inspiring stories from picture book illustrators. Hear firsthand from accomplished children’s picture book illustrators who have transformed their dreams into reality. Discover the secrets behind their picture book journey to publication and gain their invaluable wisdom to help guide you on your own path to success.
Tap into Nina’s expertise and gain valuable insights with LIVE Q&A/Feedback sessions. Benefit from her wealth of experience, years of insights, and knowledge as she provides guidance and answers to help you overcome challenges, and refine your skills as you navigate the world of picture book illustration.
Apply for one-on-one coaching sessions and portfolio reviews with Nina. Gain exclusive access to personal coaching and portfolio reviews with Nina. Benefit from her expert guidance and encouragement to advance your skills.
Join a vibrant private community, (not Facebook). Experience a sense of belonging while being held accountable to your goals. Gain momentum and motivation as you elevate your skills alongside other like-minded creatives.
Nina goes beyond teaching technical skills, striving to inspire, support, and empower picture book illustrators.
Immerse yourself in weekly workshops, portfolio projects, interviews, Live Q&A and feedback sessions, encouraging experimentation, fostering consistency, and nurturing artistic growth.
Meet Nina
Nina Rycroft is the driving force behind the Treehouse Membership—a vibrant community for passionate picture book illustrators.
With an impressive portfolio boasting over a dozen published picture books, including notable titles such as Boom Bah! by Phil Cummings, No More Kisses by Margaret Wild, Good Dog Hank by Jackie French, and Pooka by Carol Chattaway (YABBA Award Winner, 2013), Nina has solidified her position as a respected figure in the industry.
As a self-taught illustrator, Nina understands the challenges and triumphs of the artistic journey. Her own experiences navigating the world of illustration have inspired her to create a supportive environment where fellow creatives can thrive. For more about Nina.
You’ll find the Treehouse Hub easy to navigate and inspiring to visit, offering you a space to connect with like-minded creatives. Enjoy monthly design briefs, expert guidance, uplifting stories, Live Q&A sessions, enriching workshops, and a thriving community of fellow illustrators and picture book enthusiasts. Click below for your sneak peek.
Download Your Pathway to Growth and Success Guide
Joining the Treehouse Membership offers an opportunity to stay focused, make consistent progress, forge connections, and stay accountable throughout your creative journey. Click here to download the “Stages of Becoming a Picture Book Illustrator” guide.
“It allowed me to connect with other like-minded creators. I felt accountable to make progress and get out of my comfort zone. Elements that I am still incorporating in my practice today.” – Cesar Lador
“Nina gave me the confidence to stretch myself in every way and to know that if I really worked hard I would achieve my goals and make it as a picture book illustrator. ” – Nichole Wade
“Nina gave me the confidence to storyboard my entire manuscript in a format that I could submit to publishers. In addition to three published titles as author, I now have a title in which I am both author and illustrator...” – Inda Ahmad Zahri
BONUS
AniMATES Digital Planner (valued at $22). Your ultimate organisational tool within the Treehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the Picture Book Illustration e-Course?
Does it matter if I have not completed PBIC?
What does the Treehouse offer if I have already taken the 8-week Picture Book Illustration e-Course?
What happens after I join?
How is the content Delivered?
Once I join, can I cancel my membership?
When will the membership renew?
Do you use Facebook?
What is you refund/cancellation policy?
Are sessions pre-recorded or live?
How many hours of video content can I expect each month?
The Concept of the Treehouse
A Treehouse represents far more than a structure tucked amidst the branches of trees. It embodies a world of exploration and play, a bustling hub where creativity blossoms, dreams soar, and the boundless power of imagination finds its truest expression.
The Treehouse name originated in the Picture Book Illustration e-Course (PBIC), which is active exclusively during the 8-week program.
In contrast, the Treehouse Membership offers an ongoing experience, allowing you to continue your creative journey beyond the 8-week program.
