Crafting Captivating Digital Illustration Sets: Your Comprehensive Creation Guide

In an era where digital content reigns supreme, digital illustration sets have become a cornerstone in various industries, from advertising and web design to publishing. These sets are not just about aesthetic appeal; they are about telling a story, conveying a message, and adding a unique touch to digital content.
Creating digital illustration sets is not a skill you can learn in an hour or two but it's a skill worth to be learned for sure!

Understanding Your Niche

Before diving into creation, it's crucial to understand your audience. Who will use your illustrations? Are they graphic designers, content creators, or businesses in a specific sector? Study the market to identify trends and unmet needs. For instance, is there a demand for minimalistic icons, or are people looking for whimsical character designs? This understanding will shape your entire project. Of course, on the other hand, you need to be able to deliver this content. So choose carefully, your business should be not only about what your customer needs (although this is crucial) but also about what you can deliver. It won't help if you notice a demand for cute characters but you are just not willing to learn how to draw them. So always find the sweet-spot between what you can deliver and what your customers need.

Planning Your Illustration Set

Start by conceptualizing the theme. Will it be a set of nature-inspired illustrations, or are you leaning towards modern abstract designs? Decide on the number of illustrations in your set. It could range from a compact set of five to an extensive collection of twenty or more. Begin with rough sketches to lay down your ideas and themes.
My suggestion here is to strive for an extensive collection. The more value you give your customers the more likely she wants to buy. In the end your customer must "feel" bevor she buys that it's worth her money. So it's always good to give your customers a product they can do many things with.

Designing Your Illustrations

Now, bring your sketches to life. Using your chosen software, start creating your illustrations. Focus on maintaining a consistent color scheme and style across all pieces. Pay attention to the details – the line work, the color shades, and the overall composition. Each element should contribute to a cohesive look.
Bevor you dive into the creative process think about the appearance you want to go for. Do you want to draw with watercolor and then digitise your elements? Or do you want to draw on your iPad - in Procreate - maybe some raster based images? Or do you want to create vectors because you can scale them infinitely? 

Software and Tools

Your choice of software can significantly impact your workflow and the final output. Adobe Illustrator is a popular choice for vector illustrations, while Procreate is excellent for more organic, hand-drawn styles. You can also archive great results if you use Affinity Designer - which is not only more affordable but also comes for a one time fee. Consider the hardware too – a high-quality drawing tablet or an iPad with a stylus can make a huge difference. 

Finalising and Packaging the Set

Once your illustrations are complete, ensure consistency in quality and style. Save them in universally compatible formats like PNG or JPEG for raster graphics and SVG for vectors. Package your set attractively, with clear thumbnails, previews, and descriptive text that highlights the set's features and potential uses.
I really believe this is a crucial part. Lately I wanted to tidy up my computer and I found graphic sets in my Downloads folder I really like but I'll never be able to give credit to the designer nor do I know how to find a similar style product. The designer simply didn't add the name of the product nor a preview or anything which makes me able to identify the graphic set.

Pricing and Selling Your Set

Pricing can be challenging. Research what similar sets are selling for and consider factors like the uniqueness of your set, the number of illustrations, and your reputation or brand presence. Platforms like Etsy, Creative Market, or your website are excellent for selling your sets. Remember, your marketing efforts will be key in promoting your set – use social media, email newsletters, and other channels to reach your audience.

Creating digital illustration sets is an exciting journey that blends art with entrepreneurship. It's a pathway to not only showcase your artistic skills but also to build a sustainable income stream. With the right approach, your illustration sets can become a valuable asset for your brand - last but not least because you can sell them over and over again.