1. Mystery games & interactive printables

Detective Scavenger Hunts

A classic — and for good reason. Detective clipart is perfect for scavenger hunts.

Printable ideas:

• Indoor mystery hunt (living room, bedroom, classroom)
• Outdoor detective trail (garden, playground, park)
• Rainy-day mystery game
• Birthday party scavenger hunt

Design ideas:

• Clue cards with icons (magnifying glass, footprints, notebook)
• “Case file” cover page
• Final solution certificate (“Case Solved!”)
• Difficulty levels (easy / tricky / expert)

These work great as instant-download products and can easily be themed by age group.

Mystery Puzzle Packs

Combine clipart with simple logic games:

• Spot-the-difference pages

• Match the clues

• Find the hidden object

• Code-breaking pages (symbols ? letters)

• Visual riddles

Tip:
Create bundles: 10 mystery puzzles, 20 detective challenges, weekend activity pack.

2. Party & celebration printables

Detective-Themed Birthday Parties

Mystery party kits are evergreen sellers.

Printable set ideas:

• Party invitations (“You’re invited to solve a mystery!”)

• Welcome sign

• Cupcake toppers

• Food labels (“Evidence Snacks”, “Agent Juice”)

• Thank-you cards

• Party badges (“Junior Detective”)

Small party extras (low-effort, high value)

Quick wins you can create fast:

• Favor bag tags

• Mini certificates

• Table cards

• Sticker sheets

• Envelope seals

These are perfect as add-ons or bundle fillers.

3. Learning & educational printables (without feeling “schooly”)

Mystery themes turn learning into a game.

Reading & comprehension activities

• “Solve the mystery” reading pages

• Clue-based short stories

• Question cards with detective icons

• Story starters (“The missing key…”, “A strange footprint…”)

Great for:

• Homeschooling

• Early readers

• Language learning

• Quiet time activities

Writing & creativity prompts

• Detective notebook pages
• “Case report” writing templates
• Draw-your-own-clue pages
• Comic strip mystery templates

Bonus idea:
Offer these as printable journals or activity books.

4. Pretend play & role-play printables

Detective Role-Play Kits

These are ideal for:

• Playrooms
• Class activity corners
• Therapy or speech sessions
• Montessori-style play

5. Wall art & room decor

Mystery themes don’t have to be loud — watercolor makes them calm and charming.

Printable wall art ideas:

• “Little Detective at Work”
• “Adventure Awaits”
• Alphabet posters with mystery icons
• Name prints with detective elements

Perfect for:

• Kids’ rooms
• Reading corners
• Playrooms
• Homeschool spaces

6. Seasonal & themed twists

You can reuse the same clipart again and again by changing the context.

Seasonal variations:

Themed variations:

One clipart set ? dozens of product ideas.

7. Products for creators & teachers

Don’t forget your fellow designers.

Creator-focused printables:

• Editable mystery templates
• Blank scavenger hunt cards
• Story starter packs
• Classroom mystery boards

These work well with:

• Commercial-use licenses
• Classroom bundles
• Memberships or clubs

Why mystery clipart is a smart design choice

Mystery & adventure themes:

• spark curiosity
• encourage movement and thinking
• work across ages
• fit play and learning
• never really go out of style

With watercolor detective clipart, you can create products that feel imaginative, warm, and timeless — the kind parents, teachers, and creators love to reuse again and again.

Wanna learn how to create all these Goodies yourself?

I’ll use my St. Patrick’s Day watercolour kit as an example, but the approach works for any theme.

I'm using this collection because it's a holiday which is not as popular as Christmas or an upcoming birthday. but it is definitely there and an opportunity for you to make money from your art.

Step 1: Think in “Foundation Assets,” Not Single Products

A foundation asset is a design set you can build on repeatedly.

Instead of asking:

“What can I sell right now?”

Try asking:

“What can I reuse in five different ways?”

A good foundation graphic set usually has:

• a small group of strong characters
• a consistent color palette
• decorative elements that support, not overwhelm
• soft backgrounds or papers that help non-designers succeed

Once you have that, you don’t need more ideas — you need structure.

Step 2: Start With the Simplest Finished Product

These products:

• require very little layout work

• help you test your visuals in a real context

• build confidence quickly

You’re not “downgrading” your clipart — you’re letting it do its job.

Step 3: Let Background Papers Do the Heavy Lifting

In the St. Patrick’s Day kit, the watercolour shamrock washes and meadow fades make it easy to:

• place a character

• add a short text

• stop there

That’s enough for many beautiful printables.

Step 4: Create One Educational or Kids-Focused Printable

Once you have decorative products, reuse the same graphics for something functional.

Examples:

• a simple matching game

• a counting page

• story prompt cards

• a scavenger hunt

Nothing new needs to be illustrated.
The context changes — not the assets.

This step is especially useful if you design for:

• classrooms

• homeschooling families

• quiet kids activities

Now imaging you have created, lt's say, 10 printables from one graphic collection. The educational products mentioned above as well as the St. Patrick's Day specific products. It's most likely that you'll sell these sets until St. Patrick's Day and again next year! Give it a try!

You can find this and many other graphic collections in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes - and just there so this product is pretty unique for your designs!

Nevertheless you can create your own clipart sets and use those - that's also something you'll learn inside the Safari Lounge!

Step 5: Package the Clipart as the “Source”

Only after using the graphics yourself do you release the clipart set as its own product.

Why this order works:

• you’ve already tested the elements

• you know which graphics are most useful

• the clipart now feels intentional, not abstract

For buyers, the set becomes:

“The source of everything I’ve already seen working.”

That builds trust. And you can show all the different products you have created from the set as examples, again, that builds trust.

What This Strategy Changes

This approach:

• reduces creative burnout

• shortens design time

• creates consistency across your shop

• allows seasonal products to return year after year

You’re no longer chasing ideas.
You’re deepening one idea.

A Note on Pace

This is not a fast-launch strategy.

It’s a calm, repeatable one.

You can:

• create one foundation set per season

• reuse it slowly

• let it grow into a small ecosystem

That’s exactly how a sustainable creative library is built.

Bringing It Back to St. Patrick’s Day

The Lucky Meadow Friends kit was designed with reuse in mind:

• gentle characters

• soft seasonal details

• background papers that support easy layouts

It’s not meant to be used once.
It’s meant to work quietly in the background of many small, useful projects.

Gentle next step

If you’d like, you can:

• sketch out 3 printable ideas your next clipart set could support

• or revisit an older set and ask: What could this still become?

Often, the answer is: more than you think.
If you want to brainstorm together leave me a link to your graphic set so we can see what you can make of it!

this project offers the perfect blend of creativity, simplicity, and emotional value.

This is more than just a card — it’s a tiny moment of encouragement you can give to yourself or someone you care about.

Why Self Care Cards Are So Popular

Self care cards combine intention, art, and kindness. They’re quick to create, meaningful to share, and endlessly customizable.

Here’s why they’re wonderful beginner projects:

• Small canvas = no overwhelm. Perfect for getting comfortable with Affinity Studio without facing a large layout.

• Emotionally uplifting. A single sentence or cute illustration can completely shift someone’s mood.

• Great for gift-giving. Slip a card into a present, lunchbox, planner, bouquet, or a self-care kit.

• Easy to collect. One card often leads to creating an entire set — a beautiful foundation if you want to sell printable card collections later.

• Low materials needed. A printer and paper are enough to turn your digital design into a physical keepsake.

Materials

• Printer* 
• Cardstock* (300 gsm works wonderfully for durable cards)
• Paper trimmer* or scissors
• Optional: Corner punch*, laminator*, envelope, washi tape

Tools

The Heart of the Card: Your Message

Your text is the emotional anchor of the card. It can be:

• A short affirmation

• A gentle reminder

• A funny note

• A positive mini-mantra

Here are a few examples that pair beautifully with self care themes:

• “Take 5 minutes just for you.”

• “You’re doing great — keep going.”

• “Rest is productive, too.”

• “One small moment of calm.”

• “Be kind to yourself today.”

Typography Tips:

• Use 1–2 fonts max

• Ensure readability

• Match font weight with the mood (soft script for gentle cards, rounded sans-serif for cute ones)

• Play with letter spacing to give your message a more polished feel

Use color pulled from your illustration to unify the design.

Printing & Finishing Your Self Care Card

Once you’re ready to print:

1. Choose medium to heavy cardstock.

2. Print at full quality.

3. Trim along the edges using scissors or a paper trimmer.

4. Round the corners if you want a softer aesthetic.

5. Optional: Laminate for durability or long-term use.

Now you have a card that’s ready to gift, display, or keep close for moments when you need a little boost.

Creative Ways to Use Your Self Care Cards

• Pin them to a vision board

• Add them to journal spreads

• Use them as bookmarks

• Gift them in self care baskets

• Leave them for coworkers or friends

• Create a whole set and store them in a small box

• Sell them as printable bundles in your shop

These cards can brighten mornings, break stressful cycles, and add a spark of kindness to someone’s

What You’ll Learn Through This Project

This tutorial doesn’t just teach you how to make one card — it builds skills that transfer into designing:

• Postcards

• Wall art

• Planner inserts

• Greeting cards

• Affirmation decks

• Printable gift tags

• Digital stationery

Every new card adds to your confidence and your design library.

A Small Design with Big Impact

Self care cards are tiny works of heart. They encourage, uplift, and remind us to breathe — and creating them is just as soothing as receiving them.

With the free version of Affinity Studio, you have all the tools you need to make thoughtful, beautiful cards that can brighten someone’s day. Let this project spark inspiration for a whole collection — one message at a time.

Happy creating!

Why This Winter Wall Art Is a Great Creative Project

Materials

• Printer* (I show you my printer as I really think it's perfect for this)
• Quality paper or cardstock* — choose weight and finish depending on how you plan to frame or display your art
• Frame*, clipboard, or decorative hanger (optional but recommended)

Print, Frame & Display — Making It Real

Don't forget: No matter if you create this wall art for yourself or for sale it's essential that you print your artwork bevor you sell it. You wanna know if "it works" - meaning: Does it look crisp? Is it centered? Does the font look nice?
After exporting:

1. Print the art on quality paper or cardstock.

2. Trim carefully if you printed with margins.

3. Frame it — or mount it on cardboard / decorative hanger / clipboard.

4. Hang it on a wall, place it on a shelf, or give it as a handcrafted winter gift.

One small piece can completely change the vibe of a room — turning cold winter days into cozy, art-filled moments.

Creative Ideas & Variations to Explore

Once you've tried the base design, the creative possibilities are endless:

• Create a set of 3–5 matching winter prints — perfect for a gallery wall.

• Make seasonal variations: minimal winter, holiday-themed, cozy home-winter, snowy forest, Nordic style.

• Try colour shifts: black & white for a minimalist look; muted tones for a Scandinavian feel; or warm pastels for a cozy winter-morning atmosphere.

• Add handwritten elements — maybe a personal quote, a poem, or a name/date to turn it into a gift piece.

• Use the design as a printable card or postcard — not just wall art.

This simple winter art tutorial becomes a versatile base for all kinds of creative projects.

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Why This Project Matters (More Than Just Seasonal Decor)

Working on a small printable like this is more than just a cozy winter activity. It’s a learning moment:

• You build skills in layout, composition, colour theory, typography.

• You learn how to prepare digital art for print — a different mindset than screen-only design.

• You experiment with mood and atmosphere — how colours, shapes, and spacing evoke feelings.

• You create something tangible: a piece of art you can hold, display, gift.

These skills carry over to bigger projects: poster design, printables, digital prints for sale, even booklets, cards, or seasonal product ranges.

Let Creativity Warm Up Your Space

Winter doesn’t have to feel cold and dull — not when you invite a little DIY magic in. With just the free version of Affinity Studio, some inspiration, and a bit of time, you can create beautiful, printable wall art that adds warmth, personality, and seasonal spirit to your home (or makes a thoughtful handmade gift).

If you enjoyed the video — and this walkthrough — why not try it now? Download Affinity Studio, set up a new canvas, and see what winter vision comes to life under your mouse.

Happy designing — and stay cozy. 

Why Halloween Tags Are a Great Beginner Project

Gift tags are small, manageable designs — just enough space to play with layout, text, colors, and clipart, but not so much that you get overwhelmed. They’re also a perfect fit if you want an easy printable for:

• small gifts
• classroom presents
• party favors
• Halloween-themed bake goods
• autumn goodie bags

Because all you need is a cute illustration, a bit of typography, and some simple layout steps, you’ll have a finished result in no time.

And the best part?
Affinity Studio (actually now the free version) gives you everything you need to make it look professional.

No matter if you want to design these cute halloween tags to sell them as a digital product or if you want to decorate your presents you will need to try out your design once created. In our case this means that you print it out, cut it out and put a little twine in so you know if it fits to your presents.

Of course you cannot just create some tags from this huge set! There is much more and the best thing: You get a commercial use license so you can sell whatever you create.
Here are the tools and materials you need to try out your printable projects (not just this one but any).

Materials

• Printable cardstock* (around 300 gsm works beautifully)
• String, ribbon, or twine*
• A small hole punch*
• Optional: double-sided tape or glue if attaching the tag to paper packaging

Printing & Crafting the Tag

Once designed, it’s time to bring the digital piece into the real world!

1. Print your tag on sturdy cardstock.

2. Cut along the tag outline.

3. Punch a hole at the top.

4. Thread ribbon or twine through.

5. Attach it to your gift bag, treat box, or jar.

This tiny handmade detail transforms even a simple chocolate bar into a charming seasonal gift.

Creative Variations to Try Next

Once you finish this project (and you will!), here are ideas to expand your growing design library:

• A set of 6 matching Halloween tags
• A more subtle Sprint/Summer/Autumn or Winter version
• A cute Kids’ Party version with softer colors
• A teacher gift version for classroom treats
• A printable sheet with multiple tag designs
• A full Halloween Party Printable Kit

Small designs often become the foundation for entire collections — and collections are powerful if you want to build your own printable business.

What This Project Teaches You (Beyond Halloween)

This little tag is more than a seasonal craft — it’s a gentle introduction to core design concepts you will use again and again:

• layout

• hierarchy

• color matching

• typography

• exporting for print

• building cohesive collections

Every printable begins with these basic skills. By practicing them on a small project like this, you build confidence to tackle bigger designs such as wall art, party sets, or full printable bundles.

Keep Creating!

Whether you’re designing just for fun or building your own digital shop, this Halloween tag is a beautiful, simple way to keep your creative energy flowing. And once you understand the workflow, you can repurpose the entire process for any season or occasion.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, make sure to explore the Safari Lounge Designer Classes for templates, clipart, and classes that support your creative journey.

You’re building real skills — one tiny project at a time.
And that’s exactly how every successful designer starts.

Happy creating!

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What You Need:

Before we begin, make sure you have the following ready:

• Affinity Designer – Installed on your computer (we’re using the desktop version); it's free now so get it right away here.
• Watercolor texture – An image file to use as the card’s background. (Safari Lounge Designer Classes members can download exclusive watercolor textures in various sizes for projects like this! Go here to join the Safari Lounge
• Christmas graphics (clipart) – We’ll use a cute little bear illustration and a Christmas tree graphic. Find it here.
• Font duo – Two fonts that pair well together, typically one handwritten/script and one sans-serif. Find it here.

With these assets in hand, let’s dive into the design process!

Step 1: Set Up Your Document in Affinity Designer

To start, open Affinity Designer and create a new document for your card:

1. Create a New Document: Go to File > New. In the New Document dialog, set up the dimensions for your card. For example, you might choose a standard greeting card size like 5 x 7 inches (portrait orientation) or an A6 card. If you plan to print, ensure the Units are in inches or millimeters (whichever you prefer) and the document is in Portrait orientation (taller than wide) if that suits your design.
2. Set Print Resolution: Under DPI (resolution), enter 300 DPI – this is the standard quality for printing to ensure your card looks crisp and not pixelated.
3. Color Format: Choose an appropriate color mode. For home or small-scale printing, RGB is usually fine, but if you’re sending to a professional printer, you might use CMYK if required. (Check with your printer’s guidelines; otherwise, RGB/8 works for most cases.) You can leave the color profile at the default for now.
4. Margins/Bleed (Optional): If you want to add a bleed (extra area for edge-to-edge printing) or margin guides, you can set those in the Margins and Bleed tabs before creating the document. For a simple card with a white border or background that doesn’t go to the edge, you may not need a bleed.
5. Create the Document: Click Create to open your new document canvas.

Now you should see a blank canvas set to the size of your card. We’re ready to start building our Christmas card design on this canvas.

Step 2: Add a Watercolour Texture Background

Next, we’ll add a warm, watercolor texture to serve as the background of our card. This gives the card a cozy, hand-painted feel instead of a plain solid color background:

• Place the Texture: In Affinity Designer, go to File > Place (or use the Place Image Tool on the toolbar) and locate your watercolor texture image file. Click Open, then click on your document canvas to place it. It will insert the image onto your canvas. You can also do it as I show in the video, just drag and drop it onto your card.
• Resize to Fit: With the placed texture selected, drag the corner handles while holding Shift (to maintain aspect ratio) until the texture covers the entire canvas. Position it so that it fills the background. If your texture isn’t the exact aspect ratio of the card, you can let it bleed over the edges a bit – anything beyond the canvas will be cropped out upon export, or you can adjust the placement until it looks good.
• Layer Arrangement: Check the Layers panel to ensure the texture is at the bottom (background layer). If it’s not, you can click and drag that layer down below other elements (we will add more elements soon). You might want to rename this layer “Watercolor Background” for clarity.
• Texture Look: Most watercolor texture images have a subtle variation in color and brightness. If your texture is too bold or vibrant, you can lower its Opacity in the Layers panel (for example, set to 50–70%) to make it more subdued. Conversely, if it’s too light, consider duplicating the layer or increasing contrast. For our design, a gentle neutral watercolor wash works great to let the text and graphics stand out.

Safari Lounge Tip: If you’re a member of the Safari Lounge Designer Classes, you can download a set of watercolour textures from the class resources. They come in different sizes and ratios, so you can pick one that closely matches your card dimensions for less scaling distortion. These ready-to-use textures make it easy to achieve a professional look in your projects! Find them inside the Member's area.

Now our canvas has a lovely watercolor backdrop, which will make the cute illustrations and text we add next feel even more special.

Step 3: Import Your Cute Christmas Graphics (Bear and Tree)

With the background in place (please don't forget to lock it), it’s time to bring in the star of our card – the graphics! We’ll be adding two main graphic elements: a little bear (for a cute focal point) and a Christmas tree (to enrich the scene and fill the background). Find them under the added links above. You can use the same ones or any similar graphics you like.

Follow these steps to import and position your graphics (or do it as I show in the video):

• Place the Bear Illustration: Go to File > Place again, and choose your bear graphic file (for example, a PNG of a cute bear, possibly wearing a scarf or Santa hat). Click on the canvas to place it. If it comes in very large or small, resize it by dragging the corners (hold Shift to keep it proportional) until the bear is an appropriate size for your card. A good rule of thumb is to make it large enough to be the centerpiece of the card without touching the edges – perhaps about half or two-thirds the height of the card. Position the bear slightly towards the top of the card, since we’ll put text under it.
• Place the Christmas Tree: Repeat the process to place the Christmas tree graphic (PNG format recommended). Since the tree is more of a background element in our design, scale the tree and position it behind the bear. You might want the tree either to the side of the bear or directly behind it, depending on your composition. In our case, we put the tree shape off to one side in the background to frame the bear.
• Manage Layers: In the Layers panel, make sure the tree’s layer is below the bear’s layer (so the bear isn’t obscured). If the tree came in on top, just drag the tree layer underneath the bear layer. Now the bear should appear in front of the tree.
• Adjust Composition: Take a moment to tweak the positioning. Center the bear horizontally, or give it a slight offset if that looks better with your text layout. The tree can be partially off-canvas or fully on, whatever looks nice. You might rotate the tree a little or duplicate it for more foliage – but to keep it simple, one tree graphic is enough to suggest a festive setting. Ensure no important part of the graphics is too close to the edge, especially if you plan to print (to avoid anything getting cut off).
• Consistency in Style: Because we’re using watercolor-style graphics (in our example, the bear and tree have a hand-painted look), they naturally match the watercolor paper texture background. If you use vector or solid-color clipart, that can work too – the contrast between a watercolor background and flat graphics can be stylistically interesting. Just make sure the colors of your graphics complement the background (you can always adjust brightness/saturation in Affinity if needed by applying adjustment layers).

Now you should see your card coming to life: a friendly little bear and a festive tree adorning the textured background. All that’s missing is a holiday greeting to tie it together – which we’ll add next.

Step 4: Add the “Merry Everything” Text with a Font Duo

No Christmas card is complete without a holiday greeting! In this design, we’re using the phrase “Merry Everything” as a fun, inclusive twist on the usual greetings. We’ll make the text stand out by using two different fonts in a complementary pair (often called a font duo in design terms). One will be a handwritten/script style and the other a clean sans-serif, giving a nice contrast and playful look.

Here’s how to add and style your text:

• Use the Artistic Text Tool: Select the Artistic Text Tool (the capital "A" icon in the toolbar on the left). Click on your canvas (above the bear, for example) and type the words “Merry everything”. This creates a single line of text. Don’t worry about exact placement yet; we’ll adjust that soon. Now, create another artistic text object and type “and happy always”. By using two separate text objects, we can easily apply different fonts to each word and move them independently.
• Choose Your Fonts: With the “Merry everything” text object selected, go to the font dropdown (on top toolbar) and choose your cursive or handwritten font.
• Adjust Text Size and Style: Increase the font size of both words as needed so that together they fill a nice space on the card without overpowering the graphics. Typically, the script “Merry everything” might be larger and more decorative. Adjust until it looks balanced. You can also experiment with the color of the text: white or a very dark color often works on a textured background. In our design, I opted for a dark charcoal color for the text to ensure it’s readable against the light watercolor background.
• Position the Text: Move the text elements into place. Usually, centering them is a safe bet: center “Merry everything” horizontally near the top third of the card, and place “and happy always” just below it. Align “and happy always” centrally under “Merry everything”. You can use Affinity’s alignment tools or smart guides to help center them. Ensure the text is not too close to the edges; leave some margin so it looks well-framed.

Take a step back and review your design. The combination of script and sans-serif in “Merry Everything” and "and happy always" should look harmonious and festive. The handwritten font brings warmth, and the sans-serif keeps it clear and modern. The text, bear, tree, and background together create a balanced composition.

Step 5: Export Your Card as a PDF and Save Your Work

With the design finished, it’s time to export the card so you can print it or share it. We’ll export as a PDF for a high-quality print-ready file. We’ll also save an editable project file in case you want to tweak the design later (saving the Affinity Designer file is important for backup and future edits).

Exporting as PDF:

1. Go to File > Export. In the Export dialog, you’ll see many format tabs (PNG, JPEG, PDF, etc.). Click on the PDFtab since we want a PDF.
2. In the PDF section, there may be Presets; if available, choose a preset like “PDF (for print)” or “PDF (HQ print)”which is ideal for high quality. This will ensure 300 DPI output and CMYK color if needed. If no preset, just make sure the DPI is 300 and rasterization is set to “unsupported properties” (the default).
3. Click Export and choose a location to save your PDF. Name it something like “MerryEverythingCard.pdf”. Now you have a PDF version of your card design which you can send to a printer or print at home on cardstock. (Many printing services accept PDFs and this format preserves your layout and quality nicely.)

Saving the .afdesign file:

Before closing Affinity Designer, save your working file: Go to File > Save (or Save As if it’s the first time saving this project) and save the document as an Affinity Designer file (.afdesign). This native file will retain all your layers, text, and image information. By saving the .afdesign, you can reopen it later to make changes or reuse elements for another project. Give it a name like “MerryEverythingCard.afdesign” and keep it as a backup.

Now you have both a print-ready PDF and an editable original file. It’s a good practice to keep the original file safe, especially if you might want to adjust the design for next year or create a series of different cards.

Printing Tips: If you plan to print at home, use a nice cardstock or photo paper for best results. Set your printer to high quality and actual size (100% scale). If you exported with bleed, ensure the printer or cutting aligns properly. For professional printing, you can upload the PDF to their service or bring it on a USB drive – they’ll handle the rest.

Finishing Touches and Conclusion

Congratulations – you’ve designed a cute Christmas card in Affinity Designer! With a lovely watercolour background, charming holiday clipart, and a stylish “Merry Everything” and "and happy always" greeting, your card is ready to spread some cheer. Feel free to get creative and personalize it further: you could add additional elements like snowflakes, sparkles, or a personalized message inside. The skills you practiced here – working with textures, images, and font pairing – can be applied to countless other projects and designs.

Safari Lounge Designer Classes – Learn & Access More!

If you enjoyed this tutorial and want to continue growing your design skills, consider joining the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. As a member, you get access to a treasure trove of design workshops, templates and graphic assets every month – including clipart sets. The classes are beginner-friendly, bite-sized, and cover a range of projects (from cards and wall art to planners and beyond). Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive creative community.

Special Offer: You can try Safari Lounge Designer Classes with a free 3 days trial – jump in and access all classes and downloads to see if it’s right for you. It’s a great way to get guidance, inspiration, and commercial-use graphics for your projects (so you don’t have to hunt all over for assets). We’d love to have you create alongside us in the Safari Lounge! 

Happy Designing and Happy Holidays! May your “Merry Everything” card bring smiles to its recipients. If you have any questions or want to share how your card turned out, drop a comment below. I'm excited to see your creations and hope this tutorial inspires you to craft more lovely printables with Affinity Designer. Merry everything and a happy always! 

Why Thank You Tags Are a Smart Beginner Product

Many moms dream of starting a small printable shop but worry that it’s too complicated or time-consuming. The truth? You don’t have to begin with a 50-page planner or a huge party pack.

Thank you tags are:

• Quick to design – You only need a small canvas, 2–3 clipart pieces, and simple text.

• Versatile – They can be used for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, small businesses, and teacher gifts.

• Low-risk – They’re affordable products for customers, which makes them easy to sell.

• Bundle-friendly – You can sell them individually or add them as part of larger sets (party printables, bath bomb labels, favor kits).

This makes them an excellent “gateway product” — both for your customers and for you as a designer.

Why Bath Bombs + Thank You Tags Are a Winning Combo

Bath bombs are already a gift people love. They’re small, budget-friendly, and have that “treat yourself” feeling. Adding a printable thank you tag turns them into:

That’s why thank you tags with themes like safari animals, florals, or seasonal designs are in such high demand. They’re cute, practical, and help buyers add a professional touch without spending much.

How to Create Your Own Printable Thank You Tags

Quick Recipe: DIY Bath Bombs to Pair with Your Tags

Want to make your product photos even more appealing? Show your tags in use with homemade bath bombs. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda*
• 1/2 cup citric acid*
• 1/2 cup cornstarch*
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt*
• 3 tbsp coconut oil* (melted)
• 1 tsp water
• 15–20 drops essential oil (lavender*, citrus*, or eucalyptus*)
• Optional: a few drops of food coloring or mica powder
• Bath bomb molds*

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.

2. Mix wet ingredients in another.

3. Slowly whisk wet into dry until it feels like damp sand.

4. Pack tightly into molds and let sit 24 hours.

5. Remove carefully and store in an airtight container.

Pair them with your tags tied on with twine or ribbon — instant “wow factor” for photos and sales!

Pro Tip for Side Hustle Moms

Don’t wait until you have a huge catalog to launch. Start small with thank you tags. They build confidence, help you learn the platforms (Etsy, your website, or even Teachers Pay Teachers), and they make a great first sale item.

Once you’ve tested the waters, you can expand your collection into full party sets, planners, or seasonal kits.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’d like to speed up the process, check out the Savanna Dreams Clipart Kit inside the Safari Lounge. It comes with adorable safari animals, trees, and leaves — everything you need to design your own thank you tags and beyond.

Inside the Safari Lounge, you’ll also find step-by-step tutorials, clipart packs, and a supportive community to help you grow your printable side hustle with confidence. But that's not all - I've also added all the templates, e.g. the tags are inside as well so you just need to double click onto the downloaded document and start designing!

1. Low-Cost Printables Lower the Barrier to Entry

One of the biggest obstacles for new customers is the fear of spending money on a brand they don’t know yet.

A low-priced printable (think $2–$7) removes that fear. It feels like a tiny commitment — small enough that buyers don’t hesitate, yet valuable enough to show off your style and quality.

Tip: Choose something small, useful, and instantly gratifying like gift tags, wall art, planner inserts, or party decorations.

 2. They Build Trust Through Quick Wins

Low-cost printables are fast to download and easy to use — which means customers experience an immediate win.

This instant gratification builds trust. They see your quality, love your design style, and will feel confident buying from you again (especially your higher-priced products or memberships).

Think of it like this: A customer who loves your $3 printable is far more likely to purchase your $27 bundle later.

... and start selling! It's all free!

3. They Grow Your Audience and Email List

Because they’re affordable, low-cost printables tend to sell in higher volumes — bringing more customers through your shop.

And if you pair them with an opt-in freebie (like a mini printable from the same set), you can collect email addresses and start building your most valuable business asset: your list of loyal fans.

With every small purchase, you’re planting seeds for long-term relationships.

4. They’re Fast and Simple to Create

Unlike complex courses or big product bundles, low-cost printables can be created quickly and with minimal overhead.

This makes them ideal when you’re just getting started or want to test new ideas. You can create a mini product in a weekend, launch it, and start earning right away — building momentum and confidence as you go.

Bonus: You can later bundle several of these mini products into larger, higher-priced offers.

5. They Provide Evergreen Passive Income

Once created, your low-cost printable can continue to sell for years.

They don’t require inventory, shipping, or constant upkeep — meaning you can earn passive income while focusing on creating new designs or marketing your shop.

Over time, a library of small printables can become a consistent revenue stream that grows with each new release.

6. They Work Perfectly as a Funnel to Bigger Offers

Think of low-cost printables as the first step in your customer journey.

Once someone buys one, you can:

• Offer them a discount on a larger bundle
• Invite them to join your membership (like my Pepper Printable Club)
• Upsell matching products, templates, or clipart sets

This creates a natural sales funnel that starts with something easy and low-risk, then leads to higher-value purchases as trust builds.

Your Action Plan

If you’re dreaming of starting your own creative business, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to launch a giant product line.

Instead, start small — create one beautiful low-cost printable and release it into the world. You’ll gain:

• Experience selling digital products
• Early income and momentum
• Your first real customers

Those tiny first steps will add up to something big — and before you know it, you’ll have a thriving shop, a loyal audience, and the freedom to design the life you want.

Oh, and don't forget: You can actually add these printable into your Etsy Shop. Again, low-cost printables will encourage new customers to "try you out" - even if you have no audience yet, no reviews and a few to no customers.

Low-cost printables are more than just small products — they’re powerful stepping stones. They give you a safe, sustainable way to build trust, test ideas, and create income as you grow your creative brand.

So, start simple. Start small. Start today.
And watch your side hustle blossom into a thriving business.

Need help? Join me in the Safari Lounge and don't forget to join the Library so you get free printables and free workshops to start designing right away!

Step 1: Download the Free Clipart

Grab your freebie, download Affinity Designer from the Serif website (free trial available) and design a cupcake topper. Follow along with the help of this tutorial. The graphics are different but the idea is the same!

Here are more ideas what you can design with this free clipart set from the Library: 

• Party favor tags
• Birthday banners
• Thank-you cards
• Memory game cards

The soft watercolour style creates a warm, joyful atmosphere — and it’s gender-neutral, perfect for any little adventurer.

Step 2: Craft With Your Kids

Invite your kids to help cut, glue, and assemble the decorations. It’s a beautiful way to:

• Spark their creativity

• Make them feel part of the celebration

• Enjoy quality time together before the big day

Even busy moms can fit this in during quiet moments after school or on a Sunday afternoon.

Step 3: Take the First Step Toward a Side Hustle

In the Safari Lounge I teach moms how to design printables using clipart like this, set up their shops, and build steady income from their creativity. The clipart are inside the Safari Lounge together with templates and workshops.

Your child’s birthday is the perfect reason to start creating — and maybe even your first step into a flexible, fun business that fits your life as a mom.

Download your free Savanna Dreams Clipart Add-On here and explore more clipart kits, templates, and beginner tutorials inside the Safari Lounge

Step 1: Start With What You Love

A side hustle shouldn’t feel like another chore. Begin with the things that light you up — the crafts, colors, or celebrations that make your heart happy.

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy planning birthday parties or holiday décor?
• Do I love drawing, painting, or designing little things on the computer?
• Do I often create printable checklists, games, or cards for my family?

These passions are the seeds of your future products.

Tip: Inside the Safari Lounge, you’ll find themed clipart kits that can spark new ideas and help you design even if you’re not confident about drawing.

Step 2: Create Your First Simple Product

Start small — you don’t need a full shop on day one. Choose one easy product, like:

• A set of printable cupcake toppers (those above are in the Library , for free - if you want a look!)
• A coloring page
• A birthday invitation template
• A seasonal wall art design

Use software like Affinity Designer or Microsoft PowerPoint (both beginner-friendly) and combine your design with ready-made clipart to save time.

In the Safari Lounge, you’ll get both the clipart and the templates for Affinity Designer (there is a free trial on the Serif website)  to jump-start this step.

Step 3: Sell on a Beginner-Friendly Platform

Once your design is ready, upload it to a marketplace such as:

• Etsy – perfect for party printables, wall art, and home décor
• Teachers Pay Teachers – great if your products are educational
• Your own website or blog, once you’re ready for more control

Keep your pricing simple, and remember: your first product is a milestone, not a masterpiece.

Step 4: Grow at Your Own Pace

The magic of a printable business is that your products can sell again and again without extra work. As you add more items, your shop can quietly earn while you focus on family time.

Set a gentle schedule that works for you:

• One new product a week or every two weeks
• A monthly theme (e.g. Halloween, Christmas, spring parties)
• Batch your design time while the kids are napping or at school

The Safari Lounge includes video classes that guide you through building a system, so your business grows steadily without burnout.

Step 5: Celebrate Every Little Win

Every download, every sale, and every “Wow, you made this?!” is worth celebrating. Your side hustle isn’t just about income — it’s about creativity, confidence, and carving out something that’s truly yours.

With patience and consistency, your kitchen-table hobby can blossom into a full-fledged brand.

Your creativity is more powerful than you think. You don’t need a business degree, a big budget, or endless free time — just the willingness to start, even small.

Ready to take your first step?
Join the Safari Lounge today and unlock:

• Beginner-friendly design tutorials
• Ready-to-use clipart kits
• Printable templates
• A supportive community of creative moms

And you don’t even have to start from scratch. With my free Trick or Treat Treasures Add-On Clipart Set, you can begin designing Halloween printables today!

What’s Inside the Free Halloween Add-On

• 1 coordinating digital paper (12x12", 300 DPI)

It’s just a small taste of the full Trick or Treat Treasures Clipart Collection (you can find in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes), but it’s more than enough to start experimenting with your very first printable products.

What You Can Create with This Freebie

Here are just a few ways you can turn these graphics into ready-to-sell products (or use them for your own celebrations at home):

• Bookmarks - quick to design, loved by teachers, parents, and kids
• Water Bottle Labels - easy party decor everyone will appreciate
• Cupcake Toppers & Wrappers - always a hit on Etsy during Halloween
• Party Invitations - simple, editable designs sell very well
• Decor Signs - “Happy Halloween” prints or cute kid-friendly posters
• Activity Sheets - memory games, coloring pages, or scavenger hunts

You’ll notice in the photos above that even this small freebie can already be used in dozens of ways.

Repurpose Once, Sell Many Times

The secret to building a side hustle with printables is repurposing one design into multiple products.

• That witch illustration? She could be on a bookmark, a party invite, or even a planner sticker.
• The cozy house? Perfect for water bottle labels, recipe cards, or a printable wall sign.
• The black cat? He could appear on cupcake toppers, Halloween treat tags, or even tote bags.

One single illustration gives you endless possibilities — and once the design is finished, you can sell it an unlimited number of times. That’s why digital products are so powerful for busy moms: you create once, and the income keeps coming.

 A Side Hustle That Fits Your Life

You don’t need to be a professional designer or spend hours learning complicated software. Programs like Affinity Designer (you'll get familiar with in each workshop in the Safari Lounge) make it easy to create printables with just a few clicks.

Start small:

1. Download the freebie.
2. Pick one product idea (like bookmarks).
3. Create your design in Affinity Designer (there is a free trial on the Serif website).
4. Save as PDF.
5. Test it with your kids or friends — then list it on Etsy or TeachersPayTeachers.

The best part? Every new product you add builds your shop, your audience, and your income potential.

Download Your Free Halloween Add-On

Ready to take the first step?
Download the Trick or Treat Treasures Add-On Freebie here:

Ready to take the first step?
Download the Trick or Treat Treasures Add-On Freebie here:

Use it to create one printable this week — whether it’s a bookmark, a sign, or cupcake toppers. See how fun it feels to turn creativity into something real you can share (and even sell).

And if you want to learn step by step how to turn clipart into printables that sell, join me inside the Safari Lounge. You’ll get workshops, kits, and the support you need to grow your printable side hustle.

Why Baby Printables Are a Great Side Hustle

Baby-related products are evergreen. Every year, thousands of parents celebrate baby showers, first birthdays, and monthly milestones. That means there’s always demand for:

• Baby shower invitations
• Printable party games
• Nursery wall art
• Monthly milestone cards
• Birthday decorations

Unlike physical products, printables are digital downloads. You create them once, and they can sell again and again without extra effort. That’s what makes them such a powerful passive income stream.

Step 1: Pick Your Niche

The world of baby printables is wide, so it helps to narrow your focus. Some profitable niches include:

• Baby showers (games, invitations, signs)
• Nursery decor (watercolor animals, safari themes, dinosaurs)
• Milestone cards (monthly baby photos, first year)
• Birthday party printables (cake toppers, banners, thank-you cards)

Example: My cute dinosaur theme can work across baby showers, nurseries, and birthdays — giving you plenty of products from one design set.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

You don’t need fancy software to get started. Here are beginner-friendly tools:

• Affinity Designer (free trial available) – follow along in my workshops to get your first printables done
• Safari Lounge Designer Classes – affordable source to get clipart bundles (all in the same style!), templates and workshops

That's it!

Step 3: Create Your First Product

Start simple! A great beginner product is a baby shower game bundle or a set of milestone cards. For example:

• Baby Shower Bingo
• Guess the Sweets
• Monthly “1–12 Months” cards

Keep the design consistent with your chosen theme (e.g., dinosaurs, safari animals, or woodland animals, you can find all inside the Safari Lounge Designer Class - and samples for FREE in the Library). Add easy-to-read text and fun illustrations. Make sure your files are high-quality (300 DPI, PDF or PNG with transparent background, ready to print).

Step 4: Set Up Your Etsy Shop

• Open your Etsy seller account.
• Create a shop name that reflects your niche (e.g., “Tiny Dino Printables” or “Safari Baby Co.”).
• Upload your designs with clear product photos/mockups (use styled nursery mockups to make them look real). Here is a GREAT course to learn more about creating mockups*, saves 100s of Dollars and many headaches to find the right ones!
• Write a clear, keyword-rich title (e.g., “Dinosaur Baby Shower Games – Cute Printable Bingo & Party Bundle”).
• Add 13 optimised tags (think: “baby shower game,” “printable bingo,” “dino birthday”).

Step 5: Market With Freebies

Step 6: Grow Your Business

Over time, your shop can grow into a steady income stream — even while you’re busy raising little ones.

Final Thoughts

Selling baby printables on Etsy is one of the most beginner-friendly side hustles for moms. You don’t need to be a professional artist — you just need an eye for cute, on-trend designs (and if you don't already have them, you can definitely learn that in the Safari Lounge!) and the willingness to learn. With tools like Affinity Designer, affordable clipart from the Safari Lounge Designer Classes, and platforms like Etsy, you can start small and grow into a thriving creative business.

 Want to see how easy it is? Download my free Dinosaur Birthday Printable to inspire your first design — and imagine how many moms would love your creations too!

can try it out and even sell your first printable completely free. 

Create a Nursery Room Wall art

... or let's do a baby shower invitation or a Baby Bingo - creating Baby Milestone cards are also no problem!

See, all that is possible to create from this little freebie!
Sign up for the newsletter and I'll send you the password for the Library. There you can download tons of these freebies for different clipart sets and get your fingers dirty!

And, if you enjoy it - consider joining the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. There you get the full clipart sets which offer you the chance to create 10+ printable and therefore products you can sell from a set (I've added the matching workshops, of course - as well as the templates you need!)

Here is the full Dino's Adventures Kit I have for you inside the Safari Lounge Designer Classes!

Here is what's possible if you use the same style every single time you design a new printable!

You don't have to stop here - I created the Clipart Set in a way that it is not just meant for birthdays. I also added neutral Dinos in different situations with toys, sleeping in a box and much more. And I did that to give you the option to not only design birthday printables but also wall art, notebooks, pen cups and whatever suits a little dino  

This set is also perfect for memory cards or bottle wrappers. Even lunch box cards will get a beautiful touch!
In any case you'll have fun designing!

Ready to see what you could create in just one afternoon? Let’s dive in!

1. Printable Party Invitations

Nothing sets the tone for a Halloween party like a themed invitation. With the witch kids, cauldron, pumpkins, and spooky background papers from the kit, you can quickly create a one-page invite that’s festive and personal.

Tip: Keep your template simple so you can reuse it for other themes later.

2. Cupcake Toppers

Kids love cupcakes almost as much as candy! Create circle toppers with the black cat, little witch, and pumpkin elements. Print them on cardstock, cut them out, and attach them to toothpicks—instant party magic - or a perfect printable to sell!

3. Trick-or-Treat Bag Tags

Parents will adore little “Happy Halloween” bag toppers or tags to staple onto candy bags. With the add-on pack (available as a freebie in the Library), you already have perfect characters and seasonal leaves to decorate them.

4. Halloween Wall Art

Seasonal wall art is always a hit! Combine the haunted house, moon, and witch on a broomstick into a printable sign that says “Trick or Treat” or “Spooky Fun This Way.” It’s quick to design and looks amazing framed or pinned up.

5. Kids’ Games

Screen-free time is valuable these days so use the elements to make a printable bingo card, a memory game, or even a “spot the cat” activity page. These are fantastic for parties, classrooms, or just a cozy family night in.

Why Start from Scratch When You Don’t Have To?

• Dozens of full clipart kits (including Halloween, fall, safari animals, and more)
• Step-by-step workshops to show you how to turn them into products
• A supportive learning space where you can build your creative side hustle

All of this for a really small price - check it out!

Join the Safari Lounge today and start designing your own Halloween printables this week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring your ideas to life.

And don't forget: There is a freebie waiting for you inside the Library!

Want a treat no matter if it's Halloween or not?

Trick or Treat Treasures Freebie

Why Repurposing is a Game-Changer for Your Printable Business

Creating printables from scratch can be time-consuming. You have to come up with a theme, sketch or illustrate the graphics, choose colors, and make sure all the elements match. That’s a lot of work for one product — and it’s no wonder so many people give up before they even get started.

By starting with a high-quality clipart set, you can:

• Save time — The art is already done for you, everything well extracted and in 300 dpi ready to print.

• Keep your products consistent — All your designs match in style and color.

• Offer bundles — Multiple products in the same theme create more value for buyers.

• Increase your income potential — You can sell each product individually or as a themed bundle.

The key here is repurposing — taking one asset and creating several related products your customers can mix and match.

Product Idea #1: Birthday Party Invitation

Pro tip: Offer both a “fill-in-the-blank” printable version and an editable template version (using Canva or Corjl) for more sales.

Product Idea #2: Party Decorations Kit

Once someone buys your invitation, they’re likely to need matching decorations — and that’s where you can upsell.

• Cupcake toppers

• Welcome banner (“Squeeze the Day!”)

• Lemon garland

• Table signs for food and drinks

These take minimal extra time to create since you’re reusing the same clipart from the invitation.

Product Idea #3: Recipe Cards

Product Idea #4: Kids’ Memory Matching Game

Product Idea #5: Wall Art Prints

How to Sell More by Bundling

Here’s where it gets powerful: instead of selling each product separately, bundle them.
Example: Lemon Squeeze Summer Party Bundle could include:

• Invitation template

• Party decorations kit

• Recipe cards

Bundles let you:

• Charge more per sale

• Increase perceived value

• Make your shop look polished and professional

One high-quality clipart set can be the starting point for an entire mini-collection of products. By repurposing your design assets, you’re not only saving time but also creating multiple ways to earn income — without having to start from scratch every time.

So if you’ve been waiting to start your printable business because you thought you needed dozens of different graphics or advanced design skills — start with one set, like Lemon Squeeze, and see just how far it can take you.
You can find the set with commercial use rights in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes... Join now, you have a free trial!

Step 1: Recognize Your Strengths as a Printable Creator

You may not think of yourself as a designer, but if you’ve ever:

• Made planner pages, kids’ games, or party decor
• Designed labels for your pantry or gifts
• Crafted home decor from digital downloads

…you’re already creating printables! Your natural creativity and attention to detail are exactly what makes you a great fit for this.

Tip: You don’t need a design degree or expensive software to get started. Many successful printable sellers start with PowerPoint or Affinity Designer!

Step 2: What Kind of Printables Should You Sell?

Printables are everywhere—planners, homeschool resources, pantry labels, reward charts, art prints, wall calendars, gift tags, games, even decor. The key is finding your sweet spot where:

• Your interests intersect with

• What people are already buying

You might ask yourself:

• Do I love organizing and planning? ? Create planners or goal trackers.

• Am I a homeschooler or teacher? ? Design educational printables.

• Is home decor my thing? ? Offer art prints, labels, banners, and seasonal sets.

Your hobbies can become product ideas—and your style is what makes them stand out.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools (Don’t Overthink It)

You can start your printable business with just a few simple tools:

• Design software (PowerPoint or Affinity Designer)
• A site to sell on (your blog, Etsy, Gumroad, or even email)
• A PDF export option (to turn your designs into ready-to-print files)

Don’t worry about being perfect—what matters is getting started and learning as you go.

Want step-by-step guidance on using these tools? The Safari Lounge Designer Classes walk you through the entire process—from design basics to launching your first product.

Step 4: Make Your First Product (Keep It Simple)

Choose a small project to begin, like:

• A daily planner

• A pantry label set

• A printable summer banner

• A kids’ reward chart

Design it. Save it as a PDF. Package it with a cover image and instructions—and you have your first product! 

Starting small gives you momentum, builds confidence, and teaches you what your audience wants more of.

Step 5: Grow with Strategy & Support

Once you’ve made your first printable, what’s next?

• Add it to a shop or marketplace

• Promote it on Pinterest or social media

• Start building an email list

• Learn how to batch, bundle, and brand your products

This is where many moms get stuck—but you don’t have to do it alone.

The Safari Lounge Designer Classes are here to guide you step-by-step through this journey. From design tools to product strategy, you’ll get the skills, confidence, and support to grow your own creative business—without the overwhelm.

Final Thoughts: Your Creativity is Enough

You already have what it takes to succeed in the printable world: creativity, care, and curiosity. Don’t let tech overwhelm or imposter syndrome hold you back.

Just start. One printable. One project. One moment of courage.

And if you’d love support from someone who’s been there, the Safari Lounge Designer Classes are waiting for you—with tools, tutorials, and a creative community cheering you on.

I tried it all. I focused on SEO (which is quite successful). I focused on backlinks. I focused on Facebook and Instagram. I posted my products in forums and in different galleries - actually that was something I did back in 2010 when Digidesignresort was just new. That was just the way you did advertising those days. And then I somehow "lost" it. I didn't jump on the social media train and then I had a hard time to get on it. And I still do. Until I figured a way which suits me and the time I can devote to my business.
Maybe that sounds like you as well? You are creating beautiful printables, you add them to your store(s) and then... you forget about them. Then they might sell a few times (or not) but you move on. You create the next resource, add it and then it results in the same drama - you sell it a few times and you go on. That's not really motivating.
Maybe you figured: You need to do something differently. 

I did a lot of research online but more often than not I only found the common suggestions: do SEO, post on social media. And yes, I guess that is what works but there are more questions that come up: What social media platform should I post on? And how can you use your time more effectively to make, after all, the most sales?

The answer is, unfortunately, easy. You need an advertising plan and stick to it. And that's also exactly what differentiates someone successful from someone who is not, the advertising part.

I believe it's a combination of three things you actually should do - beside actually having a great product:

SEO, Pinterest and Email Marketing

I believe in efficiency. I cannot spend my entire day posting on Instagram (or any other social media platform). It might be effective to build a community and such when I finally get to that 10,000 followers but that has to come second or even third because I also need time to create new printables and maintain my website aka write blogposts. So that's why I decided to focus this year on three things: SEO, Pinterest and Email Marketing.
These three make a good team. Because: You create blogposts for your website anyway so you can optimise them to let Google know what your posts are about. This brings in free clicks, new visitors and hopefully people which want to settle into your universe and sign up for your email list.
That's definitely one thing to do: You write a blogpost and then wait for Google to pick it up and send you traffic. That works, yes, but that's just a piece of the puzzle.

What if you'd make sure that another platform will also send you consistent traffic?
That might be a game changer! And that's where Pinterest comes into play. Actually Pinterest is, as you have most probably read in each blogpost about Pinterest, not a social media platform but a search engine. Therefore by adding pins there consistently we are leveraging that platform as a traffic source in the same way we do with Google. And, as a result, it will also send us consistent traffic - without posting 24/7 and burning out.

Pinterest is a platform where you post a pin and link it back to your website and then you post another pin to the same blogpost (or another) and another to the same. See how that goes? Sure, of course you don't post the same image again and again. But you can link to the same URL without being banned. And that is what you do to get consistent traffic from Pinterest: You link to your blogposts again and again. And then you write a new, optimised post and you do the same.

In best case when people come to your website you also offer them a lovely freebie they cannot resist and then you are in touch with them because they give you their email address and you can send them new content and offers whenever you want.

You see, that's the easy equation: Blogposts, SEO optimised, then an additional source (Pinterest) - which also brings in consistent traffic - and then email marketing which helps you to stay in touch with your people.

Easy peasy and no need to read 100 blogposts (just like I did) to get the same answer again and again.

Actually this results in some more questions and new problems... How do you optimise a blogpost effectively? How do you create Pins for Pinterest? And once done what do you need to keep in mind when posting them? And, what kind of freebie do you give your peeps to make them sign up for your emails? And, once they have signed up, what emails do you send them?

You see: Questions over questions! But we will get them all sorted!

So, what's the Number One Thing you need to do for your Success as a Teacherpreneur?

You need that "plan" in your head, actually, as Allan Dib says "a business system*". What we talked about today is really valuable. It's your path to success. You need blogposts. You need to optimise them for Google so it can send you traffic. And then you need to leverage another source of traffic so you do not solely rely on Google. In our case that is Pinterest because that also allows you to get consistent traffic.
And, in the end, to stay in touch with your peeps you need email marketing. And that's it. That's, in short, your business blueprint.

Sure, later in the game, when all that is running more or less automatically, you can add a social media platform to build a community there. And yes, then Instagram makes sense for sure! Or you might start a Facebook Group - all good ideas but they shouldn't be anything to start with.

You first need to build a foundation and once done you can add more parts to your equation.

BTW: I also have a lovely freebie for you when you join my email list: The Seasonal Printable Planner! It's an eBook which gives you all (or nearly all) events and holidays throughout a year as well as tons of ideas for digital products and a blog planner. If you use this Seasonal Printable Planner you can easily add the blogposts you need throughout the year, the products you need to create and, in the end, the sales and events you need to set up!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and there are many more in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. You can check it out for 7 days for free.

1. Get Watercolor Paper

Start by creating a document. In this case we need watercolor paper. You have two options to get it. Whether you have some watercolour paper and scan it or you can download it inside the Safari Lounge Designer Classes.
I have an entire pack for you in different ratios in the Safari Lounge (free for download, even if you only make use of the 7 Days free trial).
That's how the package looks, you can see I created them in different ratios which makes it much easier for you to place your design on it in different sizes:

Start with one of the watercolor papers included in my package or open up and resize what you got. Once done you need to draw a heart. 
I'm using Adobe Photoshop for this work but you could definitely use something else as well. I got a package with lots of different hearts from Creative Fabrica* and downloaded it from there. Once you have it open the .csh file in Photoshop and you have all the hearts in your shape library:

Just click on on of the heart shapes and add it to your paper. I have used 2000px for that but it was much too small. You can increase it infinitely and it won't get blurry so adapt it to your needs.

This is how my document looks after I have added and centred my heart.

I have then picked a set of watercolour shamrocks*, cut off the stems and started to "throw" on the heart. Make sure you really throw them - it shouldn't look regular but rather thrown on your paper. Make also sure you follow the shape of the heart and turn off the heart every now and then to see how your heart looks without the shape in the background.

If you need a more detailed instruction consider joining the the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. For free. For 7 Days and yes, you can cancel at any time directly from your dashboard without sending me an email or anything.

Wanna try out another tutorial? It's great fun, isn't it? Check out my Kid's Affirmation Cards Tutorial.

The Power of Themed Color Palettes

New Inspiration from Familiar Themes

Facilitating Creative Exploration

Enhancing Emotional Connectivity

Versatility Across Mediums

Themed color palettes are more than just a collection of colors; they are a gateway to new realms of creativity. They provide a structured approach to color selection while offering enough flexibility for personal interpretation and creativity. For designers looking to keep their work fresh, relevant, and emotionally engaging, delving into the world of themed color palettes is not just a good idea – it’s an essential step in the journey of artistic growth and exploration. So, dive into these palettes and watch as they unfold new chapters of inspiration and innovation in your creative endeavors.

By embracing themed color palettes, printable designers can not only enhance the visual appeal of their projects but also embark on a journey of continuous learning and creative rejuvenation.

Want all these color palettes? They are included in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes!

In this comprehensive guide, I walk you through the process of designing festive Christmas tags using Photoshop, featuring the delightful "Christmas Time*" graphic set by Polikarpovaart. This tutorial is perfect for both aspiring designers and seasoned pros looking to add a special touch to their holiday creations.

1. Choosing the right Graphics:

First of all you need a Christmas-themed graphic set. You do not need the one I use but have a look at the tutorial - I give you a detailed look into the kit so you might want to choose this one.

2. Setting Up Your Photoshop Document:

• Creating a New Document
  Begin by setting up a new Photoshop document. For a gift tag, consider a round shape with dimensions that will fit well on a printable A4 sheet. I have created a tag which has a size of about 7 cm.
  In the tutorial I do not show you how to create the shapes. They are included material in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. If you join you can watch the tutorial without any ads, download the material and ask questions. Of course, there are many more classes you can choose from. 
• Resolution and Color Mode
  Ensure your document is set to high resolution (300 DPI) and in RGB color mode for print quality. I use RGB color mode because it has more hues but in case you wanna have your tags printed by an online printer you should choose CMYK. 2000x2000 px should be fine as the document size. We design in a large size first and later scale it down to the needed 7 cm for our tag.

Here a short overview what we will do in this tutorial:

3. Designing the Gift Tag:

4. Adding Depth to Your Design

• Creating a Winter Scene
  Give life to your tag by designing a little winter scene. Use layer styles and effects to add depth.
• Shadows and Highlights
  Proper use of shadows and highlights can make your design elements pop and give a more three-dimensional feel. In this project I do not use any shadows.

5. Preparing for Print

6. From Design to Sale

Designing Christmas tags in Photoshop can be both fun and rewarding. Whether you're creating for personal use or to sell online, these festive tags can add a special touch to any holiday gift. With the "Christmas Time" graphic set and Photoshop, your creative possibilities are endless. Don't forget: You can download Photoshop for a free trial from the Adobe website.

For more details, material and tutorials consider to join the Safari Lounge!

The Beauty of Digital: A Win-Win for Designers and Customers

As a designer, this approach offers a delightful hands-off business model. Once created, these digital designs can be sold repeatedly, with nearly no additional effort or cost. It's an epitome of efficient and sustainable design, where the product lives in the digital realm until needed.

Customers relish the convenience too. These tags can be printed as needed, reducing waste and offering a personal touch to gift-giving. It's a sustainable choice, aligning perfectly with the growing eco-consciousness among consumers.

Beyond Gift Tags: Unleashing Creative Potential

The versatility of this graphic set doesn't end at gift tags. With a commercial license, the sky's the limit for creative products. Here are some ideas:

1. Custom Christmas Cards: Personalized, print-at-home cards for a heartfelt holiday message.
2. Holiday-Themed Wall Art: Printable art to spruce up home decor for the festive season.
3. Personalised Wrapping Paper: Create a unique wrapping experience with custom designs - that, again - fit to your gift tags and Christmas Cards.
4. Holiday Party Invitations: Craft exclusive invitations for your festive gatherings.
5. Digital Scrapbooking Elements: Perfect for those who love to keep digital scrapbooks.

Sustainable and Creative: A New Holiday Tradition

This approach to holiday gift-giving not only fosters creativity but also promotes sustainability. In a world where digital solutions are increasingly sought after, these printable Christmas gift tags represent a small but significant step towards a more eco-friendly holiday season.

By embracing digital design, we open doors to endless possibilities, making our celebrations more personal, creative, and kinder to our planet. Let's make this season a celebration of innovation and sustainability! Bevor we close these thoughts about creating Christmas Gift Tags and more let me give you some more ideas how to use digital graphic sets.

Creating Printable is not just Holiday related!

While above we focused on a simple Christmas Gift Tag and other holiday related printable there are many more ways to create printable from a graphic set of a fellow designer. And guess what: This can be highly lucrative for designers as well!
When you search on a platform like Etsy you quickly notice that there are businesses build around creating printable. You can find Halloween Games, Baby Shower invitation cards as well as gift cards, birthday cards and more.
So let's have a look at some further ideas about creating and selling printable as a designer:

• Customized Greeting Cards
  Utilizing graphic sets like those of Polikarpovaart, designers can craft an array of personalized greeting cards. Each card can be tailored for different occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. The charm of these cards lies in their unique aesthetic, combining traditional sentiments with modern digital artistry. Beside that, again, you can sell them as often as you like while your customers can print them as often as they like.
• Stylish Wall Art
  These graphics can be transformed into stunning pieces of wall art. By enlarging and printing these designs, customers can add a touch of elegance to their home decor. The variety in the graphic set allows for a range of styles - from minimalistic to intricate - catering to diverse interior design preferences. Please don't just think of Christmas graphic sets. Each designer has a various number of graphic sets in her portfolio so you can choose from a huge amount of products.
• Printable Calendars
  Designers can create beautiful, year-long calendars. Each month can feature a different design from a graphic set, offering a fresh and inspiring start to every month. These calendars can be a hit for office spaces or personal desks, blending functionality with art. In case you want to create something like this I highly recommend using the graphic sets of just one designer to make sure that your designs for all twelve months fit together.
• Custom Notebooks and Journals
  The graphics can adorn the covers of notebooks and journals. Whether it’s for jotting down daily thoughts or sketching, these personalised notebooks can cater to a range of customers, from students to professionals. To give you an idea: You can create low-content books for Amazon and sell those on demand which means that once your customer fells in love with one of your notebooks or journals they can have them printed by Amazon and enjoy a unique piece of art!
• Phone and Laptop Skins
  Translating the graphic set into digital skins for phones and laptops can capture a tech-savvy market. These skins not only protect devices but also add a personal flair, reflecting the owner's taste and style.
• Fabric Prints for Apparel and Accessories
  The graphic set can be printed onto fabric, creating unique patterns for clothing and accessories. This approach can appeal to fashion enthusiasts looking for something different than mass-produced designs.
• Home Decor Items
  Applying these designs to home decor items like cushions, curtains, or tablecloths can add a personal touch to any living space. It’s a great way for customers to integrate art into their daily life.
• Packaging Design
  Small businesses can use these graphics for their product packaging. This application offers a unique branding opportunity, giving products a distinctive and artistic look that stands out in the market.
• Stationery Sets
  From letterheads to business cards, the graphic set can be used to create cohesive and aesthetically pleasing stationery sets. These sets can be particularly appealing to professionals looking to make a statement in their business correspondence.
• Party and Event Invitations
  The versatility of the designer's graphic set makes it ideal for designing invitations for various events like weddings, parties, or corporate events. The ability to customize these invites allows for a personal touch that can make any event feel special.

If you as a designer go for this route - getting graphic sets from illustrators and creating unique products - you will have a lucrative business. All these products listed above - from home decor to stationary sets - are in high demand.
However, if you decide to create these kind of products please keep in mind that your products should (a) stick to a similar style and (b) can't sell for a lot of money. Often they are available for a few bucks on sites like Etsy. Don't get me wrong. That's totally ok because as a designer you can create these kind of products in no time using graphic sets from your fellow designers. But this also means that you need a good amount of products to make a sustainable income. So if you don't mind to create - in best case - a few 100 products this is a great way to build a business.

Do you enjoy creating digital products such as these printable?

Then join me!

Here is the Photoshop Tutorial for you! Just follow along step by step. You can but you don't have to use the same graphics I do. 

If you are looking for the entire Bundle from Polikapovaart go here. 

I know Photoshop has a learning curve but I promise that, at the same time, you get a hang of it really quickly. Pause the video and follow along, step by step. 
My goal with this tutorial is that you have a digital product ready to sell at the end. 

If you enjoy these workshops consider to join the Safari Lounge where you find lots and lots of tutorials to create your own digital products for sale.

Wanna join me creating the Maze Game?

No matter if you "just" wanna play (go here for a free Maze Game) or join me creating maze games you can find everything at Digidesignresort. Here is a full video about how to create a maze game in Adobe Illustrator.

Yes, whenever you create a printable you will need a design software. I usually show you how to use Affinity Designer because it's a software you don't need to pay for each month. But sometimes I just have to use my Adobe Illustrator - just because I've always been an Adobe Girl and I can hardly get rid of it.

Beside the software you also need the graphics. I often get them from CreativeFabrica. I have a subscription there - you can join for a very small monthly (or actually yearly) fee and download everything and use everything commercially for as long as you are a member. If you cancel you can still sell what you have created but you can't create anything new with the items. In any case, it's well worth to just stay

I use a Maze Game Package*, the "Dinosaurs" Collection* and a scissor vector* to create this printable.

If you wanna learn more about creating Printables yourself join me in the Safari Lounge!

I know, I know. I usually do my tutorials in Affinity Designer - and that's for a good reason! I want you to be able to use a software you do not need to pay for each and every month. But sometimes ... well. I guess it's about the good old times when you paid for this software once and then enjoyed it for as long as you wanted. And besides that: As a designer I cannot really get used to burying it... ah well, speaking of mindset! 
In case you cannot as well and in case you also love Adobe Illustrator or want to learn it - here you go, it's a nice tutorial you can follow along without being an Illustrator Pro!

Wanna join me creating the Birthday Word Search?

You can create these Birthday Word Search Printables on your own! I show you in this Adobe Illustrator Tutorial step by step how to create this Birthday Word Search. No worries, you do not have to think of words or create the puzzle yourself. We use pre-made word search games and make them our own!

For this printable I use my Christmas Present (Monster Party Package)*, this Word Search Bundle*, and the scissor vector*

Wanna learn more about creating your own Printables for sale? 
Join me in the Safari Lounge!

And if you just want to grab a free Birthday Word Search go here.

So you don't need a design background to sell designs?

Here in Germany we have baker shops everywhere. The owner of the shops, the baker actually, proudly sells bread, rolls and cake. They have learned for years to perfect their profession. They went to school, they earned a diploma and they proudly call themselves baker because they have learned all the insides out. They know what to add to the pastry to make it extra tasty. They know what to add to the bread to make it healthy. Because they have learned it. 
Why I'm telling you this?
Well, I keep asking myself why someone should be able to create digital products - in this case printable - without having learned the basics of design. Maybe a housewife can bake a wonderful and tasty cake (I know they can because my mum does the most wonderful cakes!) but they'd most probably never have the idea to open a baker shop because there are many things they might have not learned and might not know because they are not professional bakers.
So why do people think that they can open a printable shop on Etsy or on TeacherspayTeachers and sell printable without having learned the basics of design?

Watch my tutorial and see how I create these Affirmation Cards and learn why I have done it in that way and not differently. Try it, it's free - you can find the template in the Library.

Can anyone sell Printable?

Definitely! And yes, you can do that as well, even if you do not have a graphic design education. But what I want to say is: Take the time to learn the basics of your new profession. I think it's worth it if you know what you do and why you do it this way and not in another way.
I agree it's easier to grab some templates in Canva and start throwing some products together, export them and start selling. But hey, aren't you taking proud in the products you create? And if you do you want them to look great. You don't want them to look like anyone else's product.
You don't need to become an Illustrator and draw all graphics you use yourself. I get it, that's not for everyone!
You also don't need to visit a University for three years and earn a graphic design degree to sell printable. But how about learning the basics of design and using them to create appealing Printable you can be proud of?

Take pride in your work. No matter if you are a housewife and you can master to clean the windows (hey, I'm really not good at that...) or if you are a car mechanic you can be proud of what you've learned. And, if someone else wants to learn your profession, she shouldn't just get a template and start taking over your work and work self-employed in that profession. She should rather take the time to perfect her skills, doesn't she?

Learning Skills is worth it

So I believe that it's well worth it to learn some skills bevor you have a business. You never want to be overwhelmed. You never want that others tell you how to do it better or, even worse, not sell because your work looks unprofessional and "like anyone can do it". Take pride in your work. Learn what you need, use your new skills and then build your business.
No, it doesn't take you years to perfect your skills but it will take you a bit to get a hang of it.

So why the Safari Lounge Designer Classes are different

I created the Safari Lounge Designer Classes the first time in 2009. And even those days I wanted my students to learn how to design (and not just throw something together). I wanted them to know about the basic principles of design (maybe not everything inside out they don't need because we had a goal to archive). And I wanted them to know why they do what.
And until today the Safari Lounge Designer Classes have this goal. The aspiring designer should not just throw something together because programs like Canva exist and they can. I want them to create a product knowing what they do, knowing how they can make it look appealing. 

I believe in the long-run the designer will profit from this approach. She knows what she does and why she does it and because of that she will build a sustainable business.

Will it be without any effort?
Definitely not. Is it without any effort to become a baker or a mechanic? A good housewife? I don't think so. But with the help of a teacher, some effort and good instructions it's doable and that is what counts. 

Will it take forever to set up the business?
Definitely not. If you work through the classes for two weeks and practise, ask questions and practise even more you can have your first products ready and start adding them to your shop. With pride. With knowledge. And without just throwing things together "somehow". 

So does it take more effort to be a member of the Safari Lounge Designer Classes?
I hope so! I don't want you to throw your business together somehow but to set up a sustainable business for years to come - because you know what you do and you take pride in it.

Are you dreaming of a digital product based business? Don't dream any longer. You can use what you have and start with not much more than $100!

Today we add more value to our products. Adding an eBook, a video tutorial and of course the material customers need they have the feeling that they got a lot more than "just" a graphic set. And actually they get a result because they know how to use what they bought.
I remember that I got a lovely looking brush set for Procreate and when I finally had it I was super disappointed: What should I do with it? There were so many brushes and I just didn't know what to use them for. You see - adding more value to your product most probably will make your customer buy faster and be happier with her purchase. After all it's nothing you really need if you spend money on that, it's "just" for your pleasure (except you have a commercial use license of course). Therefore we need to give our customers a good reason to buy!

So let's pretend we want to create digital graphic sets just as Lisa does. What do we need for that?

Creating Graphic Sets with eBooks and Video Tutorials

Now that we know that it is important to think of additional value for our products (you learn more about that in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes) we need to figure what materials we need to create these products. It's important for a business to know which assets they need to produce their products.

So let's pretend we want to create something like Lisa's "Vintage Tales". Of course I don't want you to copy her product, I just want you to get a feel for the material and tools you need.

According to the her website the following files are included:

• 9 x Sketchers and Shaders (Procreate Brushes)
• 8 x Wet Brushes (Procreate Brushes)
• 5 x Texture Brushes (Procreate Brushes)
• 10 x Texture Stamps (Procreate Brushes)
• 5 x Premium transformative canvases (scanned files?)
• 5 x Vintage-look color palettes (Procreate Color Palettes)
• 1 x Inspiration Booklet (PDF)
• TUTORIAL: Brush overview and tips! (Video, most probably hosted on YouTube, set to private)

So once analyzed I know what I need for this kind of product the following material:

Of course this will vary if you create other products. For example: If you create online courses you need a lot more. Then you must have a camera, lights, a table, a memory card and so on. You see: Different business models require different assets.
That's why it's so important to decide upfront what (a) business model you want to have and (b) if you have all the required assets and, if not, if you can get/rent or purchase them.

Although I'm happy to link all the products I use I believe right now please keep in mind that this varies from year to year. I might need a new iPad or get some other templates than those I use now.
It also depends what you are happy with and what you can work with so feel free to exchange the products.

For many digital products you do not even need an iPad. You can create digital products on your computer screen with the matching program as well. Of course then you cannot create Procreate brushes but maybe you want to create brushes for Affinity Designer or Photoshop? That works just fine on the computer!

Here an example of a digital product I'm working on. This one is super simple, it actually is for a Teacher or Student Appreciation Gift. It's also perfect for card holders. Besides allowing my customer to customise the product (exchanging the names) I'll also add a tutorial about how to do that as well as the flattened file. You can find the set here in the Pepper Printable Club

So basically this means that you hardly have to invest any money as long as you have a computer or an iPad. You might need the one or other program but even those are not really expensive. 
Having said that I guess that's one of those businesses you can start for about $100.

You will need more money once you want a website and at the one or other point you definitely should want one!

So what's holding you back? Please let me know in the comments below.

What Is a Growing Bundle?

A growing bundle is a digital product that expands over time. You launch it with a base set of items and add more content in the coming weeks or months. Customers who buy early get access to everything you add in the future, often at a lower price than those who wait.

Think of it like this:
Instead of releasing one product at a time, you’re building a collection—and inviting your audience to come along for the journey.

Why Growing Bundles Work So Well

• Build Anticipation: Customers are excited to see what you’ll add next.
• Reward Loyalty: Early buyers get lifetime updates at no extra charge.
• Increase Value Over Time: You can raise the price with each new addition and customers will be happy they bought in early!

Perfect for Niches Like:

• Home Decor Printables
• Seasonal Planners or Journals
• Scrapbooking Kits
• Party Sets and Event Decor
• Printable Wall Art Collections
• ...whatever digital product you can think of!

How to Create a Growing Bundle for Your Printable Business

It all starts with the right topic. If your topic isn't wide enough you'll have a hard time to add coordinating products. So let's have a look!

1. Choose a Flexible Theme

Start with something you’re passionate about and that your audience needs. For example:

• “Printable Home Decor for Every Season”
• “Memory Keeping Templates for Scrapbookers”
• “Organising Printables for Busy Moms”

2. Outline Your Content Plan

Don't make the mistake to just launch without knowing what comes next! Have a plan and also dates when you release what. List what will be included at launch and what will be added over time. Even a simple spreadsheet will help you stay on track.

3. Set an Early-Bird Price

Offer a special launch price to reward early buyers. Make it clear that the price will increase with every update.

4. Use Your Existing Assets

You likely have more than you think! In my case, I’ve reimagined old digital scrapbooking elements into new home decor printables, party kits, and planner pages.

5. Communicate Clearly

Your sales page or blog post should tell buyers:

• What’s included now

• What’s coming soon

• When the next update will arrive

This is crucial to build trust. And it's up to you to stick to your plan. So plan your release dates wildly and maybe be ahead of it - what I mean: Have package two and three already created when you launch one. That's just in case life comes in between, we never ever want to disappoint our customers.

6. Promote Each Update

Every time you add a new piece, shout it from the rooftops! Post on Instagram, email your list, and update your bundle preview images.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Grow Big

A growing bundle doesn’t have to be massive at the start. In fact, the magic lies in watching it grow—both for you and your audience. Whether you’re building planner kits, home printables, or scrapbooking resources, the growing bundle model can work beautifully.

Start with what you love, package it with intention, and keep growing from there.

If you’re a mom looking to make extra income or transition into full-time resource creation, selling printables on Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) or your own website printables are a fantastic way to share your expertise. Expertise doesn't only mean that you have earned a Master Degree in designing but also your expertise as a mom of a little one exploring the world of reading, counting and more.
But no matter where you are coming from one of the biggest challenges for new and even experienced sellers is coming up with fresh product ideas that moms need for homeschooling, their own home or just for fun afternoons.

Creating a high-quality, in-demand resource takes more than just an idea—it requires research, planning, and a deep understanding of your audience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to generate new product ideas that are both useful for moms and profitable for you as a seller.

1. Identify Gaps in the Market

One of the best ways to find a winning product idea is to look for gaps in the market—those areas where moms need resources but aren’t finding them. Here’s how you can uncover these opportunities:

• Explore Etsy Products or TpT Bestsellers: Look at top-selling products in your niche and read customer reviews. Are the customers asking for modifications, updates, or additional features?
• Check Q&A Sections: Many potential buyers ask questions before purchasing. This can give insights into what’s missing from existing resources.
• Browse Social Media & Facebook Groups: Join groups for your niche and take note of the challenges they mention.
• Observe Your Own Experience: If you’ve ever struggled to find the right resource, chances are other moms or teachers have, too!

Example: You notice that many kindergarten teachers struggle to find fine motor skills worksheets that aren’t overly complicated. You could create a set of simple pre-writing activities that bridge the gap between tracing and writing letters. Mom's can do them at home with their kids and teachers adapt them for early finishers.

2. Find Trending Topics on DIY and Mom Blogs

Education, DIY and decoration trends shift constantly, and keeping up with them can give you a competitive edge. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Follow matching Blogs & Websites: Websites like Heyletsmakestuff (a huge, highly frequented site for DIY and SVGs), TeacherspayTeachers and small mom blogs help you to stay up to date - look what they write about on their blog and search from there.
• Look at Curriculum Changes: If a state updates its math standards, there may be a need for new, standard-aligned resources.
• Check Pinterest Trends: Teachers and moms alike use Pinterest for homeschooling and classroom inspiration, and it’s a great place to see which teaching topics are trending.
• Use Google Trends: Search terms like “sight words activities” or “STEM challenges” to see if they’re increasing in popularity.

Example: If you notice that social-emotional learning (SEL) is a growing trend in education, you could create SEL journal prompts or calm-down corner visuals.

3. Improve & Expand Existing Products

You don’t always have to create something entirely new—sometimes, improving or expanding on existing products is just as valuable.

• Create Differentiation Levels: If a popular resource only includes one difficulty level, make one that includes modifications for different learning styles.
• Offer a Thematic Twist: If sight word games are popular, make a seasonal version (e.g., “Fall-Themed Sight Word Bingo”).
• Bundle & Upsell: If you have multiple similar resources, offer them in a bundle at a discounted price.

Example: If you’ve already created some task cards, make a Google Slides version to appeal to moms and teachers using digital classrooms. Or: If there is a popular resource about teaching students how to make sentences with who? what? and where? - why not include a when? or with whom? - there are ways to give teachers as well as moms more options!

4. Use Keyword Research to Find What your Audience  is Searching For

TpT or Etsy are search-driven platforms, meaning the right keywords can make or break your product’s success.

How to Find Good Keywords for Product Ideas:

• TpT and Etsy Search Bar: Type in a broad term like “scavenger hunt” and see what autocomplete suggests.
• Pinterest & Google Autosuggest: Type a term into the search bar and note what related phrases appear.
• Analyse Competitor Titles & Descriptions: Look at the words top sellers use in their product listings.
• SEO Tools Like Ubersuggest: Find low-competition, high-volume keywords related to your niche.

Example: Instead of just listing a product as “Phonics Worksheets,” you might find that “Short Vowel CVC Word Practice” is a more search-friendly and specific keyword.

That's just keyword research in a nutshell. If you need more help have a look at the Safari Lounge Designer Classes where we do this in depth based on TpT's suggestions! But of course you can adapt this strategy to other platforms as well.

5. Ask Your Audience What They Need

If you already have a following, an email list, or social media presence, use it to ask your people directly what they need.

• Create a Poll on Instagram Stories: Ask followers to vote between two resource ideas.
• Send an Email Survey: Ask your people what they need most and what gaps they struggle with.
• Check Your Reviews: If customers love a product but request a different version, that’s a great next product idea!

Example: You poll your audience and discover they want interactive notebook versions of your existing science worksheets. That’s an easy next product!

Bonus Tip

The main reason moms, dads and grandmas buy printable resources is that it saves them TIME. If you think your product is to easy and can be made with just a few clicks think twice: If you are short on time you most likely spend a few Dollars rather than creating the resource yourself. It doesn't just save you a lot of time upfront it also helps you tremendously on a rainy afternoon because you know what you do next! As a mom I might have another profession on my plate rather than being there for my kids but I want to give my best when homeschooling and make sure that my kids learn everything they need. I can easily assure that when I have a PDF created by a teacher based on the curriculum! Is it worth the money? I bet!

How to Turn Ideas Into Profitable Products

Action Steps:

• Research what mums need using TpT, Etsy, social media, and reviews.
• Follow trends on other websites to stay ahead.
•  Use keyword research to create products that your people are actively searching for.
• Expand existing products instead of always starting from scratch.
• Ask your audience what they want, then give it to them!

The best-selling TpT products aren’t just creative—they solve real classroom problems. Start observing, researching, and brainstorming today, and soon you'll have a list of profitable TpT product ideas that teachers can’t wait to buy!

Would you like a step-by-step product planning template to help you organize your ideas? Sign up for the newsletter and I'll send you access to the Library where you can download a printable version

Seasonal printables are a goldmine for digital product sellers. They cater to the cyclical nature of us women, wives and mums constantly looking for fresh, engaging resources for holidays, seasons, and special events. The beauty of seasonal printables? They have the potential to bring in consistent sales year after year, with the same products returning to the spotlight during each relevant period.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to create seasonal printables that not only sell but become evergreen assets in your store, at least once per year. From brainstorming ideas to designing resources and marketing them effectively, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make seasonal printables a cornerstone of your business.

Why Seasonal Printables Are a Smart Investment

1. Recurring Demand: Seasonal printables align with mom's planning schedules, ensuring high demand at the same time every year.
2. Emotional Connection: Holidays and seasons evoke excitement, making themed resources more appealing to moms and kids alike. When we come e.g. close to Christmas we feel that we have done "our job". The the year is calming down - and Christmas is coming up where we all love to spend our time at home with our family and friends.
3. Diverse Niches: There’s a wide range of seasonal opportunities, from major holidays to smaller observances like Earth Day or the 100th Day of School. If you are not familiar with these holidays or if you are afraid to miss the one or other take a look at my FREE Seasonal Planner you can find here.

Key Seasons and Holidays to Target

Here’s a year-round breakdown of popular seasonal opportunities for creating printables:

• Winter: Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, and winter-themed activities (e.g. snowman math, winter reading logs, an advent calendar). You can be pretty creative in combining these things! How about a Gingerbread Write the Room activity?
• Spring: Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, and spring projects.
• Summer: End-of-year awards, summer learning packs, summer outside games, scavenger hunts, 4th of July, and back-to-school prep.
• Fall: Halloween, Thanksgiving, fall-themed activities (e.g., pumpkin writing prompts, autumn math centers).

Please note - these are just some! There are definitely many more and don’t forget smaller observances like Dr. Seuss Day, Pi Day, or Teacher Appreciation Week. These niche events can set your store apart.

How to Create Seasonal Printables That Stand Out

1. Solve a Problem or Fill a Need

• Focus on what moms are searching for during specific seasons. For example:
  • Christmas: Low-prep holiday crafts or themed math activities.
  • Valentine’s Day: Writing prompts or kindness activities.
• Pro Tip: Visit  Pinterest, Etsy and mom Facebook groups to research trending topics and keywords for each season.

2. Add a Fresh Twist to Common Themes

• Avoid creating the same resources everyone else is making. Instead:
  • Combine themes (e.g., "Snowman Multiplication Puzzles").
  • Add unique elements like a digital component using Google Slides.

3. Incorporate Engaging Visuals

• Use seasonal colors, clipart, and fonts to make your printables visually appealing. Often women and moms can't resist because of the pure cuteness of things (at least that's how I am ).
• Be consistent with branding—include a professional, cohesive look that matches your other products.

4. Include Multiple Differentiation Options

• Provide different versions (e.g., simpler worksheets for younger kids, challenge tasks for advanced learners, wall art in different sizes as well as planners in A4 or letter size - based on the audience you are designing for).
• Add both color and black-and-white options for printing flexibility.

Tips for Marketing Seasonal Printables

1. Plan Ahead

• We all shop for seasonal resources weeks in advance. Upload your printables 1-2 months before the holiday or season to make sure it has time to rank and you have time to advertise it properly. For example: If you advertise on Pinterest it also needs some time to rank your pins. So planning ahead is crucial!
• Use a calendar to track key seasonal trends and plan your launches ahead.

2. Use Seasonal Keywords

• Optimise your titles and descriptions with seasonal keywords like "Halloween Wall Art" or "Valentine's Day Cards".
• Include holiday and season names, but also think creatively about related terms moms might search for.

3. Promote on Social Media and Pinterest

• Seasonal content is highly shareable! Pin images of your printables with eye-catching designs and descriptive captions like, "Keep your kids engaged this Halloween with fun math puzzles." will get attention!
• Create Instagram Reels or TikToks showcasing how your printables can be used at home.
• I'd also highly recommend to show your product in action. Don't make the mistake (just like I did) to create a product, add it to whatever store and then jump to the next. You do not build momentum this way. This is then more a kind of hope than strategical marketing. The better way is to really use your product. Let your kids color the letters, let them do the tasks. Or if necessary, do it yourself and film short sequences.

4. Offer Bundles

We already talked about bundles and why they are so valuable in this post. Have a look at it and write a note next to your computer - they are crucial to increase your sales!

• Combine multiple seasonal printables into bundles to encourage larger purchases. For example:
  • A “Fall Activities Pack” with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and general autumn resources.
  • A “Holiday Writing Prompts Bundle” featuring prompts for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.
  • Creating Bundles is one of the best advices to give. Anyone loves a good deal! I can't say how often I have purchased a bundle instead of a single product just because it was a good deal and so worth it

5. Create Freebies to Attract Buyers

• For each new product offer a small seasonal freebie that matches your product (e.g., a single worksheet or activity) to build trust and drive traffic to your store.
• Include a link to the full product in the freebie’s description. That's a great way to advertise your product for years to come!

Examples of High-Impact Seasonal Printables

Winter:

• “Holiday Math Mystery: Solve the Reindeer Riddles”
• “Snowflake Cutting Templates for Fine Motor Skills”

Spring:

• “St. Patrick’s Day Reading Comprehension Passages”
• “Earth Day Recycling Sort: Hands-On Science Activity”

Summer:

• “Back-to-School Icebreaker Task Cards”
• “4th of July Reading Bingo”

Fall:

• “Halloween Escape Room: Spooky Science Challenge”
• “Pumpkin Life Cycle Worksheets with Coloring Pages”

Long-Term Benefits of Seasonal Printables

1. Evergreen Products: Once created, seasonal printables can generate recurring income every year with minimal updates. So even if you start designing for a holiday just around the corner, no worries - your future self will thank you for that.
2. Increased Store Visibility: Seasonal resources often attract high traffic, introducing more buyers to your store. 
3. Cross-Selling Opportunities: Seasonal products can lead buyers to explore your non-seasonal offerings, especially if things fit all together.

Seasonal printables are a powerful way to grow your customer base while keeping your product offerings fresh and exciting. By tapping into holidays and seasonal themes, you can create resources that meet mum's needs while generating consistent, year-round sales. Start planning your next seasonal product today—and watch as it becomes a repeat bestseller year after year!

Whether it’s a spooky Halloween activity or a heartfelt Valentine’s Day prompt, seasonal printables offer endless opportunities to engage mums and kids alike. What seasonal printable will you create next?

In case you need help: Join me in the Safari Lounge and we can brainstorm together!

1. Start with General Trends in Printables

To begin your research, start broad. Identify larger trends within the world of printables by observing social media platforms, forums, and marketplaces.

• Pinterest: This platform is invaluable for spotting trends. Search terms like "popular printables" or "printable ideas" and explore what has high engagement, repins, and saves.
• Etsy: Browse categories related to your printable designs and look at bestsellers or recently popular items.
• Instagram & TikTok: Hashtags like #printableplanner, #DIYprintables, and #printableart can provide insight into what is popular and trending.

By starting with these platforms, you’ll have a solid foundation of general trends that can then be refined into niche ideas.

I usually start with Pinterest. Not only but also because of the bubbles - they give a lot of information about what is trending. Just look at my screenshot:

Here you can see that templates are a big thing but then also wedding, vintage book covers and books for toddlers. With this one search for printable ideas I also find quilt patterns and December calendars.

It looks like printables for organization are as popular as pins for "activities for kids". At this time (or maybe do some more research) is a good time to decide for a niche. Organization could be one but also printables for kids - what is your favorite?

Once you have identified that niche go ahead and dig deeper. Use Google Trends to see when what is popular. Also, don't forget to grab my Seasonal Printable Planner (it's free).

2. Use Google Trends for In-Depth Keyword Analysis

Google Trends is an excellent tool for diving deeper into specific niches. Enter keywords related to the printables you're considering and see how they perform over time.

• Identify Patterns: Use terms like "printable planners," "wall art printables," or seasonal themes like "Christmas printables." Notice which topics are seasonal vs. evergreen.
• Refine by Region: Google Trends allows you to filter by region, which can be helpful if you’re targeting a specific audience.
• Spot Emerging Trends: Keep an eye on the "related queries" section for terms that are rapidly gaining interest but may not yet be saturated in the market.

Google Trends can reveal if a topic is climbing in popularity, giving you the opportunity to ride the wave of an emerging trend.

3. Analyze Competitors on Etsy and Other Marketplaces

To understand how saturated a niche is, research competitors on Etsy, Creative Market, or similar platforms where printables are sold.

• Examine Bestsellers: Look for items that are consistently listed as “Bestseller” or “Popular.” This can indicate a reliable demand for certain themes.
• Review Tags and Descriptions: Study the keywords and descriptions used by successful sellers to understand what’s drawing traffic and purchases.
• Assess Saturation: If a niche appears highly saturated, consider if you can bring a unique twist to stand out. For instance, if "meal planners" are popular, you might create “meal planners for busy families” or “vegetarian meal planners” as a unique sub-niche.

Analyzing competitors can inspire ideas on how to differentiate your printables within a trending category.

4. Leverage Social Media Insights and Hashtags

Social media can help you gauge what topics are resonating with audiences and receive instant feedback on your printable ideas.

• Instagram: Search hashtags like #printableplanner or #printablewallart to see what’s being shared and liked by potential customers.
• Facebook Groups: Join groups for printable designers, Etsy sellers, and DIY crafters. Monitor what topics or product ideas are being discussed.
• TikTok: Video content showing “DIY printables” or “Etsy printable business tips” can reveal popular themes that users are currently interested in purchasing or creating.

Social media insights can be especially useful for spotting trends early, as they tend to appear here before they become mainstream.

5. Identify Seasonal and Evergreen Opportunities

When designing printables, it’s beneficial to balance both seasonal and evergreen products to ensure consistent sales.

• Seasonal Printables: Products like holiday decor, event invitations, and seasonal planners are in demand at specific times of the year. You could create printables for Valentine’s Day, summer activities, back-to-school organization, or Christmas.
• Evergreen Printables: These are popular all year round, such as budgeting templates, meal planners, and self-care journals. They appeal to a broad audience and provide a steady stream of sales.

Keeping a mix of both types of products allows you to benefit from seasonal spikes while maintaining consistent sales year-round.

Choosing a Niche That Works for You

Finding a trending niche is only the first step. For long-term success, choose themes that resonate with your personal interests and strengths. This will make creating printables enjoyable, and you’ll be more likely to produce unique, high-quality work that stands out. By using tools like Pinterest, Google Trends, and social media insights, you’ll be able to identify both seasonal and evergreen niches that are profitable and exciting to create.

With consistent research and a creative approach, you can become a successful printable designer in today’s competitive market.

Make it a priority to find a product you enjoy creating. Creating things you personally don't like or use won't make you happy in the long-run. So it's much better to choose something you use yourself. I, for example, enjoy creating printables for teachers (and therefore kids teachers can use at school). So you find a lot of printables at my store which teach "something" but also give you an enjoyable time with your kids.

The Affinity Suite vs. Adobe's Creative Cloud

I'm an Adobe-Girl since the beginning of the 2000s - first on my Windows computer and now on my Mac. I don't think that there was a time when I didn't have Adobe installed - and I still have. And I still have the Creative Suite. But then I figured that a very good reason against Adobe's Creative Cloud is its monthly subscription.
Not anyone wants to pay a good amount of money every month to use a specific software. Sure, it's worth it because you can use any Adobe program on the planet. But still - if you maybe start designing or creating digital products in general there are two problems: First the pressure that you need to quickly get results to start selling because you are paying monthly. And second there is a steep learning curve so it naturally takes some time until you can handle Adobe's programs and therefore it will take time bevor you get the money for the monthly subscription back by selling your own printables.

There is a solution though. And it's called the Affinity Suite sold by Serif.I don't wanna argue which programs (Adobe or Affinity) are better. There are good reasons for each. But if I tell you to start a Printable Business and you are really new to all this I definitely should recommend the Affinity Suite to you.

Why do I recommend the entire Affinity Suite?

First of all: It's one price for all three apps - for Windows, Mac and the iPad. So there is no good reason to miss out here especially since it's much cheaper to buy everything at once and not one after the other.
And: You might not want to create only Printables in future. Maybe you also want to edit your photos and, even a better reason, you might want to put all your printables into a book and sell them on Amazon. And the latest at this point you'll be thankful because then you also have Affinity Publisher which is similar to Adobe's Indesign and it allows you to create an entire book from your printables. 

Easy peasy! Yes, there is a learning curve but it's absolutely doable. 

And if you want you can watch my entire Affinity Course:

Just looking at the pictures (and after all jumping into the memories in my head!) makes me want to start celebrating Halloween this year!

So now that I'm in Halloween mood - how about you? Do you join me? I picked some great graphic sets to make some printables (like cards or games) or learning resources come to reality! 

Here my suggestions for Halloween 2024

If you think: Yes, that's great! But now: How do I create printable from these cute things? Well, I`ve got you covered! You join the Safari Lounge Designer Classes and there I show you in countless tutorials what you can do with these beautiful graphic sets. It's great fun, no matter if you create printable for yourself and your family or if you want to sell them. And if you are in creating learning resources - no problem as well! We can definitely use these graphics to create learning resources!

You'll also find a few tutorials about creating printables on my YouTube channel. If you wanna try the "entire thing" out you might want to join me there. Grab a set or two of graphics and follow along. Even if I create something else in the videos you can just follow along with the graphics of your choice! You can find the tutorials here.

Creating Teaching Resources for Teachers Pay Teachers

Creating engaging and visually appealing resources for Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) can be a rewarding experience. But crafting materials that stand out and sell well requires more than just solid educational content—it also requires eye-catching visuals. Clipart is one of the most important elements in making your resources both professional and appealing to students and teachers alike. But where do you find quality clipart, and how can you use it effectively? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Clipart Matters in TPT Products

Clipart can transform your TPT resources from ordinary to extraordinary. Well-chosen visuals help clarify instructions, create thematic cohesion, and make your products more engaging for students. In addition, high-quality visuals can enhance your product's presentation on the TPT marketplace, making your listings more attractive to potential buyers.

Understanding Clipart Licensing

Before diving into where to find clipart, it’s crucial to understand clipart licensing. When you purchase or download clipart, you are not buying ownership of the image but rather a license to use it under specific conditions. Always check the licensing agreement for each clipart set to ensure that you are using it correctly. Here are some common terms to be aware of:

• Personal Use: You can use the clipart for your own projects but not for anything you plan to sell.
• Commercial Use: You can use the clipart in products you intend to sell, such as TPT resources. Make sure to check if there are any additional conditions for commercial use.
• Credit Required: Some clipart creators require you to give credit in your product or on your product page.
• No Derivatives: You cannot alter the clipart in any way (e.g., changing colors, adding details) if this clause is present.

When choosing clipart, be sure to read the full licensing agreement to ensure compliance with the artist's terms.

Where to Find Quality Clipart for TPT Products

Finding the right clipart can be a time-consuming process, but it's well worth the effort. Sure, if you enjoy drawing you can create them yourself. Then you have nothing to do with any licensing. You can do it with Procreate or Affinity Designer, I have comprehensive courses for both, in case you want to learn how to draw things yourself. 
If not - here are some of the best places to find high-quality clipart for your TPT products:

1. Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) Clipart 
   TPT itself has a vast collection of clipart, created by fellow teachers and designers. You can search for clipart directly on the platform, filtering by price, subject, and even licensing terms. One of the benefits of using TPT for clipart is that many artists create sets specifically designed for educational resources, so you know they’ll work well in your products.
   Tips:
   • Look for bundles that include multiple clipart sets at a discounted price.
   • Check if the artist offers free samples to see if their style fits your needs before purchasing larger sets.
   • Pay attention to the file types provided (e.g. PNG, SVG) to ensure compatibility with your software - usually this is not an issue though because PNG, SVG and JPG are the common formats any graphic program can handle.
2. Creative Market 
   Creative Market is a marketplace where designers sell digital assets, including clipart, fonts, and graphics. It’s a great place to find unique and high-quality clipart. Many designers on Creative Market offer educational-themed clipart or customizable vector images.
   Tips:
   • Sign up for the Creative Market newsletter to receive free downloads each week, which often include clipart sets. (Note: If there are freebies they are often for personal use only so please check out the license.)
   • Search by specific terms like "teacher clipart" or "school clipart" to find relevant items more quickly.
   • Pay attention to the number of items in each clipart set—sometimes a set with a higher price might offer significantly more images, making it a better value.
   • If you can: Purchase all your clip arts from one designer so you have a cohesive style in your products.
3. Etsy 
   Etsy is a treasure trove for handmade goods, but it’s also a great place to find digital products, including clipart. Many small artists and independent creators sell clipart on Etsy, often at affordable prices. You can find everything from watercolor illustrations to hand-drawn doodles, perfect for adding a personal touch to your TPT products.
   Tips:
   • Be sure to check the licensing details in each Etsy listing, as they vary widely from seller to seller.
   • Use the "Instant Download" filter to ensure you can access your clipart immediately after purchase.
   • Don’t forget to read reviews and check for sample images to ensure the quality of the clipart before buying.
4. Pixabay and Unsplash 
   If you're looking for free clipart, Pixabay and Unsplash are excellent sources. While these platforms are better known for stock photos, they also offer free clipart and vector images that can be used for commercial purposes. Just make sure to double-check the licensing for each image to ensure it's allowed for use in your TPT products.
   Tips:
   • Search specifically for vectors or illustrations to avoid wading through too many photographs.
   • Even though the images are free, many creators appreciate attribution, so consider giving credit if you can.
5. Creative Fabrica 
   Creative Fabrica is a digital marketplace geared specifically toward crafters, educators, and designers. They offer a subscription service that provides access to an extensive library of fonts, clipart, and graphics, many of which are perfect for TPT products.
   I'd highly recommend using Creative Fabrica. After all it's an affordable investment in your business and you can create products all year long for a really small fee!
   Tips:
   • Consider investing in a subscription if you regularly create new products, as this gives you unlimited access to their assets.
   • Keep an eye out for their frequent sales and bundles, which can offer great value for TPT creators.

You see: There are many places where you can find clipart. But I personally only recommend Creative Fabrica or TPT itself. Why? Creative Fabrica has a HUGE library for an affordable price. And you'll for sure be able to find not just clipart but also fonts and backgrounds to create your products. 

Sure, I also recommend my Safari Lounge Designer Classes where you do not only find tons and tons of graphic sets for any purpose (without worrying about licensing too much) but also classes where I show you how to use the material to create resources.

Best Practices for Using Clipart in TPT Products

Once you’ve found the right clipart, using it effectively in your products is key. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Maintain Consistency 
   Try to use clipart from the same artist or within the same style throughout a single resource (or, even better, in all your products). Consistency in visuals helps create a cohesive look and feel, making your product appear more polished and professional.

2. Balance Visuals with Content 
   While clipart enhances your resource, be careful not to overdo it. Too many visuals can clutter the page and distract from the educational content. Use clipart strategically to highlight important sections or to break up text-heavy pages.

3. Keep Accessibility in Mind 
   Make sure your clipart choices don’t interfere with readability. For example, avoid placing busy images behind text or using colors that make it difficult to read. If you’re using clipart to indicate instructions, ensure that it is clear and easily understood by students of all abilities.

4. Credit the Artist 
   If required, be sure to credit the clipart artist appropriately. Many clipart creators provide a credit link or statement that you can copy and paste into your resource. This not only ensures you’re complying with licensing terms but also supports the artist community.

5. Optimize File Sizes 
   Large image files can slow down downloads and make your TPT resources cumbersome to use. Optimize your images by resizing them appropriately and compressing files if necessary, without sacrificing quality. This ensures your products remain user-friendly.

6. Layering and Editing 
   Depending on the licensing terms, you may want to layer or slightly edit clipart to suit your resource’s design. For example, you could layer text over an image or change the color scheme to match your branding. Be cautious and respectful of the artist’s work, and always check if such alterations are allowed under the licensing agreement - and use clipart from other artists if not because you need some kind of freedom to create resources that match your brand.

7. Test Print
   If your resource is printable, make sure to test print it to see how the clipart appears on paper. Colors can look different on screen versus print, so ensure your clipart maintains its quality and clarity when printed.

Final Thoughts

Finding and using clipart for your TPT products (you do not only have to sell them on TPT) is a creative process that can elevate your resources and increase their appeal in the marketplace. By understanding licensing, knowing where to find quality clipart, and following best practices for its use, you can create visually stunning and effective educational materials that will resonate with both teachers and students.

Remember, clipart isn’t just about making your product look good—it’s about enhancing the educational experience. Choose images that complement your content, clarify concepts, and engage your audience. With the right clipart and careful design choices, your TPT products can stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Happy creating!

Creating Printables vs. Handmade Items

When you create a Printable you actually zip it and then make it available as a download. While, when you are selling handmade items, you need to create each item individually and then package and ship it. Until the product arrives at your customer's house it will take a few days or, depending on where you are in the world, it might even take a week or two. Therefore a Printable is great for your customer as well. The product is available immediately and can help your customer overcome a challenge.

Help your Customers overcome Challenges with Printables

Let's say you sell a party printable set for girl's birthday parties with games, cupcake toppers, placemats and whatever a mum who plans her girl's party needs. With your set you make that mum's life a lot easier! If you wouldn't sell it she had to run to different shops to gather all the supplies. While, with the printable product, she just needs to sit down on her computer, print out what she needs and maybe has a fun afternoon with her daughter crafting. Sounds good, doesn't it? Maybe your product is even customisable - great! So yes, your printable can be a real time saver.
You do not need to limit yourself to party supplies. You can also sell educational printable. So, once again, a homeschool mum or a teacher will be thankful forever when she just needs to download your package and can start teaching!

So ok, Printables are easier for your customer and for you as a designer. And they are available when you need them - right away.

What are Printables?

In short: Printables are digital products such as games, party supplies, coloring pages or a scrapbooking kit you can print at home and use right away.

These products are popular because they serve a practical purpose and can be customised and personalised.

Usually printables are sold in PDF or JPG format:

• PDF: This format is used mostly for un-editable products and can be printed with a double click. 
• JPG: The same is valid for JPG format. It's easy to print, just with a double click!

For customers it's also great that they can print the file as many times as they want. For example: If they purchase a customisable invitation card they can print out as many copies as they need.

If you do a quick search on Google or Pinterest you can see that there are many, many free printables available - often basic ones as an incentive to subscribe to a newsletter.

But there are also many printables available that make money such as worksheets, dot-to-dot printables or wall art. Give Etsy a quick search and you can see the bestsellers as well as the amount of sellers sell there. Here an example from Being Happy Prints.

Have a look at the numbers and what they sold in 8 hours. Not too bad, or? I know there are shops which sell more but you see what is possible. Feel free to check out their store whenever you read my article. I love to see the numbers and also see what is possible.

How to Create Printables for Sale

Nope, you don't need a degree in graphic design to create printables. But you definitely need to get familiar with a graphic design program. You don't even need Adobe Illustrator but still, you definitely should know what you are doing, don't you think? Imagine you have a car repair and the person who repairs your breaks just knows that you have some in your car and watches a YouTube video which tells him how to replace them... Right, nobody wants that!
The same is valid with any other product or service you sell. You need to know what you are doing or you'll create a product of low quality or provide low quality service. I know many people tell you that you don't need to know anything to create printables. But hey, what is your job worth if you don't need any skills?
Actually that's not what you want. I totally get it: You don't want to spend money on a program each month if you don't know if your new business adventure works.
There are alternatives though. One definitely is Canva and up to a certain point you might even get along with the free version.
My recommendation is that you invest in a graphic design program such as Affinity Designer from Serif. It comes for a very good price and it doesn't result in monthly costs.
Beside the graphic design program and the knowledge how to use it you need your computer and maybe a printer to test your product. That's it. Pretty cool, isn't it?

Summary of the Tools you need

So here are in a nutshell the tools you need for your printable business.

There are also free trials of Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer so if you have a computer you can start your business for free - that's at least perfect to try it out!

Now let's break down how you create Printables, step by step.

Step 1: The Idea

First of all you need to come up with a great idea. Of course you should create something your audience struggles with. For example: Mompreneurs might need productivity or blog organization tools. A fitness enthusiast might long for workout schedules. And a homeschool mum - yeah - she needs your printables to make her child learn!
Also, you won't make tons of money with just one printable. One might sell, the other not and the next becomes a bestseller - who knows?
The best advice I can give you here is to 1. address your audience's pain-points and 2. go to Etsy, type in a general keyword just as "Printable" or a more niche focused word and have a look at the bestsellers.

I have taken three screenshots and put them together on the sheet. See how many products are popular and are bestsellers! So do your own research bevor you start.

Step 2: Your Brand

When you list your items on Etsy or - better - in your own shop (!) you need some branding. That just means that all your products have the same look and feel - aka a preview - and a logo and banner. The main point is that your products stand out in the crowd and are more recognised. From my experience I can say that "one day" you realise that you want a branding and then you start changing all your previews. So better you do it from the start which saves you a lot of time and a headache!

Step 3: The Design

Again, decide on the colors you want to use for the specific product. It's a great idea to put together a color palette or get one for new inspiration.Btw: There are a few 100 color palettes which are not just for Procreate but for any other program as well because I've added all the HEX Codes! They are all included in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes.

Once you have your colors make sure you also set the right size for your paper. When you create a Printable for home printing the size is wether A4 or 8.5" by 11". Stay in these margins and do a test print. Always. You want to offer high quality products. 
Keep in mind that planners might be smaller in size and also make sure that your printables can be hole-punched without losing any content.

Of course there goes much more in designing. But these are things you need to keep in mind to create a high quality product, preferably in 300 dpi.

Additionally, make sure that you create enough previews. Show your product from every angle. Maybe print it, let your kids use it and take some pictures while they are cutting it out (or similar). The point is: Take your time to create previews where people can see what they can do with the product.

Step 4: Price and Sell

Once you have created the product, tried it out, packaged it and created your previews it's time to sell. Now you need to set a price on your printable. 
Do a little market research just as shown above. You might price your product slightly higher and add a sale - which is a great incentive for a buyer to purchase your product! Also, make sure that you don't sell yourself short by pricing your product too low.

Step 5: Market your Product

There are many different ways to market your products online. And yes, the best advice I can give you here is what you have read maybe 1000s of times bevor. Post on social media. Add a link to your email signature. Talk about your shop to your friends and family members. Although the last idea might be not the best depending if your family and friends are your target market.

What I found that truly drives traffic is Pinterest. And it is a sustainable traffic source. Because: Once you have posted a pin it's there and it's there forever. And it will drive traffic over time, for years to come. 
Therefore I'd highly recommend that you use Pinterest as one of your traffic sources. Of course you can have more than one and you should but if you start with Pinterest it's a great way to reach your first customers.

You see: Creating printables is not the hardest business you can stumble into. As I said you need some skills but that's what you will need in each and every business and also for each job. You can figure it all out yourself or you join me in the Safari Lounge and I show you in detail how to create your first printables and finally sell them.

Why selling Printables is a GREAT idea

When I first started my online business ventures in 2006 (oh yeah, it's that long ago!) I wanted to have a website selling digital scrapbooking kits. I wanted to sell digital scrapbooking kits because I figured that I could sell those over and over again without having to store inventory at home. 
And although I moved away from scrapbooking kits I still think that this reason is also a great one to sell printables from the comfort of your home. I also sell SVGs, eBooks and Online Course and all of these things have one thing in common: They are digital products.
You do not need a large upfront investment.
You do not need any special machines and such to create printables except your printer (to try them out).
You do not need to print 100s of items bevor you have even sold one.

So how do you get started?

What you need to start your Printables Business

First things first. Make sure you have everything you need. And really, that's not much:

Basically, that's all. Sure you might want Corjl if you sell custom designs. You can link Corjl from your listings and people can try it out and if they purchase they can customise and download their file from there. But this does not apply to you if you don't want to sell customisable files. Or you might want to invest into a fancy research tool - you can but you don't have to. We can start with what I mentioned above.
Once you have what you need what is the next step?

If you wanna try out if designing Printables is something for you sign up for my newsletter and get access to the Library. You cannot just download and use my Printables for your family fun but you also get tutorials about how to create them. It's a great way to try out this business model and see if you enjoy it!

And if you know you do - jump into the next steps!

1. Research: Begin by researching the Etsy marketplace to understand what types of printables are popular and in demand. Explore successful shops selling similar products to get insights into pricing, presentation, and marketing strategies.
   Pro-Tip: "Track" shops you've found. Write down the number of sales they have on the one day and check back on the next day. Do that for a week or two and you get an impression how much they are selling.
2. Create Your Products: Develop a range of high-quality printables that cater to your target audience's needs and interests. This could include digital art, planner inserts, greeting cards, invitations, wall art, and more. Use graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer to create your designs. So far I'm not a huge fan of Canvas. There are so many tools which are -right now- not yet included. Yes, you can somehow put your Printables together with it... but well... there is a lot missing. I guess it will chance in the future because they just bought Serif and the Affinity Programs but right now my recommendation is to use a "real" design program. I know many, many websites recommend something else. Still, for me this skill is an investment into a sustainable business. You can still use the free version of Canva to create pins and Instagram posts.
3. Set Up Your Etsy Shop: Sign up for an Etsy seller account and set up your shop. Choose a catchy and descriptive shop name, create a compelling shop banner and logo, and write an engaging shop description that highlights what sets your printables apart.
   Pro-Tip: If you need help with your shop banner and logo - there are packages on Etsy you can buy and which will help you to create your banner and logo in no time. You can always change them later, it's just something to get started!
4. List Your Products: Take clear, high-resolution photos of your printables (or use mockups to create great product photos) and create compelling product listings. Write detailed and keyword-rich titles and descriptions that accurately describe your products and include relevant tags to improve discoverability.
   Pro-Tip: Look a the shop descriptions of your competition. What do they highlight? What keywords do they use? What Tags are they using? You can find out all that and more just looking at their listings. Sure you can always purchase a subscription for a tool like Marmelade, eRank or Alura but you don't have to.
5. Pricing: Determine your pricing strategy by considering factors such as material costs (which are obviously none to really not much!), time invested, and market demand. Research competitor pricing to ensure your prices are competitive while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin.
   Pro-Tip: Pick one of your products which is in high demand and sell it with low to no profit. Yeah, you read this right Why should you do that? It gets people into your shop and they might add another piece to their shopping card because they got the desired one for a bargain!
6. Digital Delivery: Decide how you will deliver your printables to customers. Etsy offers digital download options, allowing customers to access their purchased files immediately after payment. Ensure your files are formatted correctly and include any instructions or usage rights. If you sell huge files (with huge I mean more than 100mb divided into 4 downloads) you need to store your files e.g. in Google Drive or in a Dropbox Folder and send your customers a PDF over Etsy with the link to download their file(s).
7. Promote Your Shop: Utilise social media platforms, email marketing, blogging, and other promotional channels to drive traffic to your Etsy or Website shop. Engage with your audience, showcase your products, and share behind-the-scenes content to build brand awareness and attract potential customers.
8. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Deliver exceptional customer service by promptly responding to inquiries, processing orders efficiently, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise. Positive reviews and satisfied customers can lead to repeat business and referrals.
9. Analyse and Adapt: Monitor your shop's performance using Etsy's analytics tools and adjust your strategies accordingly. Pay attention to which products are selling well, where your traffic is coming from, and how customers are interacting with your shop to optimize your sales efforts.
10. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with Etsy's policies, trends in the printable industry, and best practices for selling online. Join Etsy seller communities, participate in forums, and seek out educational resources to stay informed and continuously improve your Etsy shop.
11. In best case: Build your own shop and website in the background so you can switch any time to your website if something happens to your Etsy shop and: You might want to do that in future anyway as Etsy can get expensive if you sell a lot. Also: Capture Email addresses from day one by always offering your customers a link to your website and to the place where they can get a freebie for subscribing to your newsletter.

Please note: If you decide to go for an e-Commerce business model it's totally fine. Millions of people do that. But: Please be aware that each month you have to start from scratch. There is no recurring billing attached to this business model. You have to excite your people again and again to make sales. Don't get me wrong: No matter which business model you have you always have to do that. But with a recurring payment model attached it gets easier to pay your bills.
What does that mean for you?
You could figure if - for your business - it would make sense to offer a subscription model. Maybe you could offer people something which makes them want to pay for your service month after month.
I get it though: This is als a tough business model and requires time and dedication. But it's possible, no question!
I found some memberships online where people purchase a subscription for a place where they can download everything for a small monthly fee. 

There are a lot of different ways you can make money from Printables. Just to mention another one - you could create seamless patterns and use those to create fabric on Spoonflower or Notebooks on Amazon. You can also sell them as digital paper sets on Etsy. You see: Designing Printables means you have infinite options to sell them!

You can start learning about selling and creating printables for free in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes. Test my courses, download the resources and enjoy the community - it's all on me for 7 days!

I mean: What is more personal than a gift nobody else has? So that's why I create these SVG files and let you also enjoy them as well. You can find them all in the Pepper Printable Club - which is perfect for crafters!

Not just printed 12x12 pages but little bits and pieces I could create albums from. That's where I got a Silhouette Cameo* and fall in love with printing and cutting printables and, yes, also SVG files!

So that's my short story about why I love printables and SVG files. Here is the explanation what these files are.

Bevor we jump into that - subscribe to my newsletter and you get immediately access to The Library where you can find SVGs and Printable for free!

SVG Files and Printables

SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) and printables are both digital files used for different purposes. While SVG are a popular file format for vectors Printables are often sold as PDFs so people can easily print and cut them. So here are some facts about SVG files and Printables.

SVG Files

SVGs are vector graphics that use XML-based markup language to describe images. The best thing about them is that they are resolution-independent which means that you can scale them to any size without losing quality.
SVGs are primarily used for digital illustrations, logos, icons and other graphic design purposes. You can edit and manipulate them using a vector graphic software just like Adobe Illustrator but also Affinity Designer or Inkscape.

Crafters use SVGs for their cutting machines just like Cricut or Silhouette to create various DIY projects like vinyl decals, stickers, iron-on transfers, and stencils.

On the other had there are Printables...

Printables

Printables on the other hand are digital files which are printed on paper or other materials. Printables include a wide range of items such as greeting cards, invitations, posters, wall art, calendars, planners, worksheets, colouring pages or games for your kid's party - to name just a few.

Usually, when you purchase Printables you'll get a PDF file. Sometimes you also get a JPG or PNG file, which depends on the designers preferences and the intended use. The great thing about these file types: You do not need a special software to use or print them. Usually your computer already has Adobe Acrobat Reader (which is free to download and use) installed or you have a program just like "Preview" on a Mac which you can use for this purpose.
You can print your purchased printable directly on your home printer. You can use normal printer paper but also paper which is of a bit higher quality. This depends on what you want to do with your printables.
There are also professional printing services if you need your prints in a higher quality.

Printables are often used for home decor, party decorations, educational materials, organizational tools, and personal stationery.

In summary, while SVGs are digital files used primarily for graphic design and cutting purposes, printables are digital files designed for printing and can encompass a wide range of items for various purposes and occasions.

If you are interested in creating your own printables or SVG files consider to join the Safari Lounge Designer Classes where we do exactly that.

Create them for fun, gifts and your home but if you want also for sale

Defining Printables

Printables are digital files that are designed to be downloaded, printed, and used for various purposes. They encompass a broad spectrum of products, including but not limited to artwork, planners, worksheets, invitations, greeting cards, educational materials, organizational tools, and more. From decorative elements to functional tools, printables offer endless possibilities for personalization and creativity.

Types of Printables

The diversity of printables is virtually limitless, catering to diverse interests, preferences, and needs. Here are some common types of printables:

1. Artwork and Decor: Printables encompass a wide range of artistic creations, including wall art, posters, typography prints, and digital illustrations. Whether you're looking to adorn your home with vibrant visuals or add a touch of personality to your workspace, printable artwork offers an affordable and customizable solution.

2. Planners and Organizers: Printables provide invaluable tools for organisation and productivity, with printable planners, calendars, to-do lists, and goal trackers helping individuals stay on top of their schedules and tasks. From daily planners to specialised trackers for fitness, finance, and meal planning, printables offer tailored solutions to streamline and optimise various aspects of life.

3. Educational Materials: Printables serve as valuable resources for educators, parents, and students alike, offering a wide array of educational materials such as worksheets, flashcards, lesson plans, and activity packs. These printable resources facilitate learning and skill development across subjects and age groups, providing engaging and interactive experiences both in and out of the classroom.

4. Events and Celebrations: Printables play a significant role in event planning and celebrations, with printable invitations, party decorations, signage, and favour tags helping individuals create memorable and personalised experiences for weddings, birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. These customisable templates allow for easy customisation to match the theme, color scheme, and style of any event.

5. Crafting Supplies: Yes, that's also possible! If you enjoy Memory Planning or Scrapbooking you can get printable which let you print out the papers and elements on a paper of your choice. Print out as many as you want and start creating your scrapbooks! Besides the fact that it saves you tons of money - it's really versatile because you don't need to drive anywhere to gather supplies :D.

6. Games: There are also tons of games you can get online and print out at your finger tip! Get Maze Games, Word Search Puzzles, Halloween Games and so much more. Again, the best thing is that you can print them out with a blink of an eye - as many as you like and need to keep your kids and yourself entertained!

You can find all my printable games, educational material, affirmation cards and so much more in the Pepper Printable Club! Here a sneak peak:

Benefits of Printables

The appeal of printables lies in their numerous benefits, making them an attractive choice for consumers seeking convenience, affordability, and flexibility:

1. Convenience: Printables offer instant access to high-quality designs and resources, eliminating the need for physical products or waiting (and paying!) for shipping. With just a few clicks, users can download printable files and print them from the comfort of their own homes or offices, saving time and effort. Btw: You don't need a super special printer - any printer you own will do it.
2. Affordability: Compared to traditional printed products, printables are often more affordable due to their digital nature. Users pay only for the digital file itself, without incurring additional costs for production, shipping, or overhead expenses, making printables a budget-friendly option for individuals and businesses alike.
3. Customization: One of the key advantages of printables is their flexibility and customization options. Users can easily personalize printable designs to suit their preferences, whether it's adjusting colors, adding text, resizing elements, or incorporating their own photos and graphics. This level of customization allows for greater creativity and ensures that printables meet the unique needs and tastes of their users.
4. Reusability: Printables can be reused and repurposed multiple times, providing long-term value and versatility. Whether it's printing additional copies of a planner page, updating event details on an invitation template, or revisiting educational worksheets for review, printables offer ongoing utility and adaptability for various purposes. And because of that they are also great for our environment. You just print what you need when you need it rather than storing what you don't need somewhere.

In summary, printables represent a dynamic and multifaceted category of digital products that cater to diverse interests, needs, and lifestyles. From decorative artwork to functional organizers, educational resources to event essentials, printables offer a convenient, affordable, and customizable solution for individuals and businesses seeking to enhance their daily lives and activities. With their myriad benefits and endless possibilities, printables continue to play an integral role in modern living, empowering users to express their creativity, organise their lives, and celebrate special family moments.

They are also a great opportunity for anyone who wants to build a side hustle or a business. Printables are in need. All year round. There are activity place mats for the Easter days as well as mother's day pennants and cards you can create and sell. So in case you wanna build your own small business (or a big one!) Printables are what you should go for!

And I show you how to build your Printable Business in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes.

Here is a selection of all the paper textures from the bundle as well as the invitation cards I've created from it. But wait, there is more - that's just a small selection!

If you blend the papers together (or just leave them as they are) you can print and cut them to have some paper streamers. Or, if you print them in A4 you have a place mat. Easy peasy!

Additionally, there are 95 elements and 2 Word Arts included. You can see a few of these elements here on the ads I've created for social media (as well as our Halloween Party):

What actually is not included are scary fonts. I believe they are necessary to complete the collection but since I don't create them on my own I couldn't add them to the bundle. However, I put together a selection I believe is perfect for printable and party games as well as learning resources. https://creativemarket.com/figuree.studio/4069455-Mister-Pumpkins!

Again, these are just a few - there are many more Halloween Fonts out there but I think they really help you to make your designs stand out.

So that was just inspiration from a personal point of view. You see, even for your own little party you can use these graphics. But since we create printable products here at Digidesignresort of course there is more. 
You cannot just create invitation cards and table cards but also lovely games for an unforgettable Halloween Night!

And if you check out other printable shops, e.g. on Etsy, you see they are selling well! Sure, if you look for sales around Halloween there will be a massive increase. So that's one thing you should keep in mind. When you create a product you need to evaluate when you can sell it best. If it's season related you need to make your sales around "that time". Products you create for Christmas most probably sell best from November to December.
However, there are also "evergreen products you can sell all year" long.

But, as you can see you don't have to create your own graphic bundles to create printable products. You can use the one mentioned above, combine it with a Halloween Font (make sure both come with commercial use rights!) and then start selling your own packages of printable.

In the Safari Lounge Designer Classes we take care of that. I show you step by step how to create all kind of printables!

1. Merry and Bright: Vibrant Color Combinations for Christmas

2. Festival of Lights: Warm and Glowing Palettes for Diwali

3. Winter Wonders: Cool and Serene Hues for New Year's

4. Hanukkah Delights: Blue and Silver Color Palettes

5. Festive Elegance: Gold, Green, and Red for Holiday Glamour

6. Cozy Traditions: Warm and Rustic Palettes

7. Sparkling Nights: Silver, White, and Midnight Tones

8. Joyful Pastels: Soft and Delicate Holiday Palettes

The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and creativity. With these color palettes for Procreate, you can infuse your holiday designs with the perfect hues that reflect the spirit of each festive occasion. Whether you're creating worksheets, games, digital greetings, festive illustrations, or personalised gifts, these color palettes will enhance your artwork and spread holiday cheer.

Unlock the Holiday Spirit with Procreate Color Palettes

Spread Joy with Your Creativity

Procreate provides a powerful platform for artists and designers alike to express their creativity during the holiday season. With these carefully curated holiday color palettes, you can capture the essence of each festive occasion and create printables that resonate with joy and celebration. Embrace the spirit of the holidays, and let your imagination soar with Procreate and these stunning color palettes.

Get all the color palettes in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes

Affinity Designer vs. Procreate

While both Affinity Designer and Procreate offer a range of powerful features, there are some key differences between the two that may influence which program is best suited for your needs. In best case you learn both programs and always use the one you need for the specific project you are working on. A rule of thumb: Affinity Designer is perfect for everything you want to design while Procreate is a drawing app.

One major difference between Affinity Designer and Procreate is the type of artwork they are best suited for. Affinity Designer is best suited for creating vector-based designs, such as logos, icons,  typography and - you guess it - printables. Procreate, on the other hand, is best suited for creating digital paintings and drawings. This doesn't mean though that you cannot draw in Affinity Designer. In my class "Create Illustrations in Affinity Designer" we do exactly that. We for example turn whatever you have drawn into a vector image because they have some advantages over raster based images. And yes, that's then something you can use in the printables you design yourself!

Another difference is the level of customisation available in each program. Both are customisable but in different ways. While Affinity Designer offers a high level of customisation options with the ability to create custom brushes and effects and support for vector-based designs. Procreate, on the other hand, offers a high level of customisation when it comes to digital painting with the ability to create custom brushes and textures, and support for layer masks and alpha lock.

In terms of price, both programs are a one-time purchase and come without a subscription or in App purchases. However, you can purchase various packs on the Affinity Designer website to expand your program. The same is valid for Procreate - there is an infinite number of brushes you can purchase, not on the Procreate website itself but e.g. on CreativeMarket or Etsy, just to name two.
Please check the websites to find the current price of the programs.
However, keep in mind that Procreate is only available for use on the iPad, while Affinity Designer can be used on both Mac and Windows computers as well as on tablets. And: If you purchase the entire suite you get all the programs - for Windows, Mac and your tablet.

Here are some more features of each program. 

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a vector graphic design program that allows designers to create detailed and scalable designs. It is a powerful alternative to Adobe Illustrator, offering a range of features such as customizable vector brushes, an advanced typography toolset, and support for multiple artboards. Some of the key features of Affinity Designer include:

• Advanced vector tools and effects
• Support for both vector and raster formats
• Multiple artboards
• Customizable vector brushes
• Advanced typography tools
• Compatibility with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files

Above you see the Affinity Designer Interface. Have a look at the huge amount of tools around the entire workspace! You can download a free trial on the Serif website. 

Procreate

Procreate, on the other hand, is a digital painting app that allows artists to create stunning digital paintings and drawings. It is a popular choice among digital artists due to its range of features such as customizable brushes, support for layer masks and alpha lock, and the ability to work with high-resolution files. Some of the key features of Procreate include:

• Customizable brushes and textures
• Support for layer masks and alpha lock
• Integration with iCloud
• Ability to work with high-resolution files
• Time-lapse recording of artwork
• Import Photoshop Brushes 

Above you can see the Procreate user interface. On top right and left are all the tools you need to draw while on the left side you can see two sliders: One to increase or decrease the brush size and one to increase or decrease the opacity of a brush.
After all, Procreate is great for drawing but not really for designing. Therefore I'd recommend the program if you plan to draw images e.g. for your printables (e.g. educational printables) yourself. Then you can export them as PNG files and later on import them into Affinity Designer to create your lovely products there.

In conclusion, both Affinity Designer and Procreate are powerful programs that offer a range of features and tools for illustrators and designers. However, the type of artwork you are creating, the level of customization you require, and the platform you are using may influence which program is best suited for your needs. In an ideal world as an illustrator and designer you learn both programs inside out and always pick the one that suits your current project.

My recommendation is to go for Procreate if you want to draw but invest into Affinity Designer (in best case the entire suite) if you want to design your own digital products aka printables.

I show you Affinity Designer as well as Procreate in detail in the Safari Lounge Designer Classes!
Join me for free for 7 Days