- Nov. 17
- Richard Parker
How to Make Money From Your Creative Skills
Many people see a clear distinction between creativity and business. They just don’t go together. Isn’t creativity more of a hobby? Isn’t business considerably more technical and grounded? That may have been the case once upon a time when artists were considered ‘poor,’ while businesspeople were considered ‘rich’.
However, circumstances have changed. Art and creativity are today as viable as any other kind of technological or financial enterprise. In fact, in many circumstances, the two can complement each other well. So, if you’re creative, how can you monetize your abilities? Read on to find out more.
Sell Your Creations
Selling your art is the most obvious (though certainly not the simplest) method to generate money from your creative skills. This might be paintings or prints, sculptures, stained glass, writing, drawings, crochet, knitting, fashion, or almost anything else you can think of. Selling physical, tangible goods at a store, online, or at a market event could earn you a lot of money.
If you choose to go down this route, it may have to start as a side business before you can make it a full-time career, but if you keep working hard and your art is of excellent quality, it could be a smart option for you since it would allow you to enjoy your work, have freedom, and make money at the same time. Not many professions can give you all of this at once.
Teach Your Ability
Teaching is an excellent path for creative individuals to take. You can continue to love creating your work and teach others how to do the same. There is always a place for more art in the world, so don’t be concerned that you are training future competitors. This kind of instruction can be given to students of all ages, from school-aged children to adults, in an evening or weekend program.
Alternatively, you could organize an online course and teach your skills in that way. Whatever it is, as long as you are good at it yourself, you’re highly likely to find others who are interested in what you do and want to learn how you do it. This can be a lucrative way of earning a living.
Work as a Subcontractor
If you want to be creative but don’t want to start your own business, you could like freelancing or working as a subcontractor. If this is the case, it’s advisable to focus on a certain field. If you’re an artist, you could specialize in pet portraits or paintings of people’s houses. If you make pottery, you could sell wedding tableware. If you make video games, you could opt to focus only on RPGs. If you like sports, it might be sports flags you want to work on.
Whatever you do, marketing is your best chance to let others know who you are and how amazing you are. Create your own brand. Determine your target demographic and then contact the companies that might want to outsource their requirements to you. Keep advertising your services even when you have found clients; marketing is critical for maintaining a regular flow of customers and assuring a healthy revenue.