Style is what an illustrator is recognized by. But how do you find yours? How do you know if your style is something publishers will get excited about? What if you have multiple styles? How do you wrangle them into a marketable portfolio? In this workshop, Christie Megill from The CAT Agency will lead bewildered illustrators to clarity through a one-hour live feedback session of submitted artwork.
Illustrator Style Lab with Christie Megill
Illustrators seeking to hone their style will appreciate this workshop with Christie Megill of The CAT Agency. In this webinar, Christie will lead bewildered illustrators to clarity through a live feedback session of five illustrators' submissions. But everyone is welcome to attend (even those not submitting work) to learn what works or what may not fly with art directors and agents in today’s market.
Before the live workshop, interested Illustrators will submit three illustrations of the same scene/subject using three different styles and/or media. They will receive two lists of ideas: subject/action prompts and technique/style suggestions. The intention is for illustrators to choose only one prompt from the subject/action list—that’s the scene you will replicate three times. Then choose three techniques/styles from the listed suggestions. Or, creators can choose their own adventure.
For example: One might choose to draw an owl carving pumpkins from the subject/action menu and create three renderings of the same scene choosing from the technique and style suggestions: 1) watercolor while stretching proportions 2) tissue paper collage with an overhead view and 3) using only two digital brushes to show movement.
Artists will create their work in advance to submit to Christie who will choose five of those submissions to critique during an hour-long online session using published works to demonstrate concepts. She will provide written feedback for all submissions, including those used for the live style lab session. Submitting illustrators can choose to submit their work for the live session or for written feedback only. Feedback submissions are for premium members only and will be limited to 20 entries on a first-come-first-served basis and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 30, 2026 MDT.
See the lists of prompts and suggestions here.
Learn about our refund policy here.
About Christie
Christie Megill is a fabulous agent who works with kidlit authors, author-illustrators, and artists who have a distinctive perspective and ability to create meaningful narratives for today’s young readers. Storytelling is her passion, no matter the medium.
Christie comes from a background in elementary education and previously worked as an editor at an academic press in New York City, as a volunteer at the Housing Works Bookstore in SoHo, and as a bookseller at the bygone Borders Books and Music in Columbus Circle. She holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University. Since 2022, she has been an agent at The CAT Agency representing many wonderful creators across the spectrum of styles.
When she’s not losing herself in a good book, Christie spends her time writing scary stories for grownups, baking butter-laden desserts, and going for long walks through Brooklyn.