Do you consider yourself a creative person with a passion for art, design, or writing? Are you looking for ways to turn your creativity into a profitable side hustle? Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to monetize your skills and make extra income through side hustles.

With the rise of the gig economy, there are countless opportunities for creatives to earn money outside their day jobs. Whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, or writer, there are plenty of side hustles that can help turn your passion into profit.

If you’re a creative looking to make some extra cash, this article is for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best side hustles for creatives that don’t require a lot of startup costs or prior experience. 

33 Best Side Hustles for Creatives

From selling your artwork online to freelance writing, there are endless possibilities for creatives to turn their hobbies into a profitable side hustle. Here are some of the best side hustles for creatives to try this year:

Freelance Writing

If you’re a creative looking for a way to make money online, freelance writing is one of the best options available. Whether it’s website content, blog posts, or copywriting, you can make good money as a freelance writer. You can find plenty of opportunities on job boards like Upwork and Freelancer.com.

Web Design

Another great way to make money as a creative is by offering web design services. If you have experience in HTML, CSS, and other web development skills, you can find a wide variety of clients who will pay you for your services. You can even create your website to showcase your portfolio and attract clients.

Graphic Design

As a graphic designer, you can easily find work through freelance marketplaces like 99designs or Fiverr. You can create logos, advertisements, illustrations, and more for clients around the world.

You should anticipate receiving a 1099 form from your client if you make at least $600. Consider forming an LLC if you wish to cut expenditures. For further information, contact an expert right away.

Vlogging on YouTube or Tiktok

Vlogging on YouTube or Tiktok is a great side hustle for creatives who want to share their talent and creativity with the world. By creating fun and engaging content, you can build followers who will watch your videos and engage with your content. You can monetize your videos through ads, sponsored content, merchandise sales, affiliate links, or donations from viewers.

Photography

If you have an eye for taking great photos, you can easily monetize your skills by offering photography services. Whether it’s wedding photos or product shots, you should be able to find plenty of opportunities.

Selling Digital Products

Selling digital products is a great option for a passive source of income. Whether it’s e-books, stock photos, or website themes, you can easily find customers who are willing to pay for your digital products. You can even offer them as part of a membership site or subscription service.

Voice Acting

Voice acting can be a great side hustle for the creatively inclined. Whether it’s a commercial, audiobook, animation, or video game, voice actors are in demand across a variety of industries. To get started as a voice actor, you’ll need to have an eye-catching portfolio and take classes to hone your craft. You can also join casting networks and start auditioning for gigs.

Teaching or Tutoring

Another great way to make money as a creative is by teaching others your skills. For example, if you have experience in web design or graphic design, you can offer online courses or tutorials to help people learn the fundamentals. You can even teach classes in person if you prefer a more hands-on approach.  Platforms like Chegg and TutorMe offer an easy way to find students who need help with specific topics.

Selling Crafts

If you enjoy making crafts such as jewelry, pottery, or paintings, you can sell them online. You can create an Etsy shop to get started and find customers around the world.

Social Media Management

You can offer services to businesses as a social media manager if you’re familiar with different social media platforms. You can help them create and manage their accounts, come up with strategies for increasing engagement on their posts, or even run ads.

Online Course

Whether you’re a graphic designer, digital marketer, or web developer, there is likely a demand for your expertise online. By creating an online course, you can reach potential students across the globe and share your knowledge with them in an interactive way. The best part? You can do it from the comfort of your home.

Consulting

If you have industry experience in a specific field such as marketing or design, you can offer consulting services to businesses. You can even create an online course or workshop to help others learn the skills you have.

Expect to receive a 1099 form from your client if you earn at least $600. Think about creating an LLC if you want to lower expenses. To learn more, speak to a specialist right away.

Virtual Assistant

If you’re a great multitasker and have experience with various administrative tasks, you can offer your services as a virtual assistant. You can find plenty of opportunities on job boards like Upwork or Freelancer.

Copywriting

Becoming a copywriter can be a great side hustle if you have a knack for words and storytelling, You can offer your services to businesses who need help creating compelling content for their marketing material or website.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other businesses’ products or services through your website, blog, or social media channels. As an affiliate, you’ll receive a commission based on any sales that result from your promotion efforts. To get started with affiliate marketing as a creative, you’ll first need to research and choose products or services that you believe in. You’ll then need to create content that promotes the products or services in a way that resonates with your target audience.

Self-Published Author

Self-publishing can be an excellent way to make money on the side while also sharing your creativity with the world. It’s a great way to connect with readers and grow your following without the need for a traditional publisher.

Video Editing

As a video editor, you can offer your services to businesses and filmmakers who need help creating visuals for their projects. You can use platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to find clients, network with friends and colleagues, or create a website to promote yourself.

Event Planning

If you have experience with event planning or a knack for organization, you can offer your services to businesses and individuals. You can help them plan conferences, weddings, parties, and other special occasions.

Niche Blog

With niche blogging, you can create content about a specific topic that interests you and craft meaningful posts that will engage readers. A niche blog allows you to focus on one particular subject, so you can become an expert in that area and create content that is helpful to readers. You can monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.

Content Marketing

If you’re an experienced writer and marketer, you can offer your services as a content marketing strategist. You can help businesses create targeted campaigns that will reach their desired audience and generate leads and conversions.

Translation Services

Translation services can be a great side hustle for those with an aptitude for languages. With the increasing globalization of business, companies need multilingual professionals to help bridge the gap between different cultures and markets. If you have fluency in two or more languages, offering translation services can be an excellent way to use your skills and earn money at the same time.

Stock Photography

With stock photography, photographers can capture and sell images online for businesses and individuals to use in their marketing campaigns or other projects. This type of photography requires the ability to take quality photos that are clear, sharp, and well-composed. You should also be able to produce photos that are relevant to the needs of your clients.

Copywriting

If you have a knack for writing persuasive copy, you can offer your services to businesses that need help creating marketing material and sales pages. You can also help them come up with content ideas that will drive traffic and improve customer engagement.

SEO Consulting

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an important component of any website and business’s online presence, but many creatives don’t have the technical know-how to optimize their sites. That’s where you come in! As an SEO consultant, you can use your creative skills and knowledge of how search engines work to help businesses get more traffic and leads.

Domain Flipping

Domain flipping involves purchasing domain(s) from a domain registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Network Solutions, and then reselling them at a higher price to make a profit. The process of domain flipping is relatively straightforward: you identify a desirable domain name, purchase it from the registrar, and then resell it to someone else at a higher price.

Interior Design

Interior design is a great side hustle for creatives. It allows you to use your creative skills to transform spaces into beautiful and functional works of art. The first step in starting an interior design business is to become certified. You’ll need to take classes and pass tests that will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful designer. Once you have your certification, you can start your own business or find clients who need help with their home interiors.

Social Media Advertising

If you have a good understanding of the different social media platforms, you can offer your services as a social media advertiser. You can help businesses create effective campaigns that will reach their desired customers and increase engagement with their brand.

Music Production

Music production involves creating and mixing original music for artists, record labels, television shows, movies, video games, and more. It’s an incredibly rewarding job that requires plenty of technical skills, as well as creative vision. The first step in becoming a successful music producer is to invest in quality equipment and software. You’ll also need to develop your skills by creating music and recording audio regularly before you can start offering your services to clients.

Digital Marketing

If you have an understanding of the online landscape and customer behavior, you can offer your services as a digital marketer. You can help businesses maximize their reach by creating engaging campaigns that will appeal to their target audience and drive traffic to their site.

Video Production

Video production can encompass anything from creating promotional videos for businesses to filming weddings and other special events. There are endless possibilities when it comes to video production. You can specialize in one area or branch out and offer a variety of services. You’ll need to invest in quality equipment and software as well as learn the basics of video editing before you can start offering your services.

Public Speaking

If you have a talent for public speaking, you can offer your services as a professional speaker. You can help businesses share their message and educate their target audience on topics that will help them improve their lives.

Mural Painting

If you’re interested in becoming a mural painter, there are several things you should know before you get started. You’ll need to be familiar with different materials, paints, and techniques to produce a quality mural. You should also have an understanding of how to plan and execute a project from start to finish. 

E-Commerce Store

An e-commerce store gives you the freedom to sell whatever you choose, from handmade crafts to digital products like artwork or music. You get to determine the pricing of your items, offering discounts and promotions as needed to attract customers. You can also add features to your store like reviews, wishlists, and more.

How to Start Your Side Hustle as a Creative in 5 Steps?

Starting a side hustle as a creative can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Here are five steps to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Creative Passion

Determine what specific creative field or skill you want to pursue as your side hustle. It could be anything from graphic design, photography, writing, painting, crafting, or even music production. Choose something you enjoy and have a talent for.

2. Set a Clear Goal

Define the goals for your side hustle. Are you looking to make extra income, gain experience, or showcase your work? Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Consider both short-term and long-term objectives.

3. Develop Your Skills

Enhance your creative skills by investing time in learning and practicing. Take online courses, attend workshops, read books, or watch tutorials related to your chosen creative field. By continuously improving your skills, you can provide better quality work and attract more clients.

4. Build an Online Presence

Establish an online presence to showcase your work and reach a wider audience. Create a professional website or blog where you can display your portfolio, provide information about your services, and share your creative journey. Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and engage with the creative community.

5. Promote and Network

Actively promote your side hustle by networking with others in your field and beyond. Attend industry events, join online communities, and participate in relevant forums or groups. Collaborate with fellow creatives, offer your services for free or at a discounted rate to build your portfolio, and ask for testimonials from satisfied clients. Word-of-mouth referrals can be powerful for growing your side hustle.

Let Your Creative Juices Flow with Side Hustles

No matter what creative skills you have, there’s sure to be a side hustle that will help you make extra money. Remember that starting a side hustle takes time and effort. Be patient, persistent, and adaptable as you navigate your creative journey. With consistent dedication and a commitment to improvement, you can turn your passion into a successful side hustle.

If you want to advance with your side businesses, consider working with a service provider like doola that can assist you in setting up your business entity. In addition to being an authority on LLCs, doola can assist with setting up your bookkeeping system and business bank accounts.

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