20 Creative Side Hustles That ACTUALLY Pay Well

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by John Cirelly

Looking to transform your creative passions into profit? Dive into this curated list of side hustles tailored for the imaginative at heart. Uncover how each creative side hustle can enrich both your wallet and your creative spirit.

Best Creative Side Hustles in 2024

1. Freelance Writing

A freelance writing side hustle involves crafting articles, blogs, or stories tailored to various platforms or publications. This side hustle is perfect for creatives because it allows them to weave narratives, inform audiences, and express viewpoints on diverse topics.

To get started, writers can join platforms like Upwork or Medium, and start by offering guest posts to online publications. Depending on the niche and experience, earnings can range from $0.03 to $1.00 per word or even more.

Freelance writing allowed me to quit my job, so I could be slightly biased on this one. 😉

2. Photography

Photography allows creatives to capture and share their world view, whether through portrait sessions, event photography, or artful compositions. Creatives with an eye for detail and aesthetics can start by building a portfolio and promoting their work on platforms like Instagram.

Offering sessions to friends or local businesses can also help build a reputation. The earnings vary widely but photographers can make anywhere from $25 to $500 per hour based on expertise, the type of event, and market demand.

3. Digital Art and Design

Digital art and design side hustles encompass creating logos, digital art pieces, or custom illustrations for clients. It’s ideal for artists who are comfortable with digital tools and want to monetize their craft.

Starting requires software proficiency, portfolio creation, and marketing services on platforms like Behance or Dribbble. Depending on the project and client, designers can earn between $50 to several thousand dollars per project.

4. Printables Creation

Designing and selling planners, journals, and other printables offers a digital platform for creators to monetize their design skills. Platforms like Etsy provide a marketplace for these digital products. With minimal overheads after the initial design, creators can earn a considerable profit, with successful shops making a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly.

5. Handmade Crafts

Handmade crafts involve creating unique jewelry, pottery, or other artisanal products. It’s perfect for those who love to work with their hands and create tangible items. Selling on Etsy, local craft fairs, or even through social media can get you started. Depending on the product and demand, crafters can earn anywhere from $10 to $100 or more per item.

6. Workshop Instructor

If you have a skill or passion, whether it’s dance, painting, or cooking, teaching others through workshops can be fulfilling and profitable. Local community centers, online platforms like Skillshare, or even personal classes can be avenues to start. Depending on the skill and location, instructors can charge between $20 to $200 per session or more.

7. Voice Over Work

Voice-over work involves lending one’s voice for projects like commercials, audiobooks, or animations. For those with a distinct or versatile voice, it offers a unique way to earn. Starting requires a good microphone, basic recording setup, and joining platforms like Voices.com. Payments can range from $100 for smaller projects to $1000s for larger commercial work.

8. Music Tutoring

For musically inclined individuals, offering lessons in singing or playing instruments can be a fulfilling way to share knowledge. With online platforms like TakeLessons or even local advertising, getting started is more accessible than ever. Rates can range from $20 to $100 per hour or more based on expertise.

9. Baking or Cooking

Those with culinary skills can delve into baking or cooking for local events, or even start a small catering business. Selling homemade sauces, jams, or baked goods at local farmers’ markets or online can be lucrative. Start-up costs are variable, but successful ventures can earn a good profit margin on sold items.

10. Gardening

Gardening can be transformed from a hobby to a side hustle by growing unique or organic vegetables, microgreens, and herbs. These can then be sold at local markets or to restaurants. Initial investments include seeds and gardening tools, but the returns can be considerable, with organic or rare produce fetching premium prices.

11. Restoration

Restoring vintage furniture or electronics taps into the trend of upcycling and sustainability. Marketplaces like eBay or local flea markets are great places to sell. Earnings vary based on the item and quality of restoration, but restored pieces can often fetch high prices.

12. Clothing Upcycle

Buying thrift store clothes and modifying or upcycling them offers a sustainable approach to fashion. Sales can be made on platforms like Depop or Poshmark. Depending on the creativity and quality of the upcycled item, one can make a profit of $10 to $100 or more per piece.

13. Blogging or Vlogging

Sharing expertise or personal journeys through blogs or video logs allows for a wide-reaching audience. Monetization can be achieved through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. While initial earnings might be slow, consistent and quality content can lead to earnings of a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.

14. Print-on-Demand

Designing for print-on-demand platforms allows creatives to sell their artwork on products without managing inventory. Sites like Teespring or Redbubble facilitate this. Earnings are typically a percentage of the product’s price, with potential to make several dollars per sale.

15. Podcasting

Starting a niche podcast offers a platform for sharing knowledge or discussions. While it requires some investment in equipment and promotion, monetization through sponsorships can be lucrative. Successful podcasts can earn anywhere from $10 to $50 or more per 1000 listens, depending on the niche and sponsorship deals.

16. Mural Artist

Painting murals for businesses or personal homes allows artists to work on a large scale and transform spaces. Building a portfolio and networking can get you started. Depending on the size and complexity, muralists can earn from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per project.

17. Pet Portraits

Creating custom portraits of beloved pets is both emotionally rewarding and lucrative. Online platforms or local pet events can be marketing avenues. Depending on size and medium, pet portraits can range from $50 to $500 or more.

18. Travel Planning

Designing travel itineraries or unique experiences meets the demand for personalized travel adventures. To get started, budding planners can focus on local experiences or design curated trips, promoting their services on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or social media. Depending on the complexity and exclusivity of the planned experience, travel planners can charge anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per itinerary.

19. Personal Shopping/Styling

Personal shopping and styling involve helping clients curate their wardrobe or home decor to reflect their personal style. This side hustle is ideal for creatives with an eye for fashion and design. To start, you can offer services to friends and family, gather testimonials, and then expand through word of mouth or social media promotion. Fees can vary, but stylists may charge anywhere from $50 to $500 per session or more, based on their reputation and the services offered.

20. Ebook Author

Writing and self-publishing ebooks allow writers to share their expertise or stories with a global audience. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make this process accessible. For creatives with a passion for writing, this avenue offers complete control over content and royalties. Earnings are based on sales, and while some authors might make a few dollars, others can earn thousands, especially if they effectively market their books.