Expanding My Portfolio with Cozy Coloring Pages

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring a new category for my illustration portfolio: coloring pages.

While I’m best known for ready-to-license greeting cards and surface patterns designs artwork, I’ve always loved illustrations that invite people to slow down and spend time with them. Coloring pages are a wonderful example of that. They combine storytelling, intricate details, and creativity in a way that encourages relaxation and imagination.

Recently, I added a set of three new cozy book-themed coloring pages to my portfolio of my agency Advocate Art. These illustrations explore a world of books, reading, and cozy corners.

Why Coloring Pages?

Coloring books have become increasingly popular with both children and adults. They offer a creative escape and a chance to disconnect from busy daily routines.

As an illustrator, I find coloring pages particularly interesting because they require a different approach than many of my other projects. The artwork needs to be detailed enough to be engaging, but still clear and enjoyable to color. Every object, shelf, stack of books, and decorative element becomes part of the experience.

Creating coloring pages also allows me to focus on world-building. Rather than designing a single image, I can create scenes filled with small details that encourage viewers to look a little closer.

A Cozy Book-Themed Collection

For this collection, I wanted to create illustrations inspired by the comforting atmosphere of books and cozy reading spaces. My sister was a big influence for this direction as she is a book-girl herself and has a shelves full of books in her space.

There is something timeless about cozy bookshops, overflowing bookshelves, and comfy reading nooks. These spaces naturally tell stories, making them perfect subjects for coloring pages.

When designing the illustrations, I focused on creating scenes that feel inviting and full of discovery. I wanted each page to offer plenty of details to explore while maintaining a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

My process: 1 rough sketch with pen and paper; 2 detailed sketch on Ipad; 3 clean line work in Affinity Designer

Exploring New Opportunities

Adding coloring pages to my portfolio is part of a broader effort to expand the range of artwork I offer for licensing.

These types of illustrations can be adapted for coloring books, activity books, magazines, educational products, publishing projects, and other creative applications. They complement my existing portfolio while allowing me to explore new markets and audiences.

I enjoy creating artwork that combines charm, storytelling, and strong commercial potential, and coloring pages are a natural extension of that goal. And most importantly, illustrating coloring pages is it a lot of fun.

How My Etsy Shop Inspired These Illustrations

Creating these line illustrations wasn't entirely new territory for me. Over the past few years, I've also designed simpler coloring pages for my Etsy shop, where I create printable activities for children.

While my Etsy coloring pages are often designed with young children in mind and focus on one single element, these new portfolio pieces allowed me to explore a more detailed and atmospheric style. I could focus on building cozy scenes, adding storytelling elements, and creating illustrations that invite people to spend time discovering every little detail.

In many ways, these new coloring pages bring together my experience creating commercial products and my passion for illustration, resulting in artwork that feels both playful and licensing-ready.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to continue expanding this area of my portfolio and exploring new themes in future coloring page collections.

If you’d like to see more of my illustration work, you can browse my portfolio or get in touch with me or my agency Advocate Art regarding licensing opportunities.