19 Creative Side Hustles for Artists To Make Money in 2024
19 Creative Side Hustles for Artists To Make Money in 2024
Facing the dilemma of how to earn extra money without compromising your passion for art? You’re not alone.
With the rise of AI, many artists including myself, struggle with the balance between following their creative callings and managing financial stability.
But what if I told you there’s a way to bridge this gap? The key lies in identifying the right creative side hustle that not only feeds your soul but also your bank account. In today’s digital age, artists have more opportunities than ever to turn their passion into profit.
Did you know that according to a recent statistic by Upwork, the average hourly compensation for a freelance graphic designer is $45? That’s $93,600 a year if you work full time! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a sea of potential clients waiting for your unique skills.
What are the Main Ways for Artists To Earn Extra Income?
To supplement their income, artists can leverage their creative skills in various niches. By establishing a small business around your art, you unlock new opportunities to turn your passion into a sustainable source of income. Here are four main avenues artists can explore:
- Digital Products: Capitalizing on online platforms to sell your digital creations.
- Physical Goods: Producing and marketing physical artwork and merchandise.
- Services: Offering specialized creative services tailored to client needs.
- Consulting / Teaching: Sharing expertise through teaching or consulting roles.
These categories offer flexible paths to supplement your income, allowing you to harness your creativity and connect with audiences worldwide.
Digital Products:
Creating 3D Models for Sale
To get started:
- Identify your niche: Are you a master at crafting vibrant illustrations perfect for YouTube thumbnails? Focus your content on appealing to digital creators by highlighting how your art can enhance their projects.
- Develop a portfolio showcasing high quality examples: Potential buyers will be drawn to visually stunning and professional-looking digital art. Invest time in refining your skills and ensure your artwork is optimized for various social media platforms. Build your portfolio around the work you want to do.
- Reach out for collaborations. Use your posts to invite digital creators for collaborative projects, offering your art as a value-add to their content. This is a great way to network, find clients, and start your business.
3D Designs for the Metaverse
The metaverse is a growing virtual world where people can interact, game, and socialize. There’s a huge demand for 3D designers to create avatars, wearables, virtual environments, and other assets for the metaverse. For designers, this represents not just a new creative outlet but a booming market eager for innovative 3D creations that enhance the virtual experience.
Book Covers
Book covers are such an important part of the reading experience, don’t you think? I mean, who hasn’t been drawn to a book just because the cover was so cool? And here’s the thing – a lot of these covers are actually pieces of graphic design made by creative people like you and me. So why not start a side hustle and make some extra money by designing book covers? There are so many platforms like Etsy where you can sell your art and earn money doing what you love. It can actually be a pretty lucrative gig if you’re good at it.
Fan Art Commissions
As someone who loves anime and comics, I’ve bought my fair share of fan art. Fan art commissions can be a fun and lucrative way to turn your artistic skills into income. Creating custom artwork of popular characters or celebrities lets you tap into passionate fan communities. The key is balancing accuracy with your unique artistic style.
Developing a niche in specific fandoms or franchises can set you apart in the market. Some lesser-known properties have dedicated fans willing to pay for quality art of their favorite characters.
Offering tiered pricing for different levels of detail or complexity is smart business. A basic system might include:
1. Simple sketches
2. Colored line art
3. Fully rendered illustrations
This approach caters to various budgets and helps you manage your workload effectively.
Always be mindful of copyright laws when creating fan art. Some companies are lenient, while others strictly enforce their intellectual property rights.
Personalized Digital Portraits
I’ve gotta say, this niche has exploded in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. People love seeing themselves transformed into art, especially when it’s tailored just for them.
Remember, personalized digital portraits aren’t just about creating a likeness. They’re about capturing personality, mood, and story. Your job is to create something that resonates on a personal level.
And let’s not forget about the technical side of things. Investing in a good drawing tablet and software is crucial. But don’t think you need the most expensive gear to start. Many successful digital artists began with basic setups and upgraded as they grew. My computer is 12 years old and (barely) hanging in there!
Pet Portrait Services
First things first: pet portraits are big business. According to a survey by Rover.com, 39% of dog owners have bought something personalized for their beloved pet. And have you seen all the cat pictures and cat accounts on Instagram? Or am I the only one who follows them? Come to think of it, why haven’t I made my cats an account yet?
Anyway, there are lots of potential clients looking for ways to immortalize their furry friends!
Digital pet portraits offer a unique twist on traditional pet photography. Make it special by incorporating personal touches like favorite toys or special locations. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity. Dogs and cats might be your bread and butter, but what about when someone asks for a portrait of their bearded dragon or pet hedgehog? Expanding your skills to include a wide range of animals can set you apart from the competition.
Historical Illustration Services
You know, there’s something really special about bringing history to life through art.
Illustrating historical events or figures for educational materials is probably something you haven’t thought about. As the son of 2 historians, it’s something that I can’t forget. There have been times my parents needed help with historical map creations, book covers, you name it.
But here’s the thing – accuracy is key. You can’t just wing it when it comes to historical stuff. My dad can spend hours describing the different types of armor the Roman soldiers have. He even has a pretty cool replica. This eye for detail has rubbed off on me. I spend almost as much time researching as I do drawing.
Now, let’s talk about infographics for museums or history publications. This is where you really get to flex your creative muscles. How do you make a timeline of the Roman Empire both informative and visually appealing? It’s a challenge, but when you nail it, it’s so satisfying. I’ve found that using color psychology can really help make complex information more digestible. For example, using warmer colors for earlier periods and cooler ones for more recent times can give a subtle sense of progression.
At the end of the day, historical illustration is about more than just making pretty pictures. It’s about connecting people with the past, helping them understand where we came from. And that, my friends, is pretty darn cool.
Digital Sticker Design
People love using stickers. It can be a fun, profitable niche to dive into. Start with a drawing app like Photoshop or Procreate and create high-quality, expressive designs. Stickers should be simple but capture emotions like joy, frustration, and love. Even better, your simple doodles can make great stickers!
Once you have a collection, package them according to a messaging app’s requirements. For example, WhatsApp needs 512×512 pixels with a transparent background. Then, sell your stickers on platforms like Etsy or directly on messaging apps like LINE or Telegram. Promote your packs on social media, showcasing them in action on your own accounts.
People love themed sticker collections for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day. Plan and design your collections a few months in advance to catch the seasonal excitement. Don’t just stick to major holidays; niche events like International Cat Day offer unique opportunities. Start creating and watch your doodles turn into dollars!
Apparel Design
You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about digital apparel design lately. I haven’t actually tried it yet, but man, the potential seems huge, especially for artists with unique styles. It’s like this whole new canvas just waiting to be explored.
From what I’ve researched, creating designs for print-on-demand t-shirt services seems like a great place to start. It’s low-risk since you’re not holding inventory, and it lets you test out different ideas. I’ve seen some artists absolutely killing it with clever, topical designs.
One thing to remember is the importance of understanding how designs look on actual garments. It’s not just about creating cool art – it’s about making art that works on clothing.
Creating and selling digital brushes and textures:
Developing unique brush sets for digital art software seems like a great starting point if you want a low risk-high reward venture. I mean, who doesn’t love a good brush that adds that special something to their artwork? Start creating brushes you use in your own work. This helps you create faster, and then it can help your clients. You can sell them on platforms like Adobe Marketplace or directly through your own website. This is the perfect win-win.
Offer Your Creative Services
Freelancing in 3D Animation
Freelancing in 3D animation can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. It’s a field that demands exceptional talent and a knack for problem-solving. While breaking into the industry might feel like climbing a steep hill, this is the path that started me on my journey.
Starting small can be a strategic move. Don’t be afraid to take on smaller projects to build your portfolio and gain experience. Unfortunately, many people undervalue 3D art and don’t understand how much work goes into it. But these early (usually underpaid) gigs can serve as stepping stones to bigger and more lucrative opportunities. Remember, consistency is key. Building a strong reputation through reliable work and meeting deadlines is essential for long-term success.
Create Animations for Indie Games
Character animation is a highly sought-after skill in the gaming industry, making it a promising avenue for artists seeking a side hustle. Indie game studios often have limited budgets, so they’re always on the lookout for talented freelancers who can bring their characters to life.
As the indie game industry continues to expand, there’s a steady demand for skilled animators, ensuring a consistent flow of potential clients.
Augmented Reality Experiences
Augmented Reality (AR) experiences represent a cutting-edge opportunity for artists in the digital age. This field combines creativity with technology, opening up new avenues for artistic expression and commercial application. Three simple ways to start are:
- Designing AR filters for social media platforms
- These filters allow users to enhance their photos and videos with digital overlays, ranging from simple effects to complex, interactive experiences. The popularity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has created a constant demand for new, innovative filters.
- Creating AR experiences for marketing campaigns
- Projects can range from virtual try-on experiences for products to immersive brand storytelling. The key is to create engaging, shareable content that enhances brand visibility and customer interaction.
- Developing educational AR content for museums or schools
- AR can bring historical artifacts to life, visualize complex scientific concepts, or create interactive learning experiences. This field requires a blend of artistic skill, educational knowledge, and technical expertise.
For artists, AR presents several advantages as a side hustle:
- High demand: As AR technology becomes more accessible, businesses and institutions are increasingly seeking AR content.
- Creative freedom: AR allows for innovative, boundary-pushing designs that may not be possible in traditional mediums.
- Skill development: Working in AR keeps artists at the forefront of digital technology.
- Diverse applications: From entertainment to education, AR skills are applicable across various industries.
- Potential for passive income: Some AR filters or experiences can generate ongoing revenue.
While the learning curve for AR development can be steep, the potential rewards make it an attractive option for artists looking to expand their digital skillset and income streams.
Photogrammetry for Real Estate
Photogrammetry for real estate? Now that’s a mouthful, but it’s also a game-changer in the property market. Imagine being able to walk through a house without leaving your couch – that’s the magic of this technology.
Offering 3D scanning services for real estate listings is like giving potential buyers a superpower. They can peek into every nook and cranny of a property, all while sitting in their pajamas with a cup of coffee. It’s particularly handy for those fancy pants properties or when your dream home is on the other side of the country.
Virtual tours using photogrammetry take things up a notch. It’s like being in a video game, except instead of slaying dragons, you’re deciding if that kitchen island is big enough for your morning pancake routine. You can measure spaces, rearrange furniture in your mind, and even plan your victory dance for when you finally close the deal.
And let’s not forget about virtual staging. It’s the digital equivalent of those home makeover shows, minus the drama and tight deadlines. Empty rooms transform into cozy living spaces with a click of a button. It’s perfect for helping buyers see the potential in a space, even if their imagination is as blank as the walls.
For artists looking to dip their toes into this high-tech pool, it’s a pretty sweet gig. Sure, there’s a bit of a learning curve and some fancy equipment to invest in, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be the wizard of the real estate world. Just don’t let all that power go to your head – remember, with great 3D scanning ability comes great responsibility!
Teaching and Consulting:
Teach Online Courses
Teaching online courses is like having your own personal art school without the overhead. Imagine sharing your artistic knowledge with people all over the world, all from the comfort of your home studio. It’s a pretty sweet gig. It’s why I love teaching. I can talk about my passion (3D art) and share it with other people who love it!
Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare have opened up a massive market for online courses. You can teach anything from digital painting basics to advanced character design. The best part? You create the course once, and it can generate income for years to come. It’s like planting a money tree, but way cooler.
If you’re new to teaching or don’t have a built-in audience, Skillshare is a great place to start. They have a large community of learners always on the lookout for fresh content. Plus, they handle a lot of the marketing and promotion for you. Once you’ve built a following on Skillshare, you can then branch out to your own platform or other teaching platforms.
Now, don’t get me wrong, creating a killer online course takes time and effort. You gotta be a good teacher, not just a good artist. You need to break down complex techniques into easy-to-understand steps. And you’ll probably need to invest in some decent video and audio equipment. But if you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge, the rewards can be huge.
YouTube Tutorials
YouTube could be a goldmine for artists looking to build a following and share their knowledge. Creating tutorials is a fantastic way to connect with other creatives, teach valuable skills, and potentially turn your passion into a profitable side hustle. I won’t lie and say it will be easy. You have to decide if YouTube will be a hobby or a main part of your business. For me, I chose it to be a main part of my business. (Go check out youtube.com/@santiagosays.)
Imagine having a platform where you can break down complex art techniques into easy-to-follow steps. You can teach everything from basic digital painting to advanced 3D modeling. Not only is it rewarding to help others, but it also gives you a chance to showcase your own artistic abilities.
Creating software-specific tutorials can be a great way to niche down and attract a targeted audience. Whether you’re a Photoshop wizard or a Blender pro, there’s a community out there eager to learn from you. And don’t forget about the power of behind-the-scenes content. Giving your viewers a glimpse into your creative process can help you build a stronger connection with your audience.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera, fire up your software, and start sharing your artistic journey with the world. Who knows, your next big fan might be just one click away.
E-books on Digital Art Skills
Writing and selling e-books is a fantastic way to monetize your artistic expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a market for your knowledge.
Imagine sharing your hard-earned tips and tricks with aspiring artists and getting paid for it. It’s like having your own digital art academy without the overhead. Creating in-depth guides on specific digital art techniques is a great place to start.
Think about your areas of expertise. Maybe you’re a master of character design, or perhaps you’ve got a knack for creating stunning digital environments. Whatever your specialty, there are people out there eager to learn from you.
You can also create comprehensive resource books for aspiring digital artists. Cover everything from software basics to portfolio building and industry insights. These types of books can become valuable assets for artists at all levels.
Remember, your e-books are not just about teaching; they’re also about building your brand. Use them as a platform to showcase your artistic style and establish yourself as an authority in your field.
Personalized Art Coaching
Becoming a successful artist isn’t just about talent; it’s about guidance and support.
That’s where personalized art coaching comes in. Imagine having a seasoned artist in your corner, offering tailored advice and encouragement every step of the way. One-on-one mentoring sessions are like having a personal cheerleader and coach combined. You’ll get focused feedback on your work, learn new techniques, and develop a clear path to achieve your artistic goals. It’s like having a shortcut to success.
Portfolio reviews are essential for career growth. A fresh pair of eyes can help you identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. With expert guidance, you can create a portfolio that truly showcases your talent and attracts the right opportunities.
And let’s not forget about personalized skill development plans. Every artist has unique goals and challenges. A customized plan can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track. It’s like having a roadmap to your artistic dreams.
Summary:
From book covers to AR experiences, the possibilities for side hustles are as limitless as your imagination! Remember, the key to success is finding that sweet spot where your skills meet market demand.
So, which of these 19 side hustles caught your eye? Maybe it’s time to dust off that tablet, fire up your favorite software, and start turning those creative dreams into cold, hard cash. Who knows? Your side hustle today could be your main gig tomorrow!
FAQ
Is it possible to earn passive income through a side hustle?
Yes, many side hustles can eventually turn into a source of passive income. For example, starting a YouTube channel or creating digital products to monetize can generate consistent earnings. But you do have to put in the hard work up front. and be consistent and adaptable.
How do I find clients for my creative side hustle?
Utilize social media platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to showcase your work and attract potential clients. You can also leverage affiliate marketing strategies by sharing content with relevant affiliate links, directing traffic to your services.
How can I turn my side hustle into a full-time job?
If your side hustle shows potential for growth, focus on scaling your operations and finding more efficient ways to work. With dedication and perseverance, you can transition from a side hustle to a viable small business. I would pick a goal before you quit your day job though. Maybe wait until your side gig makes more than your day job 3 months in a row to make sure your sales are consistent.
Are there any tips to make my creative side hustle more profitable?
Identify a niche where your creative skills shine and target a specific audience. You then want to find a problem your audience has and solve it for them.
