Do you have a passion to do something creative, but you're unsure what to do? If you clicked on this post, you're already on the right track. I've put together 20 profitable and very creative side hustle ideas that every creative can do!

Side Hustle Ideas!

A side hustle is essentially a passion project you can do outside of your day job (or if you are a busy, full-time stay at home parent). Every business practically starts as a side hustle that can turn into a main hustle with time and effort!


Here is a list of risk-free, digital products that can help you start to earn extra income!

1. Lightroom Presets

Many photographers can sell photo presets to enhance photographs. It's an amazing resource for small businesses and social media influencers that need help with editing their content for social media and marketing!

Check out our 1 minute tutorial on some of the things you can edit in Lightroom!

2. Photo Mock-Ups

Another great side hustle for Photographers is making photo mock-ups! I love mock-ups and use them for my Esty shop to showcase my printable. Mock-ups are popular for anyone selling physical products who doesn't have time to take photographs

3. High-Resolution Stock Photography

Stock photos can be used by businesses for marketing purposes 

4. Social Media Graphics & Pinterest Templates

Small business owners often don't have time or the resources to hire designers, so social media and Pinterest templates are trendy and great side hustles for creatives that love all things social media!

5. Graphic Design Templates - Layouts from magazines to posters

If you love creating editorial templates, you can make money by selling editable templates to small businesses using companies such as Etsy, Adobe Stock or Canva!

6. Digital Wall Printable for Home

Wallart for home is popular – you can focus on kids' prints, travel or quote-based art – there are endless opportunities you can explore. Find a style you are most passionate about and focus on it!

7. Digital Planners/Calendars/Trackers

Digital planners and habit trackers such as diet plans, money-saving checklists and time management are fun – the key is creating something that solves a problem.

8. Digital Ebooks 

Selling your creative knowledge through an ebook is great for anyone who doesn't like teaching. Platforms such as Gumroad and WithKoji are great for selling digital PDFs.

9. Online Teaching & E-courses

If you are interested in teaching your skills to others, then YouTube is a wonderful free medium to start. You can also use third-party platforms such as Skillshare or Udemy to sell your course or even host it on your site using platforms such as Thinkific and Teachable.

10. Party Invitations Templates 

I started creating these for fun a few weeks ago using Procreate and Photoshop along with Corjl. Sites such as Corjl and Templett are great for selling customers digital products that allow people to edit at home.

11. Party Printable Props 

Love all things party related? You can create party game printables which are very popular on sites like Etsy. Focus on your passion, such as kids' party activities, baby showers, weddings etc.

12. CV & Resumes 

A professional CV helps you stand out, but you'll be surprised that many people struggle with creating a good, clear CV. If you love creating them, you can make a side hustle by designing CV templates. Click here to find out more about CV design!

13. Logos & Brand Guides 

A brilliant service designer can offer brands and make good money, designing logos and creating brand guides!

Want to learn more Logo design? check out our 5 Step Blueprint to a Great Logo Design Project and tutorials below!

14. Illustrations on Stock Sites

Love creating illustrations? You can create custom illustrations for clients by selling your assets on sites such as Creative Market. Check out the videos below to see how other illustrators make money selling illustrations!

15. Greeting Cards

I've always been passionate about greeting cards and started selling them as digitals on sites such as Thortful that print and send out my cards to customers! Read more about getting started in Greeting Cards here!

16. Patterns

If you love all things pattern-related, you can create your own and sell on Spoonflower and Patternbank 

Want to learn to create Patterns? check out the below tutorials! 

17. Freelance Client or Custom Work

As creatives, you can offer custom work to freelance clients and get a good amount of extra cash! You can find clients through Social Platforms, Behance, Dribble, Check out this post on getting freelance clients!

18. Printable Colouring Books

Colouring printables for kids are fun to keep the little ones busy. They are popular with moms, school teachers, holiday resorts and restaurants, so there is a huge market

19. Sell Artwork using POD Sites

If you have a passion for creating art for merch ranging from T-shirts and phone covers to bedding, but don't have the time or funds to create them, then print on demand (POD) sites such as Redbubble, Society6, or Zazzle are great options. Click here to read more on POD

20. Website Templates

Great for website designers and coders who love creating digital web themes! Be sure to check out our tutorial to get started in web design for more inspiration!


There are tons of hustles you can explore; the best way forward is to choose one path and stay focused and consistent!

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About the author 

Shumi Perhiniak

Shumi is a self-taught graphic designer and illustrator who has worked for Toni&Guy, Renaissance Learning, Baker Ross, and many others.

Additionally, she owned a brick-and-mortar stationery shop selling her art prints and now sells wholesale to retailers and online shops under the brand name www.herdesignworld.com.

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