When I first started freelancing as an illustrator, I tried drawing everything—children’s books, editorial, merchandise—without really focusing on what I loved most or where I could stand out. Over time, I realised that finding a niche is key to building a sustainable freelance career, especially when using a tool like Procreate that can do almost anything. Here’s how I approached it.

When I first started freelancing as an illustrator, I was all over the place. I’d try drawing everything—children’s books, editorial, merchandise—without really focusing on what I loved most or where I could stand out.
Over time, I realised that finding a niche is key to building a sustainable freelance career, especially when using a tool like Procreate that can do almost anything. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Start With What You Love (and for me- it’s books!)

Your niche should be where your passion and skills intersect. For me, that’s children’s books and whimsical, playful illustrations. I realised I could spend hours on projects I genuinely enjoyed, and that excitement translated into better work. Ask yourself: What subject matter do I get lost in? What makes me excited to draw every day?

2. Experiment, But check What Works

Procreate makes experimentation easy—you can test brushes, styles, and subjects without committing to a full project. Keep a record of which illustrations get the best responses online or attract client interest. Over time, patterns emerge and help guide your niche.

3. Look at the Market, Without Copying

It’s helpful to see what other freelancers are doing in your field. For example, children’s book illustration is a competitive space, but noticing gaps—like certain age ranges, styles, or themes—can help you position yourself uniquely. Use inspiration to guide, not to imitate.

4. Build a Portfolio That Highlights Your Niche

Once you’ve honed in on your focus, curate your Procreate portfolio to show it off. If you’re into character-driven children’s books, make sure your portfolio emphasises expressive characters, playful colour palettes, and storytelling through visuals. This makes it easier for clients to see what you excel at.

5. Develop Signature Elements

Your niche is not just about subject matter—it’s about how you approach it. Maybe it’s your line style, your textures, or your use of colour in Procreate. These signature elements help your work stand out and make your niche recognisable. That can be brushes, textures, design elements or colours?

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Specialise

Early on, I thought being “versatile” meant more opportunities. But in reality, focusing on a niche attracts the right clients faster. If you love drawing animals for picture books, lean into that! Clients know exactly what to hire you for, and you become the “go-to” illustrator in that space.

7. Keep Growing Within Your Niche

Even within a niche, there’s room to experiment. I regularly try new brushes, techniques, and storytelling approaches in Procreate, but always with my core style and audience in mind. Growth keeps your work fresh and helps you stay relevant.

Keep going, you’ve got this

Finding your niche as a freelance Procreate illustrator isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about focusing your energy where you shine brightest. When you pair your passion with consistent, high-quality work, opportunities start to find you. And the best part? You get to do what you love every day, with your unique style leading the way.

Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.

Freelance Tips for Procreate Users: Finding Your Unique Niche