My personal story
Here’s the short story of a long career
But could I really make a living as in illustrator? Me, Manhattan, 1989
TEACHING LOCALLY
May 14, 2026
Sketchbook Journaling in Arlington, MA
Join me for my newest in-person course, Sketchbook Journaling, at Maxima Hive in Arlington.
Perhaps you're looking for a cozy weekly gathering for art-making. Maybe you want a relaxed class for sketchbook art with watercolor and gel pens and colored pencils along with some tasty journal prompts.
I’ve been wanting to teach in real life, to enjoy working with people in a lovely space, but I hadn’t found the right spot until I found the perfect place—the charming Maxima Book and Gift shop on Mass Ave in Arlington, MA, which now has a cozy new space for courses and events, called the Hive.
This course is more laid-back and for all levels. If you live in the Boston area, let’s sip coffee and play in sketchbooks, with journal prompts, experimenting with materials, lots of watercolor and gouache demonstrations, and camaraderie for five Thursday mornings beginning May 14. Space is very limited. Sign up here.
Each week, I demonstrate techniques, styles, materials, hand out print outs for inspiration, go around at least twice to each student and encourage and find your own special magic. Sometimes while you're working I'll tell stories from my 5-decade long career, or do a fun giveaway. It's so good.
TEACHING LOCALLY
May 14, 2026
Sketchbook Journaling in Arlington, MA
Join me for my newest in-person course, Sketchbook Journaling, at Maxima Hive in Arlington.
Perhaps you're looking for a cozy weekly gathering for art-making. Maybe you want a relaxed class for sketchbook art with watercolor and gel pens and colored pencils along with some tasty journal prompts.
I’ve been wanting to teach in real life, to enjoy working with people in a lovely space, but I hadn’t found the right spot until I found the perfect place—the charming Maxima Book and Gift shop on Mass Ave in Arlington, MA, which now has a cozy new space for courses and events, called the Hive.
This course is more laid-back and for all levels. If you live in the Boston area, let’s sip coffee and play in sketchbooks, with journal prompts, experimenting with materials, lots of watercolor and gouache demonstrations, and camaraderie for five Thursday mornings beginning May 14. Space is very limited. Sign up here.
Each week, I demonstrate techniques, styles, materials, hand out print outs for inspiration, go around at least twice to each student and encourage and find your own special magic. Sometimes while you're working I'll tell stories from my 5-decade long career, or do a fun giveaway. It's so good.
TEACHING LOCALLY
May 14, 2026
Sketchbook Journaling in Arlington, MA
Join me for my newest in-person course, Sketchbook Journaling, at Maxima Hive in Arlington.
Perhaps you're looking for a cozy weekly gathering for art-making. Maybe you want a relaxed class for sketchbook art with watercolor and gel pens and colored pencils along with some tasty journal prompts.
I’ve been wanting to teach in real life, to enjoy working with people in a lovely space, but I hadn’t found the right spot until I found the perfect place—the charming Maxima Book and Gift shop on Mass Ave in Arlington, MA, which now has a cozy new space for courses and events, called the Hive.
This course is more laid-back and for all levels. If you live in the Boston area, let’s sip coffee and play in sketchbooks, with journal prompts, experimenting with materials, lots of watercolor and gouache demonstrations, and camaraderie for five Thursday mornings beginning May 14. Space is very limited. Sign up here.
Each week, I demonstrate techniques, styles, materials, hand out print outs for inspiration, go around at least twice to each student and encourage and find your own special magic. Sometimes while you're working I'll tell stories from my 5-decade long career, or do a fun giveaway. It's so good.
RETREAT
SOLD OUT!
The Art-Making Buffet Retreat in Tuscany with Lilla Rogers
SOLD OUT! I’m so so thrilled to announce my next European art retreat, September 28 – October 5, 2026, this time in sunny, gorgeous Tuscany, where all our needs are taken care of so we can make art, eat yummy food, make new friends and delight in a few exciting adventures.
This retreat is a creative buffet, meant to inspire you to create gorgeous vintage lettering, stylish borders, unique motifs, lovely pastel textures, watercoloring flowers, and even some Procreate techniques! It's a way to get you excited about your art, enrich your style and, if you like, make portfolio pieces. All levels, all goals invited!
RETREAT
SOLD OUT!
The Art-Making Buffet Retreat in Tuscany with Lilla Rogers
SOLD OUT! I’m so so thrilled to announce my next European art retreat, September 28 – October 5, 2026, this time in sunny, gorgeous Tuscany, where all our needs are taken care of so we can make art, eat yummy food, make new friends and delight in a few exciting adventures.
This retreat is a creative buffet, meant to inspire you to create gorgeous vintage lettering, stylish borders, unique motifs, lovely pastel textures, watercoloring flowers, and even some Procreate techniques! It's a way to get you excited about your art, enrich your style and, if you like, make portfolio pieces. All levels, all goals invited!
RETREAT
SOLD OUT!
The Art-Making Buffet Retreat in Tuscany with Lilla Rogers
SOLD OUT! I’m so so thrilled to announce my next European art retreat, September 28 – October 5, 2026, this time in sunny, gorgeous Tuscany, where all our needs are taken care of so we can make art, eat yummy food, make new friends and delight in a few exciting adventures.
This retreat is a creative buffet, meant to inspire you to create gorgeous vintage lettering, stylish borders, unique motifs, lovely pastel textures, watercoloring flowers, and even some Procreate techniques! It's a way to get you excited about your art, enrich your style and, if you like, make portfolio pieces. All levels, all goals invited!
INNER CIRCLE
October 12 - November 20, 2026
When you're ready to make your creative dream come true
INNER CIRCLE
October 12 - November 20, 2026
When you're ready to make your creative dream come true
INNER CIRCLE
October 12 - November 20, 2026
When you're ready to make your creative dream come true
Inner Circle
Begins October 12, 2026
Where would you love your career to be a year from now?
I’m thrilled to offer my newest thing— Inner Circle, an exclusive small-group mentoring intensive. For 30 years, I nurtured and guided the artists whom I represented, helping them uncover their strengths and build thriving creative careers, and now I want to do the same for you.
Join me for this incredible experience! Read more here, and sign up now, as the previous Inner Circle sold out very quickly. I can't wait to help you achieve your dream!
Inner Circle
Begins October 12, 2026
Where would you love your career to be a year from now?
I’m thrilled to offer my newest thing— Inner Circle, an exclusive small-group mentoring intensive. For 30 years, I nurtured and guided the artists whom I represented, helping them uncover their strengths and build thriving creative careers, and now I want to do the same for you.
Join me for this incredible experience! Read more here, and sign up now, as the previous Inner Circle sold out very quickly. I can't wait to help you achieve your dream!
Inner Circle
Begins October 12, 2026
Where would you love your career to be a year from now?
I’m thrilled to offer my newest thing— Inner Circle, an exclusive small-group mentoring intensive. For 30 years, I nurtured and guided the artists whom I represented, helping them uncover their strengths and build thriving creative careers, and now I want to do the same for you.
Join me for this incredible experience! Read more here, and sign up now, as the previous Inner Circle sold out very quickly. I can't wait to help you achieve your dream!
Student Review
Begins October 12, 2026
Read what a student really thinks about my Inner Circle Intensive
How would you describe Inner Circle to a friend?
Student Ilana Diamond writes: It’s a rare and beautiful chance to be mentored by a generous, wise artist who really takes the time to understand you. Lilla doesn’t just teach—she listens. She learns about what drives you, what holds you back, and where you want to go. Then she offers thoughtful, actionable guidance to help you get there. She’s a wellspring of insight, experience, and support, and I feel so lucky to have been one of the twelve to learn from her. I’m walking away with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper belief in my path as an artist.
Student Review
Begins October 12, 2026
Read what a student really thinks about my Inner Circle Intensive
How would you describe Inner Circle to a friend?
Student Ilana Diamond writes: It’s a rare and beautiful chance to be mentored by a generous, wise artist who really takes the time to understand you. Lilla doesn’t just teach—she listens. She learns about what drives you, what holds you back, and where you want to go. Then she offers thoughtful, actionable guidance to help you get there. She’s a wellspring of insight, experience, and support, and I feel so lucky to have been one of the twelve to learn from her. I’m walking away with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper belief in my path as an artist.
Student Review
Begins October 12, 2026
Read what a student really thinks about my Inner Circle Intensive
How would you describe Inner Circle to a friend?
Student Ilana Diamond writes: It’s a rare and beautiful chance to be mentored by a generous, wise artist who really takes the time to understand you. Lilla doesn’t just teach—she listens. She learns about what drives you, what holds you back, and where you want to go. Then she offers thoughtful, actionable guidance to help you get there. She’s a wellspring of insight, experience, and support, and I feel so lucky to have been one of the twelve to learn from her. I’m walking away with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper belief in my path as an artist.
Art
My latest work
After thirty years of mentoring artists, I've now gone back to making art again. I didn't ever really stop, but I'm back with a gusto and passion that I haven't felt in quite some time.
Art
My latest work
After thirty years of mentoring artists, I've now gone back to making art again. I didn't ever really stop, but I'm back with a gusto and passion that I haven't felt in quite some time.
Art
My latest work
After thirty years of mentoring artists, I've now gone back to making art again. I didn't ever really stop, but I'm back with a gusto and passion that I haven't felt in quite some time.
Retreats
Coming 2026
Get On My Mailing List To Hear About My Next European Retreat!
I can’t wait to reveal my next retreat location and date, coming soon! These retreats are a highlight of my year. I get to mentor a small group IRL in a gorgeous country where all of our needs are taken care of—three fabulous meals daily, housing in our own villa—and side trips, too.
Let’s make art together in our own art studio at a villa in Europe with day trips to antique shops and charming cafés.At this upcoming retreat I'll demonstrate lettering, color, art style plus pastel, Procreate, decorative motifs and borders. It's a fun buffet sure to inspire you!
After a tasty lunch, with coffee or tea in hand, we’ll hang out for the informal Ask Agent Lilla anything session. How can I help guide your career? Pick my brain, full of 40 years in the art business as illustrator, author, agent, entrepreneur, speaker, columnist, and more.
Read about my previous retreats in France and Portugal or get on my mailing list to be notified when my Tuscany trip registration opens.
Retreats
Coming 2026
Get On My Mailing List To Hear About My Next European Retreat!
I can’t wait to reveal my next retreat location and date, coming soon! These retreats are a highlight of my year. I get to mentor a small group IRL in a gorgeous country where all of our needs are taken care of—three fabulous meals daily, housing in our own villa—and side trips, too.
Let’s make art together in our own art studio at a villa in Europe with day trips to antique shops and charming cafés.At this upcoming retreat I'll demonstrate lettering, color, art style plus pastel, Procreate, decorative motifs and borders. It's a fun buffet sure to inspire you!
After a tasty lunch, with coffee or tea in hand, we’ll hang out for the informal Ask Agent Lilla anything session. How can I help guide your career? Pick my brain, full of 40 years in the art business as illustrator, author, agent, entrepreneur, speaker, columnist, and more.
Read about my previous retreats in France and Portugal or get on my mailing list to be notified when my Tuscany trip registration opens.
Retreats
Coming 2026
Get On My Mailing List To Hear About My Next European Retreat!
I can’t wait to reveal my next retreat location and date, coming soon! These retreats are a highlight of my year. I get to mentor a small group IRL in a gorgeous country where all of our needs are taken care of—three fabulous meals daily, housing in our own villa—and side trips, too.
Let’s make art together in our own art studio at a villa in Europe with day trips to antique shops and charming cafés.At this upcoming retreat I'll demonstrate lettering, color, art style plus pastel, Procreate, decorative motifs and borders. It's a fun buffet sure to inspire you!
After a tasty lunch, with coffee or tea in hand, we’ll hang out for the informal Ask Agent Lilla anything session. How can I help guide your career? Pick my brain, full of 40 years in the art business as illustrator, author, agent, entrepreneur, speaker, columnist, and more.
Read about my previous retreats in France and Portugal or get on my mailing list to be notified when my Tuscany trip registration opens.
Lilla’s Art Chats on Substack
Let's make some art!
Join me on my next luxury art retreat! Sign up for my newsletter to get the announcement.
Let me share secrets from my 30 years as an art agent
As an agent, I mentored top names in the business like Lisa Congdon, Helen Dardik, Suzy Ultman, Carolyn Gavin, Mike Lowery and Sarah Walsh. I know who succeeds and why, and I’m happy to share that with you in my courses.
Learn about my annual European art retreats. Join me!
Want to make art in real life? I love color, I love paint and I love travel. Do you? Sign up for my newsletter to get first dibs on my next retreat in Tuscany, in 2026.
Lots of free resources for artists!
Loads of advice, support and inspiration, whether you're looking for tips on negotiating or submitting your work or advice on how to be more woo-woo or how to monetize your art!
How do you get an art style?
From playful exercises to mark-making experiments, Lilla encourages you to approach art with an open mind and tune into what makes your heart beat faster.
temporary tattoos
Yup, out of the blue I was asked to make art for temporary tattoos. Such a fun gig.
about
Lilla
Lilla Rogers is a respected artist, author, speaker, former art agent and leading expert on creative careers. Lilla has illustrated for prestigious clients including Anna Wintour, the New York Times, the Grammys, Chronicle Books, and hundreds more. She is known for her wise and witty teaching style on navigating the art and illustration industries, sharing her expertise at European retreats with Uptrek.com and through courses on Makeartthatsells.com and Creativebug.com. Lilla’s influence extends widely in guiding aspiring artists and illustrators towards successful and fulfilling careers in the creative field.
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
“I have been in the design industry for almost 20 years and I am still blown away by how much I can learn on these courses. Great value for money and very inspiring!”
Emma Hales
“It’s absolutely magical! My MATS classes have truly contributed to evolving my style to align with current trends.Thank You Lilla!”
Linda Varos
“I love MATS classes! The way Lilla and her co-teachers teach is so fun and stimulating, you just want to do your best work. And the MATS community is the best!”
Maruga Koops
“Working with Lilla in Inner Circle has been a transformative experience. Her gentle guidance helped me break through mental blocks and identify concrete steps to elevate my artwork. It’s been a priceless investment in myself!”
Courtney Kirkpatrick
“Make Arts That Sells courses are designed to really teach one about the art industry. It’s like an art school college course with the wealth of information that Lila Rogers gives. And she makes everything fun and exciting.”
Ashley
“The personalized assignments with feedback twice a week allowed me to grow rapidly in my referred direction over the six weeks. I felt highly supported by Lilla’s mentoring style… I will be forever grateful for this rare and powerful experience, and I highly recommend this special opportunity to artists at any level.”
Colee Wilkinson
