Ready to Dive into Picture Book Illustration?
Imagine being part of a community that’s all about helping you achieve your artistic dreams and turning your picture book passion into reality. Jump into an ongoing programme filled with insider tips, resources, and industry insights. You’ll also connect with fellow creatives as you work towards bringing your picture book dreams to life. Let’s make it happen 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 elevate your abilities, for example:
- April:Â Your Illustration Portfolio
- May:Â Portfolio and Pitching
- June:Â Text Integration and Composition
- July:Â Illustration Techniques and Mediums
- August:Â Animal Characters
- September:Â Character Design and Development
Each week, you will receive an email with a video workshop, interview, portfolio project, or live session. You’ll have the flexibility to watch at a time that suits you, work on portfolio projects alongside fellow members, and feel connected and supported as you grow in both skill and confidence.
Level Up Your Picture Book Journey!
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, join a vibrant community of illustrators, artists, creatives, and picture book lovers. Dive into a world full of weekly inspiration, fun workshops, helpful resources, portfolio prompts, expert insights, and plenty of support along the way!
Boost your portfolio with our monthly design briefs! These fun, curated projects help you develop a consistent art practice and promise to grow your portfolio. Think of these design briefs as your ticket to refining your style and adding exciting new pieces.
Level Up Your Illustration Skills! Get ready for illustration workshops that dive deep into your craft. These fun sessions are designed to boost your skills, sharpen your techniques, and support your growth as an illustrator.
Inspiring Stories from Picture Book Illustrators. Listen to real stories from successful children’s picture book illustrators who turned their dreams into reality. Find out what it took for them to get started, and pick up some insights and tips that can help you on your own journey to success!
Get Inspired with Nina’s Live Q&A Sessions!
Join me for LIVE Q&A sessions where you can tap into my experience and get valuable insights. Each month, we come together to chat about any hurdles or blocks you’ve faced, and I love highlighting everyone’s projects and offering feedback on your illustrations. Sometimes we draw together, and other times we just have a good chat. It’s all about support as we navigate this creative journey together!
Join a vibrant private community, (not Facebook). Experience that warm sense of belonging while staying accountable to your goals. Gain momentum and motivation as you level up your skills alongside other like-minded creatives!
Nina goes beyond teaching technical skills, striving to inspire, support, and empower aspiring picture book illustrators.
Meet Nina
Nina Rycroft is the driving force behind the Treehouse Membership—a vibrant community for passionate picture book illustrators.
With a portfolio featuring over a dozen published picture books—including beloved titles like Boom Bah! by Phil Cummings, No More Kisses by Margaret Wild, Dinosaurs Love Cheese and Good Dog Hank by Jackie French, and Pooka by Carol Chattaway (YABBA Award Winner 2013)—Nina has made her mark in the industry.
As a self-taught illustrator, Nina knows firsthand the ups and downs of the artistic journey. Her own experiences navigating the illustration world have inspired her to create a supportive space where fellow creatives can thrive. For more about Nina.
You’ll find the Treehouse Hub easy to navigate and really inspiring! It’s a great space to connect with fellow creatives. Enjoy monthly design briefs, expert guidance, uplifting stories, live Q&A sessions, regular illustration workshops, and a thriving community of illustrators and picture book lovers. Click below for your sneak peek!
Where Are You on Your Journey?
Joining the Treehouse Membership gives you the chance to stay focused, make steady progress, connect with others, and keep yourself accountable throughout your creative journey. Click the link to download your 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
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’ve already completed 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 is more than just a structure nestled among branches; it’s a place of wonder, exploration, and play—a space where you can come together with friends, where ideas grow, creativity flourishes, and the magic of imagination comes to life.
The name "Treehouse" comes from the Picture Book Illustration e-Course (PBIC). While they share the name, the Treehouse Membership is different from the Treehouse Facebook Group, which is active only during the 8-week PBIC programme.
The Treehouse Membership is a subscription-based programme that gives you ongoing support, allowing you to continue your picture book journey year-round with new content each week and monthly live sessions.
