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***Guest Article written by Gloria Martinez of WomenLed.org
You’re an artist and you want a little extra income, or perhaps you want to pursue a new challenge. Whatever the reason for you wanting to branch out, consider taking up a side gig to support your art. If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide presented by CraftingGlow can help.
Why Should You Consider a Side Gig as an Artist?
The starving artist stereotype unfortunately has some truth to it. Few artists can make a living by selling art alone. Surveys show that making art as a primary source of income is difficult.
If you’re hesitant to pursue a side gig, be aware that you wouldn’t be the first famous creative mind to do it. Franz Kafka, author of “The Metamorphosis” and “The Trial,” sold insurance in addition to writing.
What Kind of Side Gigs Are Out There?
There is a wide variety of side gigs that may appeal to you as an artist. Many are easy to find and often can be done online.
Graphic designers create art for clients that often revolve around their products, for example, creating logos, clothing, or websites. There are a variety of graphic design jobs out there and many are great sources of income. Another option is offering video editing services. You can find video editing work (and much more) by visiting freelancer job platforms and creating a profile offering your services.
Positively Delighted points out that creating and selling jewelry, clothing, or craft supplies are other things you can do as a side gig. Maybe you’ve heard of Etsy, which is a popular site for artists and craftspeople to make extra income selling their works, but there are plenty of alternatives to Etsy that might be more your style.
Are you often the person behind the camera when there are photos of you and your friends on social media? The Simple Sum suggests considering photography. While you probably won’t be making what experienced professional photographers make right away, there are opportunities for growth if you want to delve into the profession. Or, if you’re a filmmaker, you could help create engaging promotional videos for clients.
What If You Want To Freelance?
If you want to sell your work on a freelance basis, you can start your own company. This lets you sell whatever you create on your terms. Starting a business will involve writing a business plan. This plan should include how you’re going to structure your business, how you’re going to find funding, and any potential employees you’ll need to hire.
You’ll also need to research your competitors and create a marketing and branding strategy to reach your target customers. This should include designing a website, creating engaging SEO-friendly content, and using social media to promote your products or services.
Last but definitely not least, make sure you have a great place to set up shop in your home. Having a dedicated workspace separate from the rest of your home will make it easier to focus on your freelance work. Also, make sure this space is relaxing as well as productive; for example, adding houseplants to the room is an excellent way to liven up the space, as they have been shown to help keep anxiety and stress levels low.
Starting a side gig can be a great way to earn a little extra income while still appealing to your imagination. If you’re an artist, consider pursuing a side gig that can get your creative juices flowing and still leaves you time to practice your art.
Image via Pexels
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