Creative Hobbies You Can Turn into Small Business Ventures
If you’re a creative individual, you likely enjoy a number of arts and crafts in your spare time. From knitting to playing a musical instrument, finding a creative outlet that allows you to express your individuality can be remarkably gratifying. While you may use your creative hobby to wind down after a long day at work, have you ever thought about turning your hobby into your means of income? Starting a small business may be much more straightforward than you think. Here are some examples of creative pursuits ideal for a small business venture.
Tailoring/Dressmaking
If you have skill with a sewing machine, you could turn your passion into a lucrative business from the comfort of your sewing room. Many people require alterations to various ill-fitting store-bought garments like trousers, shirts and dresses, and not everybody can sew. Furthermore, if you have an eye for design, you could start designing your own garments and start a 100% handmade, slow fashion business.
Freelance Artwork
Original artwork is a joy to give and receive. While anybody can purchase a print or mass-produced artwork, commissioning a freelance artist to create an original piece from scratch is an excellent way to guarantee uniqueness. Contrary to popular opinion, being an artist requires hard work and dedication, so don’t undersell yourself. To get an insight into what you should charge for your work, talk to other freelance artists and consult online art communities like ArtStation.
Ceramics
There will always be a demand for high-quality, unique ceramic pieces, both ornamental and practical. Mass-produced pottery lacks the creativity and charm of handmade pieces. Furthermore, pottery is a profoundly beneficial pastime, promoting mental well-being and mindfulness. You don’t even need your own kiln, as you may be able to rent kiln space at a local art college or university. You could sell your pieces at craft fairs or via an online handmade marketplace like Etsy.
Open A Haberdashery
If you have a passion for all things sewing-related, you could shape your business around your hobby and open a haberdashery, offering everything craft textile enthusiasts need to create their own unique pieces. You could either host your business remotely with an online store or rent a business premises in an area where retail giants won’t overshadow you. Although there seems to be fewer small-scale retailers on our city high streets, many communities are eager to support small businesses.
Jewellery Making
High-quality handmade jewellery makes for the perfect gift. Whether you specialise in wire-wrapping, beadwork or goldsmithery, you can sell your beautiful, unique pieces at craft fairs or in local art shops for commission. Alternatively, you could sell your jewellery solely online; however, make sure you package your items well so they reach their destinations undamaged. You can purchase robust wholesale packaging in varying shapes and sizes to protect your products in transit.
Music Lessons
Suppose you have a passion for music. If so, why not pass on your musical expertise to others by offering music tuition? You can work remotely by performing lessons at your client’s houses or request they come to you. You could even rent studio space if you’re worried about noise complaints. There are no set qualifications required for freelance music teachers, but you must be professional and highly experienced with your chosen instrument(s).
Web Developer
While web development may not be a traditional art form, it undoubtedly requires skill and creativity. There is already a high demand for skilled web developers, and this is only set to increase, making the web development industry a lucrative option for those with computer literacy and design expertise. Establishing yourself as a successful freelance web developer could earn an average annual salary of £37,500, so there has never been a better time to start a web development business.
Wedding/Family Photography
Wedding and family photography is another lucrative industry that will always require skilled professionals. Becoming a skilled photographer takes a keen eye for detail and plenty of practice, and despite appearances, not everybody can pick up a camera and take a fantastic photo. While you must understand concepts like composition, lighting, colour and contrast, you must also be able to touch up and polish your photographs on photo editing software like photoshop, which is a skill in its own right.