How Artists Can Use Side Gigs to Support Their Creative Work
Featured guest writer: Britanny Fisher of financiallywell.info
Introduction
Many creative professionals and artists have fluctuating incomes, increasing the risk of occasional shortfalls. Luckily, it’s possible to avoid coming up short by using side gigs to bring in some extra cash.
If you want to increase your earnings potential, Filali Studios shares what you need to know about the world of side gigs.
Why You Need a Side Gig
Side gigs, which may also be called side hustles, are non-traditional work arrangements. Most gig positions are project-based and focused on specific skill areas. Additionally, they tend to be short-term, requiring no lengthy commitments beyond the core assignment.
With a side gig, artists and other creative professionals can diversity their income streams while still making time for their artistic pursuits. You can retain control of your schedule, set your own rates, and pick and choose the projects that feel like the best fit.
Products I made from Filali Studios art to sell online.
Exploring the Types of Side Gigs
There are a lot of side gigs available today, many of which focus on artistic or creative skills. You can concentrate on opportunities that align with your personal projects or spread out into other areas to gain new skills or change things up a bit.
If you aren’t sure what’s available, here is a list of common artistic and creative side gigs that might be a good fit:
Content Creator
Logo Creator
Stock Photographer
Mural Painter
Presentation Creator
Social Media Manager
Art Tutor
Video Editor
Photo Editor
How-To YouTube Creator
Ghostwriter
Technical Illustrator
Book Editor
Online Course Designer
Background Actor / Extra
Tracking Down Side Gigs
When you want to find side gig opportunities, you have plenty of choices. Which approaches are best for you may depend on the kind of work you want to land and whether you prefer to work with local clients.
If you want to focus on gigs in your immediate area, websites like Craigslist could be a great place to start. You could also update your social media profiles to focus on your side work, join relevant social media groups, and seek out projects there.
For online gigs, using a freelancing platform is the simplest option. Websites like 99Designs and Upwork are ideal places to start. They have broad client bases and support a range of creative projects, making it easier to find more artistic opportunities.
Why You Should Turn Your Side Gig into a Small Business
Once you get your side gig moving, turning it into a small business could be an excellent move. By launching an LLC, you can reduce your liability, gain some tax advantages, and prepare to expand by hiring a team to support your operations.
With a few employees by your side, you can gather more clients and divvy up the work. That allows you to earn more income while still having time for your artistic pursuits. Through strategic hiring and delegation, you’ll garner a strong professional reputation, boost your earnings, and become a job creator, all of which is amazing.
If you do start a small business, make sure that you get an Employer Identification Number or EIN. That tax ID identifies your business for tax purposes, ensuring the IRS can properly monitor and track your company’s financial activities, payroll taxes, and more.
Plus, when tax season arrives, or quarterly taxes are due, you’ll have an easier time filing your state and federal taxes. It’ll be easier to gather the right records and provide proper information, ensuring you can file everything correctly each year.
