Top 10 Side Hustles for Creators to Maximize Their Talents
By Albert Owens | For DMUnderdogs.com
As a creator, your talents can open doors to income streams beyond the traditional 9-to-5. Whether you’re a writer, designer, musician, or artist, the gig economy has made it easier than ever to monetize your skills. Let’s dive into the top 10 side hustles that can turn your passion into profit while leaving room for your creativity to shine.
1. Freelance Services on Platforms Like Upwork and Fiverr
Freelancing is one of the quickest ways to get started with a side hustle. If you have skills like graphic design, copywriting, video editing, or voiceover work, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect you with clients worldwide who need your expertise.
Freelancers can set their own rates and build a portfolio, gaining valuable experience while earning money. Popular services include designing logos, editing YouTube videos, or even managing social media accounts.
Why It Works: You decide how much to charge and when to work. Plus, it’s a great way to explore your niche and learn what clients value most.
2. Sell Digital Products
Have you ever created something reusable? Digital products like eBooks, templates, photo presets, or graphic design elements are perfect for creators who want passive income. These items only need to be made once, but they can sell repeatedly on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market.
For example, photographers can sell Lightroom presets, writers can offer templates for resumes or contracts, and designers can create downloadable clip art. Once your product is listed, your focus can shift to marketing and expanding your catalog.
Pro Tip: Invest in eye-catching visuals and detailed product descriptions to attract buyers.
3. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube is a goldmine for creators who enjoy teaching, sharing, or entertaining. Whether you’re showcasing your artistic process, giving tutorials, or documenting your creative journey, you can build a loyal audience while earning money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
While it takes time to grow, consistency and authenticity go a long way. Niche content, like “how to” videos or behind-the-scenes insights, often performs well. For example, if you’re a musician, you can teach beginners how to play instruments or analyze popular songs.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Canva to design your thumbnails and optimize your videos with clear, searchable titles.
4. Print-on-Demand Merchandise
If you’re skilled at designing or have a knack for witty phrases, print-on-demand can be a fun and profitable venture. Platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printify allow you to upload your designs, which can be printed on various products like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and tote bags.
The best part? You don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping. The platform handles everything for you—you earn a commission on every sale.
Why It Works: Minimal upfront investment and a scalable business model make this hustle appealing to creators who enjoy design but don’t want the hassle of managing logistics.
5. Teach Online Classes
Your expertise is valuable, and there’s a market of eager learners ready to pay for your knowledge. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Teachable let you create online courses on almost any subject. From teaching beginners how to paint to showing professionals how to master photo editing, the opportunities are endless.
What’s great about online classes is that once you create and upload the course, it can continue generating income with little additional work. You can also use your social media channels to promote your courses and connect with your audience.
Pro Tip: Start with an introductory course that solves a common problem or teaches a simple skill—it’s a great way to attract students and build credibility.
6. Sell Directly on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for creators who want to sell their work directly to an audience. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest allow you to showcase your creative process, finished products, and client testimonials to engage potential buyers.
For example, an illustrator could use Instagram Stories to document the making of custom commissions, while a crafter could use TikTok to showcase time-lapse videos of their work. With features like Instagram Shops and TikTok Shopping, selling directly has never been easier.
Pro Tip: Use hashtags and trends strategically to reach a wider audience.
7. Write and Monetize a Blog
Blogging is a timeless side hustle for creators who enjoy writing and storytelling. A blog allows you to share insights, tutorials, or stories related to your creative niche, whether it’s photography, crafting, or music.
Monetization options include ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts. For instance, if you’re a photographer, you could write about gear reviews and include affiliate links to earn commissions. Blogging also helps establish your authority in your field, which can lead to more opportunities.
Pro Tip: Consistent posting and engaging headlines can drive traffic to your blog and boost your earnings.
8. Launch a Podcast
If you enjoy discussing creative topics, storytelling, or hosting interviews, starting a podcast can be both fun and profitable. Podcasts let you connect with an audience on a deeper level, and monetization options include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener support through platforms like Patreon.
Choose a niche topic related to your creative field—like exploring art history, interviewing creators in your industry, or sharing your personal journey as a creative entrepreneur.
Pro Tip: Keep episodes between 20-40 minutes and invest in a quality microphone for clear audio.
9. Offer Custom Commissions
Custom work allows creators to charge premium rates for one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re an illustrator creating portraits, a calligrapher designing wedding invitations, or a musician composing original scores, custom commissions let you directly connect with clients.
Social media, Etsy, and even personal websites are excellent platforms for advertising your services. Make sure to have clear pricing and turnaround times to set expectations.
Why It Works: Clients love personalized items, and custom commissions often lead to word-of-mouth referrals.
10. Create Stock Content
Stock websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock are perfect for creators who produce high-quality visuals. Photographers can upload scenic images, videographers can sell footage, and designers can offer vector graphics for licensing.
The beauty of this side hustle is its long-term potential. Once your content is uploaded, it can generate royalties every time someone licenses it.
Pro Tip: Focus on creating evergreen content that businesses and individuals are likely to use, like lifestyle imagery, abstract backgrounds, or workplace scenes.
Final Thoughts
Being a creator means you already have the tools to succeed in a side hustle. The key is to start with one or two ideas, refine your approach, and scale over time. With the right strategy and consistency, your creative talents can become more than a passion—they can be a reliable income stream.
Ready to start your side hustle journey? Visit DMUnderdogs.com for more inspiration, tips, and tools to help creators like you thrive.
Albert Owens is a production manager by day and a passionate advocate for creators by night. Follow him for more insights on hustling smarter, not harder.