Hey everyone! Anya here.
Remember being 21, deep in studies, but also itching to create and maybe, just maybe, earn a little something from it? I totally get it. When I was in school, I had about four precious hours free on weekdays, and I was determined to use them for more than just Netflix binges.
Balancing school and a creative hustle can feel like a tightrope walk, but it’s definitely doable. I learned a lot about making art work around a busy schedule, and I wanted to share some of the ways I managed it, and how you might too.
My Art Hustle Toolkit:
- Etsy Shop Management: This was my go-to. I focused on what I loved – painting and graphic design. I started small by scanning some of my favorite sketches and turning them into prints. Etsy is great because it handles a lot of the heavy lifting, like payment processing and a built-in audience. The key for me was finding a niche. Instead of just “art prints,” I focused on affordable, quirky illustrations and moody landscapes that reflected my style.
- Print Sales: Beyond Etsy, I also learned to handle print orders myself for larger pieces. This meant finding a good local print shop and then marketing directly through social media. It gave me more control and a bigger cut of the profit, but it also meant more work on the fulfillment side.
- Digital Art Commissions: This was a fantastic way to use my graphic design skills. People often need custom avatars, social media graphics, or even simple illustrations for their blogs. I set up a clear process: a consultation, a price quote, a deposit, then the work, and final payment. It allowed me to work on projects that fit my schedule, often from my laptop between classes.
Making It Work:
- Time Management is Key: Those four hours? I had to be strategic. I’d block out time specifically for art tasks – maybe an hour for social media promotion, two hours for a commission, or an hour to prepare prints for shipping. It wasn’t always perfect, but having a plan made a huge difference.
- Keep it Simple: Don’t try to do everything at once. When I started, I focused on just a few types of products and services. As I got more comfortable and efficient, I slowly added more. It’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly.
- Show Your Process: People love seeing behind the scenes! I shared my messy studio, my sketching process, and even my packaging. It makes your work feel more real and relatable, and it helps build a connection with potential customers. Plus, it’s a great way to keep yourself motivated.
- Don’t Undervalue Yourself: It’s easy to price yourself too low when you’re starting out, especially when you’re a student. Research what similar artists are charging, factor in your materials and your time, and price your work fairly. Your art has value!
It wasn’t always easy, and there were definitely late nights. But being able to connect with people through my art and earn a little something while still focusing on my studies was incredibly rewarding. It taught me so much about discipline, marketing, and my own creative resilience.
If you’re a student looking to make your art work for you, start small, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Your creative journey is unique, and finding ways to fund it can be part of the adventure!