Creativity is something that comes naturally to many people. From a young age, we are encouraged to express ourselves in various ways, and these are hobbies that many people take with them into later life.
At the same time, there are others who wish to turn their creative hobby into a form of income. With many opening online stores and related outlets during the pandemic, there is no doubt an increased interest in turning your craft into a career.
For the most part, it seems relatively straightforward how you can turn your creative hobbies into a paying career, but this is not always the case. Discovering the more minor details that affect the broader picture can make a difference both in the short and long term and is something that any budding creative should be considering when in this position.
If you find yourself falling into this category, then you have found yourself in the right place at the right time. With a particular focus on the Windy City, those creatives in Chicago seeking guidance when turning their hobby into a career will find what they need to know right here. Read on for more!
MusiciansPlaying an instrument is a favorite pastime for many. No matter what age you choose to take up this hobby, it appears like the most accessible creative hobby that can be turned into a form of income. With approximately one in two households in the United States playing host to at least one person who plays an instrument, it is easy to see why so many turn to their musical instruments as a career.
Busking is incredibly popular worldwide and can lead to a steady stream of income landing in your pocket. However, with that being said, busking can be a challenging means of generating more considerable sums of money. On the other hand, busking provides you with an opportunity to showcase your talents, attracting the attention of audiences and industry experts alike.
As a budding musician, you can take action to further your efforts and ensure you are setting yourself up for success in as many ways as possible. Recording an EP or sample of your music that you can share with people is one such way. At the same time, putting your music on streaming platforms is another way to extend the number of people who will be accessing your music.
Finding the right Chicago rehearsal studio for your individual needs is essential. The likes of Pirate and other reputable organizations provide you with state-of-the-art equipment and round-the-clock access to facilities. Whether you are a night owl or early riser, don't let inspiration run away from you!
ArtistsBeing able to draw or paint to a high standard is a skill that many dream of having. Believe us; we have been there once or twice ourselves! Much like when honing other creative skills that you have, drawing and painting take a great deal of time, practice, and patience. It is not something that you will pick up overnight, but that is not to say that you cannot learn! Regardless of your age, teaching yourself to draw or paint can be done.
At the same time, this is a creative hobby that you can turn into a paying career, of which many people across the world tapped into during the height of the pandemic. Etsy, for example, is a multi-channel platform enabling creative individuals to sell their wares and goods in one place. What's more, you will be reaching a broader range of people than those in your immediate vicinity. With an estimated sixty million buyers on the platform as of the latter half of 2020, you can rest assured you will find someone out there interested in purchasing your artwork.
Furthermore, nothing stops you from offering personalized services when creating your artwork. Buyers tend to want artwork for various reasons - including birthdays, anniversaries, and other notable holidays - and this opens up a myriad of economic opportunities for you as a creative. Offering these services provides you with the chance to charge more for your services - personalization takes longer than more generic pieces, naturally - but also allows you to build a rapport with those buying from you.
Building stable communication with these customers and encouraging them to review your business and recommend it to others will further promote your work and increase the number of people aware of your company.
While this guide detailed some of the ways you can turn your creative hobby into a paying career, we hope it has left you with some idea and inspiration on what you would need to do. No matter what creative avenue you are exploring and turning into a business, we hope you go forth with the confidence that your efforts will come to fruition in no time!
