Publishing a book as an artist might sound overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of my podcast-style series, I share how I published my own children’s book (plus several others!) and why this process is far more doable than most artists realize. Whether you’re dreaming of a picture book, planner, coloring book, or interactive art book, this post will give you the confidence and direction to get started.
Watch the video
If you’re a see it on “paper” person, keep reading below. Otherwise, if you prefer to listen or watch while you work, catch the full podcast-style video right here on my Youtube channel:
THE TAKEAWAYS
The Types of Books Artists Can Self-Publish
You don’t need to write a novel to be a published author. As an artist, you already have all the skills needed to create one of these self-published book types:
- Low-content books: Think planners, notebooks, or sketchbooks with beautifully designed covers.
- Adult/kids coloring books: Create illustrations for others to color—or flip it and make a reverse coloring book.
- Interactive art books: Add activities like tracing, dot-connecting, or collage prompts.
- Children’s picture books: Tell a story through your illustrations, even with minimal or no text.
- Alphabet or themed concept books: Organize your illustrations into an ABC or themed collection.
Want help choosing your topic? I made a list of trending niches—you can download it for free here.
Why This Works So Well for Artists
If you’re looking for a way to monetize your art or expand your audience, here’s why self-publishing is an underrated powerhouse:
- Low competition: Most artists still focus on traditional publishing routes.
- Low ad costs: Print-on-demand book platforms often offer inexpensive advertising.
- No audience required: SEO does the heavy lifting—if you know how to use it.
- Scalable formats: Whether you’ve got a week or several months, there’s a book style that fits your schedule.
Tip: You don’t need a fancy degree or a publisher’s approval. If you’ve ever made a series of artworks, you’re closer to being an author than you think!
The One Thing You Do Need: A Plan
The biggest mistake aspiring artist-authors make? Starting with the art instead of the idea.
Always start with your niche. Before creating a single page, identify:
- What keywords people are searching for
- What topics are trending in your book’s category
- What will make your book stand out
Example: My picture book focuses on fear, resilience, and mindfulness—all of which are popular themes in children’s books with strong search potential.
Remember: “Books that don’t start with a niche don’t end with a sale.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Publishing your own book isn’t just for authors—it’s for artists too. If you’ve ever made a calendar, a pattern collection, or a portfolio series, you’re halfway to a book already.
A book is just a PDF until you make it magical—and you already have the skills to do it.Whether you want to publish for profit, grow your creative brand, or simply share your story, this is your sign to go for it.
Self-Published Artist Starter Pack
- If you’re curious about making a book, don’t let the idea of “being an author” hold you back.
- I made you a list of 75+ trending book topics for you.
