When do you make your painting hobby into a part time or full time gig?

It is time to think about changing your passion hobby into a full time or part time gig.
When this happens:

When your friends have asked you if they could purchase some of your paintings.

When you try to squeeze painting time into any time slot possible, i.e. before work, after work, before meals, after meals, weekends or just anytime possible.

When your paintings can earn you extra income for vacation or emergency funds.

When you apply for art shows, your artwork get accepted, not just one piece of artwork got chosen but multiple pieces.

When you know your skills are more than adequate. 

When your full time job is starting to kill your spirit.  

When painting is the only thing you think about constantly, it is like you were spell bound by a Love Arrow except it is the Art Arrow!

If you agree with most of the above statements, I believe it is time to transform your passion into a part time or full time gig. 
I remember when I started painting, it was the best feeling I have ever had and to this day I still can't describe the euphoria that I get when I am painting. It gives me a sense of purpose, a challenge and it also provides me with a self reliant happiness. Painting in general just makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, my life purpose, my calling.

So here is the question: Do you want to make your Painting hobby into a business or even a side hustle?
And if the answer is YES then the best thing to do is to start asking yourself a few important questions, this way you can ensure that you are on the right track on making your dream into a reality.

Can you afford to be a painter right now and make a living from it?

Do you have to keep your full time job at the moment and build a side hustle with your passion?

What are you planning to sell? Original paintings? Cards? Prints? Art Gifts?

At what price range would you like to sell your product?

Which platform would you like to build your website on? 

Which Social Media platform would you like to drum attention up for your art?

Would you like to open an art gallery?

Apply for gallery representation?

Showcase your work in Co-op?

or solely sell your work Online?

Perhaps you would like to do some Wholesale shows and sell your prints and art through gift shops?

As you can see there is a lot of things to think about before taking the plunge. But there is also a lot of ways to sell your art. And I do encourage you to think about your passion and if you want to make it into a business, answer those questions that I have set up for you and see if you can come up with a strategic plan to make it all happen.

This is the path I took.
I have been in your shoes, 18 years ago my painting career started out as a side hustle, I was selling my art through galleries and shows. 6 years later, in 2007 my husband, Paul and I opened our own gallery and I became a full time artist.

All I know is that, after 12 years of being a full time artist, I have never regretted taking the plunge I have no regrets even if it is challenging at times. I think if it is in your bones, it will stand the truth of time and you will ripped the benefits, the highs and lows of being a full time artist.

And most of all you have the courage to do something that is unconventional and solely for your passion and that says a lot about you as a person and also for the importance of art and what it represents in this world.

I wish you all the best in your endeavors, if you have any questions in regards to starting a side hustle or a full time gig with your art, please feel free to ask. I will be writing more on this topic in the next few weeks and I can answer those questions for you on my blog. Take care my friends and I wish you a productive and creative day!

With Honor, in Mind and in Spirit,
Ting xoxo