4 One Hour Zoom Sessions over the course of 1 - 2 months

You’ve got the work—but building a creative career takes more than just talent. It takes clarity, strategy, and a roadmap that feels true to you.

The Illustrator Compass is a one-on-one mentorship designed for illustrators who are serious about growing, shifting, or deepening their creative path—with support, strategy, and honest feedback along the way.

Includes:

✔️ one hour 4 private Zoom sessions
✔️ Portfolio + brand review
✔️ Personalized strategy for your focus area (editorial, publishing, licensing, agency, etc.)
✔️ Optional feedback on client outreach, self-promo, pricing, or projects in progress
✔️ Email support between sessions for questions, check-ins, or small wins

Why Me

I know firsthand that building a creative career isn’t a straight line.

As a professional illustrator, educator, and mentor, I’ve worked across editorial, publishing, and commercial projects—and I’ve navigated the same questions many artists face: how to shape a body of work, how to approach clients, how to balance creative integrity with career growth.

In this mentorship, I’m not offering a one-size-fits-all formula. I’m offering personalized guidance—rooted in real experience, deep listening, and a genuine investment in helping you define your version of success.

Whether you're breaking into the industry, pivoting into a new market, or refining your professional identity, I’ll meet you where you are—and help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and connection to your work.

Testimonials

“Deena was instrumental in helping me start my illustration career. As my TA at the SVA Summer Residency Program, she encouraged me when I lacked confidence and helped me push past the fear of reaching out to art directors. Her feedback is clear, thoughtful, and always aimed at making your work stronger both visually and conceptually. If you're looking for honest guidance and practical feedback, I can’t recommend her enough.” - Josie Norton, award winning illustrator and columnist at the New Yorker

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this mentorship for?
This is designed for illustrators who already have a body of work (even if it's still evolving) and want to take tangible steps forward—whether that's entering new markets, building a stronger portfolio, developing client relationships, or repositioning their brand.

Do I need to have a polished portfolio already?
Not at all. You just need to have a body of work you want to grow from. We’ll work with what you have—and build from there.

What kinds of goals can we work on?
Anything that supports your creative career: editorial strategy, publishing goals, licensing, branding, portfolio flow, self-promotion, client outreach, project development, pricing guidance, and more.

What happens between sessions?
You’ll have email access for questions, small check-ins, or feedback between sessions. I’ll be there to keep you moving forward, not just during our Zooms.

What if I need more than a month of mentorship?
If you’d like to continue after the first month, we can discuss ongoing mentorship options based on your goals and needs.

questions?

Feel free to reach out! hello@deenasooteh.com