From Inspiration to Execution: Creating with Purpose
Every illustration I make starts with a spark — a thought, a memory, or even a feeling. But turning that spark into a finished piece that resonates, especially in children’s books, takes more than skill. It takes purpose. Over the years, I’ve learned that creating with intention keeps my work meaningful and connected to the audience I care about most: kids.
Mining Your Childhood for Ideas
I often find that some of the richest inspiration comes from my own childhood. Memories of games, secret hideouts, favourite books, and little moments of wonder all feed into my ideas. When I sketch a whimsical character or a magical setting in Procreate, I ask myself: “What fascinated me as a kid? What would have made me giggle, gasp, or dream?”Mining these memories gives my work authenticity and emotional depth.
Trusting the Process
Creative work rarely flows in a straight line. Sometimes an illustration comes together instantly; other times, it’s messy, full of experimentation and revisions. I’ve learned to trust the process — to let sketches evolve, ideas shift, and layers build gradually in Procreate. Each step is part of the story, and letting go of rigid expectations often leads to surprises that enrich the final piece.
Keeping Kids in Mind
When creating for children, it’s easy to get lost in style or technical perfection. But I always ask myself: “Will this make a child smile, wonder, or imagine?” Colour choices, character expressions, and even composition are guided by how a child might perceive the illustration. Thinking like a reader keeps my work playful, approachable, and joyful.
From Spark to Finished Piece
For me, creating with purpose is about connecting those three threads: memories, trust in the process, and the child’s perspective. A sketch born from a childhood memory grows in Procreate, experimenting with layers, brushes, and colour. By the time it’s finished, it’s not just an image — it’s a story, an emotion, a little piece of wonder crafted with intention.
remember the magic
Illustration is both magic and craft. Mining your own experiences, trusting the journey, and keeping your audience in mind transforms ideas into meaningful art. When you create with purpose, every line, colour, and detail carries intention — and that’s what makes your work resonate, especially with children who are just beginning to explore the world through books and images.
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.