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Last Updated on September 9, 2025 by Katie
If you love making art or working with your hands, turning your passion into profit is easier than you might think. Creative side hustle ideas let you use your artistic skills for extra income, often with little cost upfront.
From selling simple homemade items to sharing your techniques, the right ideas can fit your lifestyle and skill level.
This post covers a range of creative, hands-on options for art and craft lovers, plus practical tips on what tools and skills you’ll need and how much you might earn.
Even if you’re just starting out, your creativity holds real value. For even more inspiration, check out these profitable online side jobs that offer flexible schedules.
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Top Creative Side Hustle Ideas You Can Start Today
Ready to turn your artistic skills into real cash?
If you want flexible, rewarding work that taps into your passion, these creative side hustle ideas fit life’s busy rhythms.
Each one offers a unique blend of hands-on projects, digital opportunities, and ways to profit from your originality.
Whether you’re looking for easy wins or the potential for serious income, there’s something here for every style and schedule.
1. Create Digital Printables
Turn inspiration into passive income by selling digital printables like planners, wall art, or party invitations.
Websites like Etsy or Gumroad let you reach buyers around the world. Thanks to tools like Canva and Photoshop, you don’t have to be a professional designer to get started.
You’ll need:
- A computer and basic design skills
- Graphic design software (Canva or Photoshop)
- Creativity and a sense of style
How to start:
- Decide on a niche, like wellness planners, colouring books, or wedding invites
- Design products sized for at-home printing
- List files on digital marketplaces
- Use social media to promote your shop
Earning potential: $5-$200 per download. The best part? You earn every time someone downloads, so it’s a prime passive income stream.
Explore more digital product examples to boost your shop’s potential.
2. Sell Handmade Jewellery Online
Handmade jewellery is personal and always in style.
Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or local craft markets make it easy to show and sell your pieces.
Essentials:
- Tools: pliers, beads, wire, storage
- Jewellery-making basics (many free tutorials online)
- Camera or smartphone for quick, clear product photos
Get started:
- Create and photograph your best pieces
- List them on Etsy or Instagram Shops
- Use hashtags and join jewellery maker communities
- Offer custom orders for special occasions
Earnings: Hobbyists might see $100+ per month, while pros often scale to $1,000 or more with consistent quality and marketing.
3. Custom Art Commissions
Offer one-of-a-kind drawings or paintings and let your fanbase grow with every custom piece.
Custom art is always in demand for gifts, decor, or branding, so if you have artistic skills, this is a creative side hustle that will make money.
Needed:
- Drawing/painting skills (traditional or digital)
- Good communication to capture a client’s vision
- Sketchpads, canvases, paints, or a drawing tablet
How to jump in:
- Read: How to make money selling art on Etsy
- Build a portfolio (Instagram or Behance are easy starting points)
- Set up commission info and pricing details
- Share work-in-progress shots on social media
- Ask happy clients for referrals and reviews
Average fee: $50-$500 per commission, depending on size, detail, and your reputation.
You might also like these 31 get paid to draw online sites.
4. Open an Etsy Shop for DIY Crafts
If you like making home decor, accessories, or seasonal items, Etsy is the go-to marketplace for unique handmade goods.
A few ideas for easy things to make and sell include: magnets/pins, candles, ceramics, subscription boxes, sewn items, woodwork and more.
Required:
- Tools and materials depend on your speciality (woodworking, sewing, painting, etc.)
- A camera or phone to photograph your creations
Key steps:
- Register and set up your Etsy shop
- Write clear, keyword-rich product descriptions
- Ship with care—packaging adds a special touch
- Collect customer feedback
Income range: $100 to $2,000 per month, varying by product and effort.
Learn more: How to start an Etsy shop with no money.
5. Teach Online Art Classes
If you love to share your knowledge, online teaching pays well and reaches a global audience.
Platforms like Udemy or Zoom let you design classes just for your style and they have huge audiences waiting to buy what you create.
You’ll need:
- Art skills and patience for teaching
- Computer with webcam and decent lighting
- Optional: screen recorder for pre-recorded lessons
Start here:
- Read: How to start selling courses online
- Choose your focus: drawing, watercolor, calligraphy, etc.
- Outline lesson plans and record your videos
- Offer live group lessons or upload self-paced courses
- Build social proof by posting snippets on social media
You can earn: $15–$60 per hour, depending on group size and niche.
6. Personalised Greeting Cards
Handmade or digital greeting cards sell year-round for birthdays, holidays, and special events.
Each card is a blank canvas for charm and creativity and there is a huge audience waiting to buy fun and creative greeting cards.
You’ll need:
- Cardstock or quality paper, markers, pens, or digital drawing software
- Printer for digital designs
- Envelopes and protective packaging
Start off right:
- Check these 10 sites to get paid to write greeting cards
- Draft card templates for various occasions
- Photograph and list them on Etsy, Instagram, or Shopify
- Bundle cards for better value
- Offer custom text, colours, or art
Earnings: $3–$15 per card, with buyers often purchasing in bulk for holidays.
7. Sell at Local Art Markets or Pop-Up Shops
Face-to-face selling connects you with buyers instantly. Local art markets or pop-ups are lively places to test new products and build a loyal fanbase.
You’ll want:
- Attractive displays, portable tables, tent/canopy for outdoors
- A Square reader or payment app
- Plenty of small bills for cash sales
How to get started:
- Research upcoming maker markets in your city
- Apply for a booth spot (they fill up fast)
- Prepare inventory, signage, and business cards
- Network with other vendors for future collaborations
Typical earnings: $50–$500+ per event, depending on traffic and product mix.
8. Start a YouTube Channel for Tutorials
Video content lets you showcase your unique process or personality and there is a ton of money to be made.
Tutorials attract curious learners who want step-by-step advice and YouTube has millions of viewers each day, eager to learn or be entertained.
Essentials:
- Smartphone or digital camera
- Tripod for steady filming
- Basic video editing software
Build your presence:
- Script and film beginner-friendly tutorials
- Use engaging thumbnails and clear titles
- Monetise with ad revenue and affiliate links for art supplies
Earning potential: $3–$10 per 1,000 views, with bigger earnings as your following grows.
9. Design Stickers and Decals
Stickers are fun, affordable, and endlessly customizable.
And, if you have a knack for cute designs, you can sell your art for laptops, water bottles, or planners using sites like Etsy or Redbubble.
Tools:
- Digital illustration program (like Procreate or Adobe Illustrator)
- Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine (for in-house production)
How to begin:
- Create sets or themed packs
- Sell physical or digital sticker files
- Promote through Instagram and TikTok
- Bundle for better value and higher sales
Earnings: $1–$5 per sticker, which can add up quickly when selling in packs.
Further reading: How to make money selling stickers on Etsy.
10. Upcycle and Sell Vintage Finds
Turn thrifted items into trendy art or decor. Upcycling gives you a creative outlet and is eco-friendly, too.
You’ll need:
- Paints, tools, a sewing machine, or craft supplies
- Creativity for restyling and repurposing
Action steps:
- Hunt local thrift stores and markets for unique items
- Refresh or completely reinvent them
- Sell on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or at local shops
Potential profit: $20–$200 per piece, especially when you target style trends.
Further reading: 20 best sites to sell used clothes online.
11. Make and Sell Candles
Candle making is relaxing and rooted in both art and science. It’s easy to customise scents, colours, and packaging to stand out.
While you will need to take time to market your Etsy candle business to get sales and be seen above other sellers, making a great income is possible.
Check out this success story of how Francisco Rivera’s Etsy candle business paid him $462,000 last year!
Supplies:
- Soy/paraffin wax, wicks, containers, fragrance oils
- Double boiler or microwave for melting wax
How to launch:
- Practice making test candles in small batches
- Design labels and packaging
- Sell online or at local events
- Offer special edition scents for holidays
Income: $5–$25 per candle, with higher prices for luxury or custom scents.
12. Sell Canva Templates
Designers and professionals love shortcuts and many businesses don’t have time to create graphics themselves.
This is where you can help out, by selling Canva templates and graphics for resumes, logos, social media, or invitations to people who want great-looking work fast.
Needed:
- Familiarity with Canva
- Sense of what formats are popular (Pinterest pins, CVs, Instagram posts)
Get started:
- Create template packs with clear instructions
- Sell on Etsy, creative marketplaces, or directly from your website
- Gather testimonials and keep updating your offerings for new trends
Further reading: 17 simple ways to make money with Canva.
13. Sell Stock Photos Online
Stock photography pays you again and again for a single great shot, making it one of the best creative side hustle ideas.
Businesses, blogs, and advertisers are always seeking the perfect photo and you can sell your photos from a camera or your phone.
Learn more in this guide on how to get paid to take pictures with your phone.
Essentials:
- Any camera or newer smartphone
- Photo editing software for touchups
Steps:
- Shoot high-quality photos in popular niches (food, nature, lifestyle)
- Upload to sites like Alamy, Foap, or Shutterstock
- Include keywords and detailed descriptions for better visibility
How you earn: Royalties per download, or flat fees depending on the platform.
14. Create Patterns for Fabric or Textiles
Design repeating patterns for fabric, apparel, or wallpaper and sell them on digital print services.
Many people buy these types of digital designs to use in online scrapbooks, notebooks, wall art, logo designs, home decor and blog and media assets.
You’ll need:
- Graphic design proficiency (Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate)
- Attention to colour, scale, and balance
To begin:
- Study best-selling patterns online
- Upload designs to Spoonflower, Redbubble, or similar sites
- Earn royalties (typically 10-15% of the retail price per sale)
15. Freelance Writing
If words are your art, freelance writing is one of the most accessible and flexible creative side hustle ideas.
Every industry needs fresh content, from websites to magazines and you could help out by creating blog articles, SEO content, website copy, white papers, news articles, marketing content or product descriptions.
Skills & tools:
- Writing basics, plus the ability to match a client’s style
- Laptop or tablet
How to get started:
Income potential: Beginner rates start at $0.03–$0.15 per word, but pros charge by the hour or project.
See more profitable writing side hustles if writing is your thing.
16. Voice Over Artist
Brands, authors, and even YouTubers all need unique voices for their audio and video projects.
Voiceover artists are used to create content such as story narration, adverts, video games, e-learning modules, eBooks, nd more.
Gear & skills:
- Clear, expressive voice
- Basic microphone and recording space
- Audio editing software
How to dive in:
Earnings: Range from $50 for a short piece up to $500+ for larger projects or ongoing work.
17. Event Planning
If you love organising, event planning lets you use your creativity while helping others celebrate.
With an event planning business, you’ll coordinate details for birthdays, weddings, or corporate events.
Expect to:
- Master communication and scheduling
- Juggle multiple priorities and vendors
- Use tools like spreadsheets, design apps, and checklists
Start your journey:
- Volunteer to plan events for friends or local groups
- Set up a basic website or social presence
- Offer niche services (kids parties, micro-weddings, art shows)
- Find projects via word-of-mouth or platforms like Eventbrite
Income Potential: According to salary.com, event planners earn on average $58,096/year, but this will vary depending on where you live and what types of events you plan.
For seasonal twists on these creative side hustle ideas, discover trending fall side hustle ideas for 2025 and bring extra joy to your community.
Conclusion
Creative side hustle ideas open up paths for every art and craft lover, no matter your skill level or background.
Taking the first step—even if it feels small—can lead to steady extra income while you do what you enjoy.
Trends for 2025 show growing demand for unique digital and handmade work, so even simple projects can find an audience.
Pick one or two ideas that fit your interests and lifestyle, then give yourself permission to start. The art and craft market rewards those who try, experiment, and share their process.
If you thrive with hands-on or visual activities, discover more ways to earn—get paid to color is a great place to learn about passive creative gigs.
Share your results or your favourite creative side hustle ideas in the comments below. Your experience can inspire others to begin.
Summary
17 Creative Side Hustle Ideas for Arty, Crafty People
Description
17 Creative Side Hustle Ideas for Arty, Crafty People
Author
Katie Lamb
Remote Work Rebels
Publisher Logo
remoteworkrebels.com (Article Sourced Website)
#Creative #Side #Hustle #Ideas #Arty #Crafty #People