HOW CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS USE SIDE GIGS TO MAKE EXTRA CASH

Creative professionals make extra cash. As one of the 2 million artists in the U.S., having enough time to create is usually a priority. However, you still have bills to pay. If your artistic endeavours aren’t producing a reliable income stream, getting a side gig could be your ticket to financial security. If you are wondering about the benefits of having a side gig and how you can get one off the ground, here are some tips and resources to get you started, courtesy of INSPADES Magazine.

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A SIDE GIG

Having a side gig or side hustle is a simple way to diversify your income streams. Along with any money you make from your creative projects, you can seize flexible, short-term opportunities, many of which are surprisingly profitable.

With a side gig, you’re in control. You can set your prices, control your schedule, and commit only to work that you want to do. That way, you can bring in some money while still having enough time to focus on your art.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIND OF SIDE GIG

The world of side gigs is shockingly vast. Companies hire people for short-term needs regularly, covering nearly any skill imaginable. If you want to put your creative skills to work, you may want to explore more artistic side gigs. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some popular options:

• Content Creator
• Etsy Shop Operator
• Logo Designer
• Stock Photography
• Mural Painter
• Presentation Creator
• Social Media Marketer
• Art or Music Tutor
• Music Promoter
• How-To YouTuber
• Ghostwriter
• Video or Photo Editor
• Technical Illustrator

WHERE TO FIND SIDE GIG OPPORTUNITIES

For local opportunities, there are a few ways that you can find side gigs. In some cases, placing flyers in high-traffic areas — like coffee shops or the windows of related local small businesses — is a good option.

However, you may also want to head online for local jobs. Craigslist can be an excellent place for finding opportunities and advertising your services. Online groups could also be an excellent resource if you pivot your social media profiles to focus on your professional skills.

If you want to work online, online job platforms are excellent places to begin. They can help you find clients looking for professionals with skills like yours whether you’re offering video editing, photography, or music-related services. Plus, many have safe, reliable payment systems that ensure you get paid for the work you do.

TAKING YOUR SIDE GIG TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Once you grow your reputation as a gig worker, it might be time to take it to the next level and join the 30+ million small businesses currently operating in the United States. That way, you can up your earnings potential, making it easier to support your creative work financially. Plus, you can prepare to hire a capable team, empowering you to expand your operations while still ensuring you have enough time for your art.

When you create your small business, setting up as an LLC is smart. You’ll limit your liability, have the option of setting up business bank accounts, and even get some tax benefits. It’s also wise to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This tax ID number is a simple way to identify your business for tax purposes, ensuring the IRS can track payroll taxes and other relevant information with ease. Plus, it’ll make filing your quarterly or annual state and federal taxes easier, ensuring tax season doesn’t become a challenge. Also, successfully starting a business won’t help much if you don’t get paid! Maintaining careful records requires clear, professional invoices sent to your clients and customers. Luckily, you can use this invoice maker free of charge.

Everyone knows what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet. However, a good side gig will ensure you never have to sacrifice your craft. With the tips above, you’ll be able to earn a reliable income and have fun doing it.

INSPADES Magazine is an art, photography, online magazine. An open window to the world. We feature YOU, so you can inspire the world! Whatever your art, whatever your craft, be it dance, photography, modelling, poetry, cinematography, extreme photo editing or something yet to be imagined, whatever you do, Do It #InSpades. If you have any questions, email info@inspadesmag.com.

All images © Creative Spades www.creativespades.com | Sergio David Spadavecchia

In frame:

Sarah Siddiqui https://soundcloud.com/sarah-siddiqui-music

Kelvin Wetherell https://kelvinwetherell.com/

Skutch Tully https://www.instagram.com/skutchtully/

Julie Sun Lee Music https://www.instagram.com/juliesunlee/