1:1 Mentoring Program
I have been running a mentoring program for Illustrators since 2021, and it’s been incredibly rewarding! I felt there was a real need for Illustrators to have helpful, impartial input and guidance, and I wanted to address this and offer some solutions. The reception was surprising, and it was very clear there was a strong need for input from experienced Illustrators for the next generation of those coming through. As an illustrator, feeling isolated in your creative journey is easy. Whether you're working on personal projects or client commissions, much of the process is solitary, and sometimes, we need an outside perspective to help us move forward. That's where mentoring comes in. Fresh eyes, impartial feedback, and expert advice can provide the clarity and direction we often need to break through creative blocks, refine our work, and make more confident career decisions.
Mentoring isn’t just about feedback—it’s about building over time and implementing the guidance. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your next move, or needed someone who truly understands the challenges of being an illustrator, this is where I can help.
What I Offer:
All sessions are conducted via video-call (zoom/google). If you are in London, UK, in-person sessions are available.
One-Off Single Consultation
£95
A 60-minute session designed for focused, actionable guidance. Whether you’re looking for a portfolio review, career advice, or creative direction, this session will provide you with the clarity you need to tackle your immediate challenges and set a clear action plan.
Monthly Mentoring Subscription
£49/month (12-Month Commitment)
Unlock long-term support and growth with a personalised mentoring program. With monthly 1:1 sessions, you’ll receive tailored advice and business insights, helping you develop both your artistic and professional skills. This package is designed for illustrators looking for consistent mentorship to navigate their careers with confidence across the long term for 12 months.
What’s Included:
Monthly 1-hour 1:1 mentoring session
Portfolio review and development
Business and career guidance
Email support between sessions
Exclusive Critique Group Session: Get feedback from me and the group during a monthly session via Zoom/Google Meets
Bonus: Commit to a full year and receive a free 30-minute session at the end of the year to evaluate your progress and plan the next steps.
Cancellation Policy: You can cancel after the first 4 months with 30 days' notice.
Save £100 when you commit to the entire year (£49/month for 12 months = £588 total).
Block Bookings
Perfect if you’re looking for a more strategic, medium-term approach. Each session is 1 hour, Including a 30-minute check-in each month and a reading list to keep you on track.
3 sessions for £179 (£59.66/session)
6 sessions for £329 (£54.83/session)
What’s Included:
Monthly 1-hour 1:1 mentoring session plus an optional check-in.
Portfolio review and strategic development
Business and career guidance
Email support between sessions
Tailored practice briefs to build your portfolio
15% off courses run by Sarah
About Me:
With 24 years of experience as a freelance illustrator working in editorial, design, and book publishing, I’ve seen the challenges, growth, and satisfaction of a well-built creative business. I’ve learned the ins and outs of both the creative process and the business side, and I’m passionate about helping illustrators fast-track their success. My approach to mentoring is friendly, confidential, and focused on providing the insights and support you need to grow as an artist and a professional.
Testimonials (Thank you, everyone!)
"The six-month mentorship with Sarah Horne was excellent for my artistic development and great value for money. Sarah provided detailed feedback on my work and career advice, which boosted my confidence to take on client projects. Thanks, Sarah!" – Chantelle Holt“I had a fantastic 4 days in London village last week attending the Illustrators Intensive Course, run by the fabulous @sarahbhorne9 The course was 3 days, jam-packed full of information, examples, advice, plans and resources. We also had lots of time for one-on-ones with Sarah and were able to ask any questions that suited our own journey. We had some fun, creative challenges and time to develop ideas too. I cannot thank Sarah enough. She has helped me ‘level up’, and I’m looking forward to the direction I’m heading. She is a wonderful teacher, mentor, illustrator and just a fabulous human. Can’t recommend working with her enough in any capacity! At the very least, go and track down some of her work, because it is outstanding 😁” — @gkelliottpicsandwords
"I could not recommend Sarah's course more highly. The course was well-structured and interesting. Sarah's relaxed company really helped everyone to explore their ideas freely and to be confident in their work. I was interested in learning about book illustration but also more widely other areas of illustration e.g. editorial. She really helped me to see where I could put my focus and where my work might fit in within the industry.
She is a lovely individual who is encouraging and has a real talent who is willing to share her knowledge to others. I left the course feeling more confident and focused on where to put my attention to. Thanks, Sarah!" – Iona Cary
“Always working on your own can feel quite lonely sometimes. Brainstorming solo, juggling ideas, and making every decision by yourself can be overwhelming. But most of the time that's the reality of being a freelance illustrator. Sure, when you're working on client or book projects, you get feedback from editors or clients. But, when it comes to your personal development, you often have no one around to discuss your ideas with. So, this summer, I decided to book mentoring sessions with Sarah Horne. It’s amazing to have someone on a professional level to talk to about your thoughts, challenges, and aspirations as an illustrator. Getting feedback on personal projects and my portfolio was invaluable.
In addition to that, having a mentor brings so many benefits:
💡 A fresh perspective: Sometimes, you're so close to your work that it’s hard to see it objectively. A mentor offers new insights that can make a big difference.
💡 Accountability: Knowing someone is there to check in with keeps you on track and motivated to achieve your goals.
💡 Tailored advice: Every illustrator's journey is unique and it's incredibly beneficial to get specific advice on your current situation.
💡 Inspiration: Hearing about your mentor’s own experiences and how they’ve navigated their career is both motivating and inspiring.
💡 Confidence boost: Getting constructive feedback from someone you trust helps you see your strengths and feel more confident about your work.
💡 Another reason I chose to work with Sarah: I would love to work for UK and US publishers, so having someone who knows these markets was incredibly valuable for me.
I can highly recommend Sarah as a mentor. So if you need a professional sparing partner you should check out her offer.
✨ Sometimes, the best way to grow is to ask for help and I’m so glad I did! —-- Katrin Muller
How to Book Mentoring:
To book a session, click the link to email me and provide details about your work and where you’re based. I’d love to understand where you are in your career—whether you're just starting, looking to refine your work, or transitioning into a new phase. Please include:
Your location (which country or region you’re based in)
A brief description of your current work or portfolio
Your stage in your career (e.g., beginner, established, transitioning, etc.)
Once I receive your email, we’ll schedule your session and discuss how I can best support your growth as an illustrator.
I look forward to working with you!