Note: This article is currently available in Chinese only. This English post highlights the ideas behind it, but the full content is written in Chinese.
When I first started my illustration small business, I had no clear idea which tools actually mattered. I was drawing, experimenting with printing, trying to photograph my products properly, learning how to package orders, and figuring out how to sell—all at the same time. I wasted money on tools I rarely used and learned many lessons the long, inconvenient way.
The full Chinese article goes into the exact tools that truly helped me build Ziyi Studio—from art equipment and photography setups to printing, packaging, and choosing the right sales platform.
Below is only a glimpse of what the full article covers.
1. The art tools that ended up shaping my workflow
I started with what I already had, and slowly realised which tools actually improved my process and which were unnecessary. Choosing tools becomes much easier once you understand your own rhythm as a creator.
02. How I photographed everything with only a phone
Good visuals don’t require expensive gear. What mattered more was light, composition, and understanding how to build a clean setup. My entire early catalogue was photographed on a phone.
03. The printing and sticker tools I wish someone had explained to me earlier
Some machines became essential. Others? I should never have bought them that early. Knowing the difference saves a lot—not just money, but time and frustration.
04. The packaging choices that simplified my entire workflow
Minimal, practical, and easy to restock. A streamlined packaging setup helped me stay consistent and reduced stress during busy periods.
05. Etsy or Shopify? The decision that changed how I worked
Each platform supports a different stage of a creative business. Understanding when to use each one made the biggest difference in how I planned my shop.
Read the full Chinese article on Patreon
The complete Chinese version includes:
- My full tool list (with links)
- What to buy first vs what to delay
- Tools I regret purchasing
- Real examples of my setup for printing, photography, and packaging
- Lessons I learned while building an illustration business from scratch
If you want access to the full guide and more creator-focused articles, you can read everything on my Patreon
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