Finding My Art Niche: What If the Clarity Comes After the Choice?

“Tide Pool” by Therese Tucker

For years, I’ve heard that in order to grow an audience and connect with collectors, clients, or art lovers, you have to niche down. Choose your palette. Choose your subject. Pick a medium. Make your path clear and consistent.

But here’s the thing no one talks about: what if you can feel the direction of your niche in your bones but can’t quite see the art that lives inside it yet?

That’s where I am now.

My Niche Has a Shape—But Not a Face (Yet)

When I think of niching, I don’t just imagine a subject matter—I imagine a set of creative tools, a way of working, a tone of voice. Something like:

Children’s books with mythical, woodland characters in earthy tones mixed with brights—painted in gouache, neo color and ink, with organic shapes and varied line weights.

It’s close. I feel it. But then, the resistance kicks in.

Because... what if I make the wrong choice?
What if I get bored and abandon it later?
What if the characters I think I want to draw never actually arrive?

Overthinking is the Vortex, Not the Solution

I’ve done the research. I’ve studied my own portfolio. I’ve reflected on what mediums bring me joy. I’ve run pieces through both handmade and digital to see what matches my soul. I even turned to my AI collaborator for feedback.

But what I’ve realized is this: you cannot think your way into a niche.
You can only live your way into it.

So what do I do now?
I write.
I sketch.
I make the next piece.

Instead of waiting for the full cast of characters to arrive, I’m starting a journal. I’ll write down what I know: the setting, the mood, the tone. Maybe the characters will walk in through the side door once I stop demanding they show up on command.

And you know what? I’m inviting you to come with me as this niche unfolds.

“Witch’s Book Shop” pattern

These recent pieces are all part of different art challenges I have joined in October.

✨ Follow the Evolution in Real Time on Patreon

If you’re curious to see how this creative direction takes shape—what pieces get made, what sketches evolve into stories, and how style and subject continue to merge—you’ll find all of that over on my Patreon.

It’s where I share my works in progress, behind-the-scenes thoughts, sketchbook pages, and early releases of collections and illustrations. I’d love to have you there.

Because the truth is, the niche is finding me, too.

✨ Want to follow the story as it’s written?
Come join me on Patreon to watch my niche take shape in real time.