5 Creative Side Gig Ideas And Tips for Artists Who Want To Earn a Flexible Income

If you’re an artist, you may love your work but find your current bank balance a bit
underwhelming. Although there are many professional opportunities for creative individuals, if
you want to focus largely on your art but still need to pay the rent, you may be searching for
ways to earn a flexible side income. If this is the case, these side gig ideas and tips from New
Scene Magazine could help.

1) Understand the Financial Benefits of Pursuing a Side Gig as a Creative Person

Although your passion may be in the arts, your current income level may not be making ends
meet. That’s where a side gig could offer numerous financial benefits. The trick is finding a job
that allows enough time to create your art.

Search for jobs that are both profitable and fairly flexible. With the right job, you could enjoy
benefits such as fewer money worries, access to higher-end art resources, and a more customized
schedule.

2) Research Local or Remote Side Gigs That Typically Appeal to Artists

According to one study, there are over 2.5 million professional artists in the United States, many
of whom may earn extra income outside creative pursuits. This means there may be numerous
opportunities to earn income as an artist if you know where to look. Research potentially
appealing gigs by:
• Asking around at a local museum, library, or arts center
• Posting to local job boards
• Exploring professional networking sites and researching remote jobs online

3) Use Social Media to Your Advantage for Organizing and Promoting Your Artwork

In this day and age, social media advertising is perhaps one of the most powerful tools for
creative types to use. No matter what type of side gig you choose, make sure you promote your
services — and your art! — on top social media channels, such as Instagram, YouTube,
Facebook, and Twitter.

You can also use certain types of social media to keep your artwork organized. For instance,
posting new pieces to Instagram can act as a digital portfolio to introduce your work and services
to viewers.

4) Learn How to Track Your Expenses and Set Up a Clear-Cut Invoicing Process

Learning about basic business finances is crucial when running a freelance side job. For
example, if you need to invoice clients, choose invoicing software to set up a standardized
process to make sure you receive timely payments. The right invoicing software allows you to
create custom invoices that include your logo, and customers will have the ability to pay you
directly through the invoice ensuring quicker payment.

If you need to save money when starting out, you can use free invoice templates online before
investing in invoicing software. With online tools you can customize a template with your own
graphics, text, and colors until you have a design you like. Then you can download it to print and
use as needed.

5) Apply Your Artistic Flair to Your Side Gig Endeavors

Finally, remember to apply your artistic side to your side gig approach. If you get tired of a low-
earning job, use your imagination to come up with new endeavors. Potentially top-grossing,
creative side gigs include:
• Running influencer social media channels
• Self-publishing a book or a coffee-table collection of your artwork
• Offering art consulting services
• Designing an online course explaining your artistic niche to prospective students
• Starting your own YouTube channel

For many artists, earning a living from purely creative pursuits may be a challenge. That’s why
you may want to consider picking up a side gig to bring in extra income. To earn some additional
cash while maintaining flexibility and creativity, research side gigs, prepare for invoicing, and
advertise on social media.

Photo Credit: Pexels