Creating and Selling Your Art as a Side Hustle

Creating and selling art as a side-hustle can be a great way to pursue your passion while also earning some extra income. In this challenging economy, many people are looking for new and improved ways to supplement their current income.

Setting up a creative side hustle alongside your primary employment is an excellent way to make more money and turn an enjoyable hobby into a job. In fact, 49% of Americans under the age of 35 now report having a side hustle. On the other end of the spectrum, seniors are looking for ways to better enjoy their retired lifestyle and supplement their fixed retirement income.

Whether you want to start a small business by producing works of art or providing creative services to artists – now’s the time to get your creative side hustle off the ground and start making money from what you love.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Define your niche: It's important to identify what kind of art you want to create and sell. This can be anything from painting, drawing, photography, or even digital art. Finding your niche will help you stand out and attract the right audience. The old question applies here: If money were no object, what would you be doing right now? Yes, you want to make money, but you also want to thoroughly enjoy the process.
• Set realistic goals: Before you start selling your art, it's important to set realistic goals and develop a plan of action. This includes how much time you can commit to creating art; especially if you have a current full-time job. What is a realistic price to charge for your art and how many pieces you want to sell per month. Setting achievable goals will help you stay motivated and focused.
• Build a portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of your best artwork that showcases your talent and style. This is crucial when you're trying to sell your art. If you already have a substantial inventory of pieces, great! If not, first build a beginning inventory to be able to offer a good selection right away.
• Decide on a platform to be able to sell: Decide if you want to sell in-person at art shows or galleries. Many restaurants are also great places to offer your art for sale. Or, you could decide to sell online through a website or marketplace sites such as Etsy, Fine Art America, or Facebook.
• Price your art: Pricing your art can be tricky. You want to make sure you're not undervaluing your work but also not overpricing it. Research the market and see what other artists are charging for similar pieces. Consider the time and materials you put into each piece when determining your prices.
• Promote your art: Once you have your portfolio and prices set, it's time to promote your art. You can use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your work and reach a wider audience. If you choose to sell in-person, you can also participate in art fairs or galleries. You can create flyers and business cards for in-person distribution. Many artists underestimate the time and effort required to market their work. Once you have a portfolio, you can expect to devote at least 30-40% of your time for marketing.
• Be open to feedback: Feedback is essential when you're trying to improve your craft. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills and style. Join a local artist group to build relationships and gain knowledge.

Remember that creating and selling art as a side-hustle takes time and effort. But if you're passionate about your craft and willing to put in the work, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. And, it could possibly lead to a new career.

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About the Author

For three decades, Alan Zawacki enjoyed a career in Corporate Training and Development and Higher Education. He designed and conducted hundreds of courses and workshops for organizations and individuals in a variety of areas --- from leadership development and team building to career transition and transformation. Although he has been painting for 30 years, Alan transitioned his own career in 2011 to become a fulltime artist and now lives in sunny Sarasota, Florida.