How to Earn Money with Creative and Arts

Here are some of the best side hustles in Canada for earning money with your creative and artistic skills.

How to Earn Money with Creative and Arts
How to Earn Money with Creative and Arts

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money with Creative and Arts

Canada has a thriving arts and creative scene, making it an ideal place to turn your creative talents into a profitable side hustle. Here are some of the best side hustles in Canada for earning money with your creative and artistic skills:

1. Freelance Graphic Design

If you have a knack for design, freelance graphic design can be a lucrative side hustle. You can work on projects like logos, branding, websites, and marketing materials.

Income Potential: $25 - $100+ per hour
Where to Offer: Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs

2. Selling Art Prints

Turn your artwork into a business by selling prints. You can create digital or physical prints of your paintings, illustrations, or photography and sell them online.

Income Potential: $20 - $200+ per print
Where to Sell: Etsy, Redbubble, Society6

3. Custom Portraits

Offering custom portrait services, whether in traditional or digital formats, is a popular side hustle. Customers love personalized artwork of themselves, their families, or their pets.

Income Potential: $50 - $500+ per portrait
Where to Offer: Instagram, Etsy, Commission Art Websites

4. Handmade Crafts

If you’re skilled at making handmade crafts like jewelry, candles, pottery, or knitting, you can sell your creations online or at local markets.

Income Potential: $10 - $200+ per item
Where to Sell: Etsy, Shopify, Local Craft Fairs

5. Creative Writing

Freelance creative writing is another way to monetize your artistic talents. Whether it’s writing short stories, poetry, or even copywriting, there are many opportunities to earn money.

Income Potential: $50 - $500+ per project
Where to Offer: Upwork, Fiverr, Contena

6. Photography

If photography is your passion, you can earn money through various photography-related side hustles, such as event photography, stock photography, or selling photo prints.

Income Potential: $100 - $1,000+ per session or sale
Where to Offer: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Local Events

7. YouTube Content Creation

If you’re comfortable in front of the camera or enjoy creating videos, starting a YouTube channel around your art or creative process can be a profitable side hustle.

Income Potential: Varies widely, from $100 to $10,000+ per month through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing
Where to Offer: YouTube

8. Online Art Classes

Leverage your skills by teaching others. You can create and sell online art courses or offer one-on-one coaching sessions.

Income Potential: $25 - $100+ per hour or per course sale
Where to Offer: Udemy, Skillshare, Teachable

9. Interior Design Consulting

If you have an eye for design and decor, offering interior design consulting can be a profitable side hustle. You can work with clients to design or redesign their spaces.

Income Potential: $50 - $200+ per hour
Where to Offer: Houzz, TaskRabbit, Local Advertising

10. Music Production and Lessons

For those with musical talent, offering music lessons or producing music tracks can be a rewarding side hustle. You can teach instruments, vocals, or music theory, or produce beats and tracks.

Income Potential: $30 - $100+ per hour for lessons, $50 - $500+ per track
Where to Offer: Lessonface, SoundBetter, Bandcamp

11. Selling Digital Products

Create and sell digital products like e-books, graphic design templates, or digital art packs. This is a great way to earn passive income as you only need to create the product once.

Income Potential: $5 - $100+ per product
Where to Sell: Etsy, Creative Market, Gumroad

12. Fashion Design and Custom Clothing

If you’re skilled in fashion design or sewing, offering custom clothing or alterations can be a profitable venture. You can create unique pieces or provide tailoring services.

Income Potential: $50 - $500+ per item or service
Where to Offer: Instagram, Depop, Etsy

13. Event Planning and Decor

Creative individuals with a talent for organization and design can venture into event planning and decor. This side hustle involves designing and coordinating events like weddings, parties, or corporate events.

Income Potential: $500 - $5,000+ per event
Where to Offer: WeddingWire, The Knot, Social Media

14. Voice Acting

If you have a unique voice, voice acting can be a lucrative side hustle. You can lend your voice to commercials, animations, audiobooks, and more.

Income Potential: $100 - $500+ per project
Where to Offer: Voices.com, Fiverr, Upwork

15. Podcasting

Starting a podcast on a topic you’re passionate about can turn into a profitable creative outlet. With enough listeners, you can earn through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations.

Income Potential: $100 - $5,000+ per month, depending on audience size
Where to Offer: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor

16. Tattoo Art

If you’re skilled in drawing and have an interest in body art, offering tattoo design services or even becoming a tattoo artist can be a unique and rewarding side hustle.

Income Potential: $100 - $1,000+ per design or tattoo
Where to Offer: Local tattoo parlors, Instagram, Tattoo Shops

17. Filmmaking and Videography

Turn your passion for filmmaking or videography into a side hustle by creating promotional videos, short films, or wedding videos.

Income Potential: $500 - $5,000+ per project
Where to Offer: Vimeo, Upwork, WeddingWire

18. Illustration and Comics

If you’re talented in drawing, illustrating comics or creating custom illustrations for clients can be a profitable venture. You can also create and sell your own comic books or graphic novels.

Income Potential: $50 - $500+ per illustration or comic
Where to Offer: Webtoon, Patreon, Etsy

19. Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Calligraphy and hand lettering are in demand for wedding invitations, custom art pieces, and branding. You can offer your services for special events or create and sell digital fonts.

Income Potential: $50 - $300+ per project
Where to Offer: Etsy, Instagram, Creative Market

20. Online Marketplaces for Artists

Platforms like Saatchi Art and Artfinder allow artists to showcase and sell their artwork globally. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and sell higher-priced items.

Income Potential: Varies widely, with some pieces selling for hundreds or thousands of dollars
Where to Sell: Saatchi Art, Artfinder, Etsy

These side hustles provide an excellent opportunity for creative individuals in Canada to earn money while pursuing their passions. Whether you’re looking for a full-time gig or just some extra income, there’s something here for every type of artist.