Being a designer or artist is more than just a talent—it’s a superpower. You have the ability to take an idea, emotion, or moment and turn it into something visual that resonates with others. But beyond the joy of creation, there’s something even more exciting: the opportunity to turn that creativity into a thriving side hustle! If you’re looking to make some extra income while doing what you love, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most creative and unique side hustles that designers and artists can explore. Whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, painter, or photographer, there’s a hustle out there just waiting for your magic touch.
How to Market Your Creative Side Hustle
Even the best designs won’t generate income if people don’t know they exist. Dive into practical marketing strategies for artists and designers, like leveraging social media platforms, creating an online portfolio, collaborating with influencers, or building an email list. Share tips on branding your side hustle to make it stand out.
Managing Time Between Full-Time Work and a Creative Side Hustle
Balancing a full-time job with a side hustle is no easy feat. Offer time-management tips specifically for creative professionals. Include advice on setting realistic goals, creating a schedule that nurtures creativity, and avoiding burnout while juggling multiple projects.
Setting Prices for Your Creative Work
Pricing creative work can be tricky. Include a section on how to set competitive yet fair pricing for custom artwork, design services, or digital products. You can explore topics like understanding the value of your work, considering the cost of materials, and navigating client negotiations.
Legal Considerations for Creative Side Hustles
There are important legal aspects to consider when turning your creativity into a business. Cover topics such as protecting intellectual property, using contracts for freelance projects, understanding taxes for side hustlers, and securing the rights to your artwork through licensing or trademarks.
These additional sections will round out your post and provide a comprehensive guide for designers and artists looking to start a creative side hustle.
Let’s dive into Side Hustle Ideas; you can make money through it or you can Sell your Creative work to make a bunch of cash.
1. Custom Art Commissions
The beauty of being an artist is that no one else sees the world the way you do. Custom art commissions give you the freedom to take someone’s idea and turn it into a one-of-a-kind piece. Whether it’s portraits, pet illustrations, or abstract art for home décor, people love personalized artwork. Websites like Etsy or Instagram are great platforms to showcase your portfolio and start attracting clients. You can even tap into niche markets like wedding portraits or fan art.
Pro Tip: Use your social media as a mini portfolio! Post progress shots, behind-the-scenes, or even live stream your process. This not only draws attention but also creates an emotional connection with your audience.
2. Print-on-Demand Merch
Designing merch has never been easier with print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, or Printful. You can create everything from T-shirts and hoodies to tote bags and phone cases featuring your artwork or designs. The best part? You don’t have to worry about printing, inventory, or shipping. All you need to do is upload your designs and market them!
This side hustle is especially great for designers who already have a digital portfolio or artwork sitting on their hard drives, waiting for the world to see.
Why It Works: Print-on-demand is a low-risk, passive income stream. Once your designs are uploaded, you can earn money while you sleep!
3. Sell Digital Products
Digital downloads are a goldmine for creatives. From digital planners to printable wall art, eBooks, and design templates—there’s an endless market for unique, downloadable products. Platforms like Etsy or Creative Market are great for listing digital files that can be instantly purchased and used by customers.
Graphic designers can sell logo templates, social media kits, or website design elements. Artists can sell high-resolution prints, greeting cards, or stickers. Once you’ve made the design, it’s all about promoting and collecting sales!
Unique Idea: Create design packs or texture overlays specifically for other artists and designers to use in their own projects. It’s a great way to target a niche market.
4. Offer Online Classes or Tutorials
With platforms like Skillshare and Udemy, teaching online has become a rewarding side hustle for many designers and artists. You can share your knowledge and skills by creating a course or workshop on anything from beginner drawing techniques to advanced graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
You don’t need fancy equipment—just a decent camera and screen-recording software. You can start by offering free YouTube tutorials to build an audience and then create more in-depth paid courses for those wanting to learn from you.
Pro Tip: Don’t just teach the skills—share your story, struggles, and successes. People love learning from someone who’s relatable and has “been there.”
5. Freelance Design Work
Freelancing is probably one of the most well-known side hustles for designers, but it’s still worth mentioning because of its versatility. Whether you’re designing websites, logos, brand identities, or marketing materials, freelance design work allows you to work on your terms. You can choose the type of clients and projects that align with your style and interests.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Behance are great places to start building a client base, but don’t forget the power of networking. Word-of-mouth referrals are often the best way to land gigs that pay well.
Insider Advice: Consider offering package deals instead of hourly rates. This makes pricing more straightforward for both you and the client and often leads to higher income.
6. Art Licensing
If you’ve got a unique style that could be a hit on products like stationery, clothing, or home décor, art licensing could be your ideal side hustle. This involves granting companies permission to use your artwork on their products, usually in exchange for a percentage of sales.
You can work with companies in industries like fashion, home goods, or even book publishers to have your designs appear on everything from greeting cards to notebooks. Licensing can be a lucrative way to see your art go beyond the canvas and into everyday items people love.
Where to Start: Reach out to local brands or explore sites like ArtLicensing.com to get connected with companies looking for fresh artistic styles.
7. Artisanal Product Packaging Design
Product packaging is a highly competitive and creative field, and brands are increasingly looking for unique, hand-crafted designs that stand out on shelves. If you have a knack for combining functionality with visual appeal, you can specialize in creating artisanal, eco-friendly, or luxury packaging designs for small businesses, craft brands, or boutique products.
Why It’s Creative: This hustle merges art with commerce, offering a way to showcase your design skills while helping brands tell their story through packaging. The challenge of creating sustainable or reusable packaging adds an extra layer of creativity, appealing to the environmentally conscious market.
8. Curated Design Boxes
If you love curating beautiful objects, you could create subscription-based or one-time curated design boxes. These boxes could contain a mix of your artwork, limited-edition prints, creative tools, and even unique art supplies or DIY kits. People love receiving carefully curated packages filled with artistic inspiration, and you can personalize each box based on your customers’ preferences.
Why It’s Creative: This side hustle combines art, curation, and customer engagement in a unique way. You’re not just selling art—you’re creating an entire experience for your audience. It’s also a great way to introduce people to new mediums and creative ideas.
9. Collaborative Murals for Businesses
Murals have become a popular form of brand expression, and businesses are looking for creative ways to stand out in physical spaces. Offering your services as a muralist, either independently or in collaboration with other artists, can open up a side hustle where you design and paint large-scale works for cafés, restaurants, retail spaces, or even corporate offices.
Why It’s Creative: Murals allow artists to work on an impressive scale and collaborate with brands or communities, turning spaces into visually striking environments. This hustle gives you the freedom to create public art that becomes part of the everyday experience, blending branding with fine art.
10. Design for Nonprofits
This might not be the first thing you think of when considering side hustles, but designing for nonprofits can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding. Many charitable organizations need help with branding, event posters, social media content, or website design but may not have the in-house skills. You can offer your services as a freelancer or as part of a cause you care about.
It’s a great way to use your talent to make a difference while building your portfolio. Plus, working with nonprofits often leads to connections that can result in more work, whether for charities or for-profit organizations.
11. Start a Patreon
Patreon is an incredible platform for artists and designers who want to create a community of supporters. You can offer exclusive content, early access to new artwork, personalized creations, or even private tutorials to people who pledge monthly support. It’s a great way to build a loyal following while making consistent income from your passion.
Make It Unique: Offer something personal—like custom doodles for top-tier supporters or a monthly “art club” where you create a piece based on their suggestions.
12. Create and Sell NFTs
The world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has opened up new possibilities for digital artists and designers to sell their work. If you’re tech-savvy and want to explore the future of art, creating and selling NFTs could be a perfect side hustle. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible allow artists to mint and sell digital art as NFTs, which can be appreciated in value.
While it’s a more niche area, it’s gaining popularity and can be a unique way to showcase and profit from your digital artwork.
Final Words: Your Creativity Can Pay Off
Whether you want to dip your toes into freelancing, selling digital products, or teaching others, there’s no shortage of side hustle opportunities for designers and artists. The key is to find what resonates with you, leverage your unique style, and start putting your work out there. With so many platforms available, there’s never been a better time to turn your artistic passion into a profitable side hustle.
So, what are you waiting for? Your next creative venture is just a side hustle away!