Want to start a business that will line your wallet and fuel your creativity? Read on. There is a huge list of creative business ideas.
Before I started blogging, I felt like my path to making a good living and doing what I love was futile. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, traveling, and writing, but I didn’t know how to actually apply my passions to a career that paid a decent wage.
Many times I thought I had it figured out. However, once I started working, I gradually lost interest and started looking for another job. I didn’t know what to do professionally.
In the process of quitting my job and becoming a stay-at-home mom, I finally understood what I wanted. Apart from my desire to stay home with my daughter, I also longed for a career that offered flexibility, a good salary, and an outlet for my creativity.
Let’s fast forward to today. You get to spend more time with your family, earn more than you ever earned as a nurse, and you get to take control and be creative.
The good news is that today it’s much easier for individuals with creative personalities to start a business they’re passionate about.
If you’re ready to decide on a direction for your career and pursue a passion project, here are some creative business ideas to inspire your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Design and sell printable products
If you love creating worksheets, planners, coloring books, gift card holders, templates, and other digital products, you can make a good income with a printable business. This business doesn’t even require graphic design skills. You can use free platforms like Canva to create printables to sell on sites like Etsy and Teachers Pay Teachers.
One business owner who makes more than $1,000 a month selling printable products on Etsy is Julie Berninger. Her Etsy shop, The Swag Elephant, sells bachelorette party games, real estate templates, digital planners, gift card holders, and more. Julie was so successful with this side hustle that she began teaching others how to start a printable business from home.
If designing printables sounds like a fun business idea, be sure to check out Julie’s free e-book on seasonal products you can sell on Etsy to make money from home.
2. T-shirt designer
Graphic T-shirts are back. Whether you love sharing and promoting other people’s great designs or you’re a design guru yourself, there are plenty of companies out there that can help you make your T-shirt design dreams come true.
Companies like Spring and Spreadshirt can help you put your designs on shirts and your customers’ bodies, and earn a commission every time a shirt is sold. Most companies also offer the opportunity to print your designs on other items such as mugs, stickers, and posters. If you have ideas for catchy words, cool graphic designs, and interesting pictures, t-shirt design could be the home-based business you’re looking for.
3. Photography business
If you are a skilled photographer, there are many ways to make money from your talent. For example, stock photos. Online publishers, magazines, news channels, and businesses of all sizes use stock images to enhance their stories, articles, advertisements, and digital marketing campaigns. Stock photography allows you to take pictures of just about anything, including food, animals, landscapes, people, and even feet, and sell them online using one of the many stock-selling platforms.
Each platform works in a similar way and pays you a percentage of the sales of each image. Most stock photo platforms also accept videos and illustrated vectors. Some companies want exclusive rights to your photos, so be sure to read each site’s terms carefully. This means you can’t sell your photos elsewhere. There are also services that allow you to sell freely anywhere.
If you don’t have a fancy camera, a smartphone app like Foap allows you to upload photos to the site from your smartphone. You can earn money every time one of your photos is sold.
Another way to make money with photography is to partner with recipe bloggers and food bloggers who need content for their websites. This type of work involves a love of cooking, baking, and photography. Pretty Focused’s Melodee Lynn teaches people who want to work from home how to take food photos.
Of course, you can always take pictures of people, like my assistant Amy. She placed a $5 ad on Craiglist and won a $2,700 photography job in just 30 days. She also doesn’t have a photo studio at home. She takes advantage of free parks and public places.

4. Photo book designer
If you’re more interested in scrapbooking than photography, you can use your creative skills to make money by creating photobooks. Scrapbook design software allows you to be creative by helping others organize their photos so they can be archived in a keepsake book rather than lost in the digital abyss.
Using smartphones and digital cameras, people take hundreds or even thousands of vacation photos, photos of their children, holiday moments, and more…but those images just sit there. . Scrapbooking takes time and talent, so if you have a good eye for it, you can create beautiful masterpieces and make money while having fun.
Here, we interview three photobook designers about how they got started. In fact, Rachel Jenkins of ScrapMyPix says she gets the majority of her business through referrals and networking. She started scrapbooking while working on a baby book for her son. she says: “It was the perfect creative outlet for me. As I was compiling all those photos into pages, I thought, ‘I wish people could pay me to do this.'” If you have some talent, designing a photo book might be perfect for you.
5. Web design business
If you have any experience with website development, you know that it is a very creative process. Some people cringe at the idea of learning HTML, navigating the world of platforms, and web hosting. But if you’re not afraid of technology, this can be a profitable and creative way to make money at home.
If you love building websites, your services can be extremely valuable to bloggers, sellers, and other online business owners. Even if you need to outsource some aspects of the process (like outsourcing your logo design to a resource like Fiverr or Upwork), much of the design and layout of your page can be done yourself with your creative skills. Masu.
6. Graphic designer
Although graphic design is highly competitive and working for an agency often requires a degree or extensive experience, there are still plenty of ways to make money from home with graphic design.
Karen X. Chen, a self-taught designer, says: I educated myself on design in 6 months while working a full-time job…and let me be clear, I’m no stranger to design geniuses with 4 years of education at elite schools like RISD. It doesn’t come close to that. But I’m definitely capable enough to do my job well. I’m the only designer at Exec (the startup she works for), so I do a pretty wide range of work, including visual design, interaction design, print, web, and mobile app design. ”
If you have design experience and think you’re ready to take it to the next level, check out online design job options from sites like Dribbble, FlexJobs, and Legit to find the right opportunity for you. Please check. Alternatively, you can leverage your website and network to promote your services and showcase your portfolio.
7. Freelance writing
Writing at home is a great way to express your creative side and hone your talent. There are many platforms that help freelance writers find work opportunities. Consider Freelancer or FlexJobs to get started.
Alternatively, you can write blog posts for various paid outlets. Visit BloggingPro or ProBlogger for job openings and writing opportunities. Need advice on how to build a career as a writer while working from home? Writing for a living has the answer. Also see our comprehensive list of paid writing opportunities.
Also, don’t think you’re limited to writing articles or blog posts. There are many opportunities to express your creative side in writing, such as writing greeting cards, poems, recipes, resumes, ghostwriting, copywriting, e-books, and more.
8. Event planning
I loved the idea of being an event planner and actually considered it as a career option at one point. It’s so much fun planning a party, preparing it for your guests, and coming up with different theme, food, and decoration ideas. As a work-from-home event planner, you can help with large events such as weddings, fundraisers, and large gatherings, as well as smaller events such as children’s birthday parties and showers. Find your area of expertise and build from there. Think about your niche before you start networking.
For event planners, word of mouth is great advertising, especially if you want to work in a small area (neighborhood, school, church, etc.). Once you walk into one event, reach out to others, hand out business cards, and see where it goes.
9. Blogger
Blogging has grown by leaps and bounds when it comes to making money from home. If you like writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas online, blogging is a great way to make money. Choose a topic you’re passionate about, work on your own schedule, and earn money through advertising, sponsored campaigns, affiliate marketing, course sales, freelance services, and more.
Not sure how to get started? Download our free e-book, Blogging Success. Think about what you want to blog about and look for your specific niche and style. Once you have a plan, check out this post on how to build a blog with WordPress. Don’t worry; no technical background is required to get started.
From there, you need to create a regular writing and posting schedule. Be sure to incorporate the best SEO (search engine optimization) techniques into your site and articles. Next, network and promote your posts using social media and email marketing.
10.Crafter
DIY and craft experts can use their talents to sell products from home. You can sell handmade items on sites like Etsy. These sites are easy to use and can help you gain exposure and connect with potential customers.
However, if you want to grow your brand, you will eventually need to create your own online shop. Use an e-commerce website builder like Shopify. These platforms allow you to sell directly from your site and promote your products through social media, blogs, and email marketing.
For those running a craft business from home, it’s important to remember to connect with local vendors and market spaces as well. If you live in a town with a farmers market, local festival, or craft fair, these events are a great opportunity to get your products in front of potential customers and increase your exposure.

11. Start a YouTube channel
Do you like creating videos, slideshows, and tutorials? YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms, and it offers a lot of money to those who can create videos that are both interesting and useful.
Most YouTube creators earn money from affiliate marketing, sponsored campaigns, and Google Adsense. To earn money through Google Ad Monetization, you need at least 1,000 followers and 4,000 hours of public watch time, so it’s important to post content that is engaging, well-organized, honest, and helpful.
Wondering how much you can earn as a YouTube star? Check out Judy Travis’ story! She earns more than $1 million a year by creating YouTube videos. This is amazing.
12. Fashion Designer
If you’re a seamstress, a fashionista, or have a great eye for sewing and detail, becoming an online fashion designer could be a great business idea. You can create and sell items on your own website or set up a shop through a third-party platform like Etsy.
Need help launching your fashion line? Lisa Springsteel Dupré has some great tips and advice in this post.
13.Illustrator
Are you good at bringing ideas to life through drawing? Book publishers, web designers, and authors are looking for your talents. If you have a passion for drawing, you can find illustration work through companies like Avatar Press and Cricket Media.
You can also submit designs to Rubber Stamp Madness, Teacher Created Resources, or join sites like 99 Designs.
Also check out Upwork’s list for cartoonists and illustrators.
Another option is to watermark your illustrations and sell them as downloads on Etsy. As your creative talent and connections grow, you may also consider joining a professional illustrator organization such as AOI.
14. Artist
Like selling crafts, sewing, and photography, your business as an artist depends on your area of expertise. If you like painting portraits and animals, consider trying your hand at being a portrait artist for hire. Advertise online and talk to other local artists.
Many cities have networks of artists and open galleries. Talk to local coffee shops, bookstores, and other small businesses about displaying and selling your work. Fairs and street festivals are also great opportunities to display and sell your work.
When selling art, especially if you’re interested in getting your work in front of people and finding new buyers, offer smaller, more affordable options (postcards, prints) instead of just large paintings. We recommend that you do so.
You can also sell your artwork online using platforms like Artfinder. Check out this list for other online platforms where you can sell your artwork and make money.
15. Podcaster
If you have a talent for conversation, producing a podcast may be your calling. Find your area of expertise and start brainstorming topics you’d like to discuss. You’ll need a microphone and basic audio editing software like Audacity or Garage Band. Once you’ve recorded and edited your podcast, you’re ready to publish it. All you have to do is find some platforms to host your podcast and promote it. iTunes is a popular platform, but there are many others. To earn money from your podcast, you can include sponsorships and advertising.
16. Lip gloss maker
Think you can make a lot of money selling lip gloss from home? Kylie Jenner made billions selling lip gloss and cosmetics. This is an extreme example, but Kiki Quesada has become quite famous on TikTok by selling lip gloss through her online shop Kikiz Cosmeticz. Not only does she have fun shades and colors, but she also adds sparkle and delicious flavor. We don’t know how much money Kiki makes, but she has over 1 million followers on TikTok, so we think she’s doing pretty well. If making lip gloss sounds like a fun small business idea to express your creativity, here’s a list of supplies you’ll need to get started.
17. Content Creator
If you love creating content, whether it’s writing, taking photos, or shooting videos, there are many ways to make money as a content creator. To get started, choose a niche market like crafting, cooking, dancing, woodworking, or something completely different, and start creating content on social media sites like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and even LinkedIn. I will post it on. Competition between these platforms is fierce, and many have creator funds that reward content creation. However, creator funds aren’t the only way to make money. You can work with brands on sponsored content, create UGC for businesses, sell your own products and courses, and generate revenue using affiliate marketing and advertising.
The great thing about content creation is that the initial cost is low. All you need is a smartphone, an internet connection, a ring light, and some creative ideas. Check out this post to learn more about becoming a content creator.
18. Calligrapher
When I was a kid, I had a calligraphy set. And although I spent many hours mastering my craft, I was never able to create the gorgeous handwritten scripts that appear in the book. If you have beautiful handwriting, you can earn a good income from your calligraphy business. You can also sell services that cater to wedding invitations, sell SVGs on marketplaces like Etsy, or create fonts to sell online.
According to Career Explorer, the average annual salary for a calligrapher is $74,750, with some earning as much as $128,300 per year.
19. Slime seller
When my daughter was in elementary school, she loved making slime! She spent hours every day making slime and filming videos. I didn’t know that she made a lot of money selling slime at school! The slime sold today looks nothing like what my daughter used to sell. Some companies make slime baking kits that combine slime ingredients that look like real food, such as eggs and butter. Then combine all these slime ingredients to complete your pie or cake. It’s wild how far the slime has come!
One company that makes these ingenious slime kits is Slime Community. We are releasing new slime kits on TikTok and they are always sold out. They recently sold a Thanksgiving slime kit for $39.99. If you’re looking for a fun side hustle to do with your kids, slime making may be your calling.
20. 3D printing business
If you have a little money to invest, starting a 3D printing business is a great way for creative entrepreneurs to express themselves. With a 3D printing business, you can create prototypes for other entrepreneurs, create 3D printed parts for digital nomads who build vans, or create products such as planters, toys, puzzles, coasters, organizational products, tools, and more. You can even design your own products to sell. . Once you have a few products, you can set up a shop on Etsy. The cost is only $0.20 per item. You can cross-promote your Etsy products on your social media accounts to reach more potential customers.
Austin Hartley is one of the entrepreneurs who uses 3D printers to make money. In 2021, he made more than $100,000 in revenue from his 3D printing business. If you want to pursue this creative business idea, his YouTube videos will help you.

21. Cricut Entrepreneur
Another unique business idea is to become a Cricut entrepreneur. For those who are not familiar with the Cricut, it is an intelligent cutting device that can cut materials such as vinyl, paper, leather, wood, iron-on fabric, and more. You can use these materials to create custom coffee mugs, labels, sweatshirts, cards, decorations, and more.
Melanie from Simple Made Pretty is one of the entrepreneurs who started her own business using a Cricut machine. She started creating unique greeting cards and selling them on Etsy. Currently, she also runs a blog where she shares her DIY and craft projects.
If you’re wondering what kind of crafts you can make with your Cricut, check out this list of ideas.
You can also purchase your own Cricut Starter Kit, which has everything you need to start your creative business.
22. Become a voice actor
For those who have a great voice and love acting, voice acting jobs are a great way to make money and use your creative talents. As a voiceover artist, you can narrate TV and radio commercials, audiobooks, educational films, phone prompts, and more.
To build this career, you’ll need to invest in some equipment, including a high-quality microphone, audio interface, pop filter, and recording and editing software like Audacity or Garage Band. And most importantly, you need a quiet space to record your clips. To achieve this, you can use acoustic sound panels, purchase a portable recording booth, or even use a closet.
There’s a lot that goes into voice acting, so if this business idea sounds appealing to you, check out Julie Eickhoff’s free voiceover mini-course.
To find voice acting jobs, check out Voices.com, BunnyStudio, and Voice123.
23. Soap maker
Another creative small business idea is to become a soap maker. In fact, according to Quicken, the average U.S. consumer spends $60 a month on grooming products, making this a potentially lucrative business venture. From natural soaps and shampoo bars to specialty soaps for people with skin care concerns like eczema, there are many different niche markets you can target with this online business idea.
When you’re ready to start making soap, set up an e-commerce website with Shopify or use an online marketplace like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or eBay. You can also sell at your local farmers market. To learn more about how to start a soap business from home, check out this detailed post.
24. Charcuterie board business
One very popular new business idea is the charcuterie board business. This is a fun and creative way to combine your passion for food and creativity into one unique business. From small events like birthday parties and anniversary parties to large events like weddings, you can do this business full-time or part-time depending on your financial goals. We specialize in appetizer boards or dessert boards. There are no limits to this creative business idea. Check out this article for more inspiration on running a charcuterie board business from home.
25. Social Media Marketing
Social media managers need to constantly think of creative ways to reach, engage, and drive customers to action. With so many social media platforms and mediums to work with, this is the perfect creative business idea for anyone who enjoys marketing, writing, or creating images and videos. With this mindset, you can be a generalist or specialize in one or two platforms. Once you have decided on the platform on which you will offer your services and the type of services you will provide, you can start pitching your freelance services to small business owners.
When pitching, have a well-thought-out pitch plan. For example, let’s say you want to work with a pet company. Start by making a list of companies you’d like to work with and find out if they have social media accounts. If you haven’t posted in a while, offer to pitch your plans to revitalize your account or create a profile and explain the benefits of using your platform. Make the pitch about them, not you.
26. Interior Designer
One of the best businesses for creatives is an interior designer business. With virtual design platforms and video calls, you don’t even have to leave your house. While you can earn a degree or certificate in interior design, it’s not the only option to get started in the field. You can also join a franchise like Decorating Den or build your own portfolio by showcasing rooms in your home that you’ve decorated yourself. Whether you choose to start your own interior design business from scratch or take part in an independent contract opportunity with Havenly, this can be a fun and profitable small business idea There is a gender.
27. Personal trainer
At first glance, personal training may not seem like a creative business idea, but we can safely say that it is. During COVID-19, I completed my yoga certification and part of that allowed me to create classes and routines to follow. A lot of thought goes into creating a good workout routine that effectively exercises and targets different muscle groups. You can get even more creative by adding mood boosters like matching music, essential oils, candles, sound bowls, or diet plans and recipes.
With platforms like Zoom, you no longer need a gym to teach a class. Depending on the type of personal training you do, you can better target diet, fitness, or a combination of the two. I had a friend who worked with a personal trainer through text messages. Once you’re certified in your desired field, decide who your audience is and how you’ll serve them, and start marketing using social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Summary of creative business ideas
There are many great ways for creative people to make money from home. When thinking about how to make money, think about what you really love and what really resonates with you. What talent do you have? What makes you feel most fulfilled? After all, one of the secrets to success is loving what you do.
Are you doing something creative to earn money from home? We’d love to hear more about what you do and how you’ve achieved success.
Ready to start your business? Get a free simplified business plan template that walks you through the questions and steps you need to get your creative business off the ground.
First published November 9, 2016, content updated November 2024.