apps and Online tools Every Illustrator Should use

 
 

Hi, I’m Dean, the host of Women of Illustration, a community dedicated to helping artists turn their creativity into a career.

This is a handpicked collection of tools, apps, and subscriptions I personally use to run my business. Whether you're looking for the best design software, marketing resources, or ways to streamline your workflow, you'll find my go-to recommendations here.

Heads up! Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I get a little kickback at no extra cost to you. If you're planning to use any of these tools, clicking through my links helps support this community (and sometimes unlocks special deals for you). Win-win! 😊

 

editing app: capcut (Free - $12.99+/mo)

CapCut is my go-to for editing because it makes everything stupidly easy, whether I need quick captions or a full-blown edit. It has every tool I could possibly want—text, effects, auto-captions—and I can keep it simple or go full advanced mode if I’m feeling fancy. Basically, it does all the hard work so I can focus on making art instead of fighting with software..

 

DM automation: ManyChat (Free - $15+/mo)

I’ve made way more sales since using ManyChat! It automates DMs on Instagram and Facebook, instantly sending people the right links, whether it’s to my shop, newsletter, or online courses. Plus, it collects emails, sends reminders, and keeps my audience engaged without me doing a thing.

 

Accounting: fivver workspace (Free-$24/mo)

I've been using this tool since it was known as and.co, and it completely streamlines my expenses, proposals, invoices, and helps me track my time. Designed specifically for freelancers, it’s a comprehensive project management and invoicing tool. My favorite feature is that it ensures you get paid your deposit as soon as your client e-signs your proposal.

 

Print on demand: printful ($7 to $30 +shipping)

This is my favorite print-on-demand service for creating and selling custom products without managing inventory. It connects to nearly any website platform, including WordPress, Squarespace, and Shopify. They handle printing, shipping, and can even add your branding. You can also store your own inventory with them for fulfillment along with your print-on-demand products.

 

BuILD FORMS: Typeform ($25-$83/mo)

This versatile platform is perfect for creating engaging and interactive surveys, forms, and quizzes. I use it to connect with my audience when I need feedback on products or social media ideas. You can customize designs with branded colors and photos. It’s also great for creating questionnaires for clients that calculate custom quotes based on their answers, with an option for them to pay at the end.

 

draw on ipad: Astropad ($30-$80)

Since I personally don't like Procreate, I use Astropad to transform my iPad into a graphics tablet. This is ideal for digital artists who already love using the Adobe Suite, as Astropad mirrors your screen, enabling you to use your iPad and Apple Pencil for precise drawing and editing in software like Photoshop and Illustrator.

 

best website builder: shopify ($39-$399/mo)

If you're looking to create a large inventory of products over time, Shopify is the best e-commerce platform for you. It's ideal for selling your illustrations and managing inventory, payments, and shipping. The best part is that any other app or addition you'd like to add to your website will likely work seamlessly with Shopify. However, designing non-templated pages may require some web design assistance.