The Illustrator’s Website Clarity Audit : 5 Questions to Ask Yourself For Your Portfolio Website.
First off , Thank you so much for the warm response to my last post about adding email sign-ups to your portfolio website.
So many of you shared how helpful it was, and I’m truly grateful this little corner of the internet is supporting your creative journey. 🫶
If that post was about how to invite people in...
Today’s post is about what they see when they arrive.
Because here’s the truth:
Even the most beautiful website can still fall flat if it isn’t clear.
You might have amazing illustrations ,
But if your layout leaves people guessing what you do, who you serve, and how to work with you…
Then you’re missing a big opportunity.
So today, I’m sharing something foundational:
A 5-point Website Clarity Audit to help you build not just a “nice” portfolio, but a hireable one.
Let’s get into it :
If you’ve ever looked at your website and thought:
"Why doesn’t this feel like me anymore?"
Or worse,
"I’m not even sure what a client sees when they land here…"
You’re not alone.
I’ve spoken to children’s book illustrators over the last few months, and here’s the truth:
✨ Your website isn’t just a place to upload pretty work.
It’s your creative story told with intention, layout, and feeling.
And if your site isn’t clear on what you do, who you do it for, and how someone can hire you...
then even your best art might go unnoticed.
Today’s post is a gentle clarity check.
I’m giving you 5 powerful questions to ask yourself , so your portfolio doesn’t just show your work, but sells your story.
📋 The 5-Point Website Clarity Audit (For Children's Book Illustrators)
1. Does your homepage feel like the cover of your creative world?
Not just a gallery but a welcoming, emotional first impression.
Can someone feel your style before they even scroll?
I have deep dive on this - Give it a Read .
2. Do you guide visitors through your process or just show them pictures?
Clients want to know how you think, not just what you draw.
Even a small "process peek" (a sketch, caption, or timeline) builds trust.
3. Can someone tell what kind of illustrator you are in 10 seconds?
If I land on your site do I instantly know you love animal characters, quiet magic, or cozy outdoor scenes?
Clarity = confidence = more aligned inquiries.
4. Is it obvious who your art is for?
Are you hoping to work with indie authors? Publishers? Brands?
The more specific you are, the easier it is for someone to say “Yes, this illustrator is perfect for me.”
5. Is there a next step or do people leave after scrolling?
You’d be surprised how many illustrators forget this.
Invite people to stay in touch — whether it’s an email sign-up, a custom inquiry form, or a soft “Let’s work together” section.
I have breakdown on #5 here - Read it , this might help.
Why This Matters
You could have a dozen gorgeous illustrations…
But without structure and clarity, your website becomes just another scroll.
Clients aren’t only hiring an illustrators,
They’re hiring a storyteller.
Someone who can take a narrative and bring it to life.
Your website should reflect that skill before they ever email you.
Want Help With This?
If you’ve been stuck in “Website Overwhelm Mode” —
I’m working on two gentle ways to help:
My upcoming Wix Template — A done-for-you storytelling layout made for children’s book illustrators (clean, warm, and no tech mess).
Sketch Sessions — 1:1 creative walkthroughs to help you build a homepage layout that truly reflects your style, process, and story.
Warm brushes and brighter layouts,
Sketchbook.to.site