.

For years I stayed away from portraits. I was just terrified they wouldn’t be good enough, wouldn’t look like the person, wouldn’t be worth showing anyone. So I didn’t draw them at all.

What eventually got me past it was giving up on good. Or beautiful. Or correct. 

I embraced the “ugly” and the doors to boundless creativity slammed open! 

So this week, I want you to try it for yourself. Draw a face, anyone you like or dislike (which might be even more appropriate ), and make it as bad as you possibly can. Wonky eyes, wrong nose, the lot. No rubbing out.

The joy of it is that you can’t fail.
Ugly is the whole target, so whatever ends up on the page, you’ve hit it.
 

Nobody to impress, no likeness to chase.
Just you, any materials of your choice, and full permission to make a mess.

Sign up and I will send you:

The challenge in full with tips and tricks to get the most out of it. It’s one email. One drawing, done your way.

HOW TO JOIN

 

Step by step guide

Step 1: Sign up here, and the challenge lands in your inbox. You’ve got a week to make your one ugly portrait. 

Step 2: Post your work on Instagram any time between now and Tuesday 28th July. 

Step 3: Tag @elinaellis and @indigobee.academy, and use hashtag #IBA_portraits so we can find it.

I will pick twenty works for a carousel on my Instagram account. One of these random drawings will get a signed copy of my latest picture book “The Truth About Books”.

I’ll be doing it alongside you, and I promise not to cheat by being secretly good at it.

Leave your email and the challenge is on its way.
No spam. Just the challenge, and the odd note from me about drawing.

SIGN-UP FORM

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Who is delivering

 

The Challenge will be guided by Elina Ellis, an award-winning illustrator and author based in the UK, whose books are published worldwide.

Elina brings years of experience teaching drawing and illustration, with a gentle and encouraging approach that helps people reconnect with their creativity in a natural, unpressured way.

She’ll set you the challenge, share her own portraits — ugly ones included — and cheer you on as you make yours. 

With her playful yet professional guidance, you’ll not only grow your artistic skills, but also feel more confident expressing yourself and trusting your creative voice.

Elina Ellis
Children's Book Illustrator

Have questions? We're happy to help

If you’d like to know more or need support with participating, feel free to reach out our team:

Email: Click to see the email (protected from spam)
Whatsapp: +447535367707

Language: English, Ukrainian

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