If you’re an artist, you’ve probably had to take a “day job” at least once during your career. It’s a necessity that most creative types have had to resort to make ends meet. The term “starving artist” doesn’t have to be a literal description thanks to the gig economy. There are countless niches and opportunities today for people with specific skills and experience who need some profitable and flexible means of filling in the gaps in their financial situation. A little research and some determination can net you an income that suits your schedule and help pay those bills.
Waiter or Waitress
If you’re looking for a reliable income and a flexible schedule, you can do quite well as a waiter or waitress working shifts that suit your schedule. Wait staff are always in demand, and there are hefty tips to be had in most restaurants. It’s a means to a financial end, but it doesn’t have to be that alone. Many artists who earn extra income this way use their interaction with guests and co-workers to inform their artistic work.
Art Gallery Attendant
Art galleries need attendants to keep things running smoothly and to make sure that visitors and prospective clients have a positive experience. They’re also great places for artists to work because their sensibilities and experiences make them excellent employees. Galleries are also good places to meet like-minded people who may be interested in your work.
Bartending
Bartending is another gig that’s always in high demand, and tips add significantly to the financial attractiveness of this line of work. If your work availability tends to be in the evening and on weekends, this could be a quite lucrative side hustle for you. In fact, a starting bartender can expect to net as much as $230 a night, while most earn between $20 and $40 an hour based on their experience.
Floral Art
Flower shops are good places for artists to earn money and exercise some of their artistic abilities. There’s a high degree of artistry to creating beautiful floral arrangements, and people who have a knack for it can do quite well in this line of work. You can usually arrange to work a flexible schedule, though there will be certain times of the year that will demand more of your time, such as around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Writing
If you need to work at home and on your own schedule, there are abundant opportunities to earn money as a freelance writer via the internet. If you find the right opportunity, someone who really likes your work, it’s possible to make enough in this way to fund your artistic endeavors. There’s a demand for people who can write speeches, resumes, blogs, online marketing content, job descriptions, and academic assignments. The average pay per article is nearly $400.
Needing a side gig can be depressing for some because it means you’re not able to commit full-time to being an artist. But there are plenty of opportunities to find the right side gig for you, one that meets your financial and personal needs as well.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com