Restrain: Why Finding Your Niche is Better for Creatives
By Jo Phillips
If you’re a creator whose work seems to keep getting lost in a sea of competition, there might be a solution for you. Perhaps it’s time to recognise the value of creating for a specific audience by “restraining” yourself to one area. Today, we’ll talk about how and why specialising in a particular niche can help not only you but also your clients.
Defining Your Design Niche
When it comes to defining your design niche, you should narrow down your focus and figure out what specific area or industry you want to specialise in. It’s about finding your unique style and catering to a specific target audience while standing out from the competition. If you’re not quite sure what we mean by this, let’s look into a specific industry, such as iGaming.
To make a game stand out, let’s say a classic like Bingo or slots, it is beneficial to add a specific motif to make it stand out from others. One example would be the Sugar Rush Slot, where the design of the game is full of desserts and treats that make it pop when compared to a traditional fruit slot. This will also appeal to lovers of desserts and all things cute as well as those looking for a fun game.
Furthermore, identifying a set niche enables you to hone your artistic skills in one set area that will further set you apart from other artists and make you more marketable, thus attracting more clients who are looking for experts rather than generalists. For instance, let’s say you have a proclivity for graphic design and you love animals, a great niche would be digital animal portraits.
Once you have identified a list of potential niches, narrow them down further based on factors such as competition level, demand for services, growth potential, and personal preferences. Not all niches will offer the same opportunities for creativity and some might not allow for higher pricing compared to others. Even once that is all done, don’t be afraid to experiment or pivot if needed when defining your design niche.
How to Succeed in a Niche
Once you have taken the steps to specialise yourself, it’s time to figure out how to succeed in the niche in question. This starts by staying up-to-date with current trends, which can be done using the platform Google Trends. Networking can also help with this, which can be done by attending relevant industry events and checking out opportunities to collaborate with other creatives.
The next thing you should set your sights on is creating a stronger digital presence. This can be done by developing an eye-catching portfolio filled with your greatest works that will demonstrate why they should pick you. For this, you can leverage a myriad of platforms like Behance or Dribbble.
Finally, one often-forgotten part is to always provide exceptional customer service. There’s nothing clients appreciate more than the attention to detail and timely communication provided throughout the project process. You are more likely to be recommended by being reliable and delivering high-quality work that results in satisfied clients.
As we can see from the above, when you work within a niche, you have the opportunity to dive deep into your chosen field, constantly learning and evolving alongside industry trends. This expertise will set you apart from generalists and help you unlock incredible opportunities for growth.