10 Creative Ways to Make Extra Money in 2025

Your 9-to-5 wraps up, and instead of doom-scrolling or collapsing on the couch, you’re setting up canvases, pouring paint, and getting paid to help people unwind with creativity and a glass of wine.

A few years ago, picking up a part-time side hustle usually meant babysitting on weekends or delivering pizza after hours. But as we go into 2026, the landscape looks completely different. 

Between the rise of remote work, cost-of-living increases, and a growing gig economy, many of us are exploring ways to make extra money, without taking on a second full-time job.

Whether you're trying to pay off student loans, keep up with healthcare costs, or build a cushion for unexpected expenses, having a creative side job can make a real difference. But where should you even begin in getting started with your first side hustle? 

Top 10 Ways to Make Extra Money: Ranked

The creative arts aren’t known for paying well… so these creative ways to make extra money help you turn your passion into a side hustle.

Here are 10 creative ways to make extra money this year, including one standout option that blends art, fun, and entrepreneurship: becoming a Paint Nite host.

1. Host Painting Parties with Paint Nite

Hosting painting events through Paint Nite is a fun and flexible way to make extra money in 2025. As a host, you lead casual, social painting sessions where guests sign up to unwind, sip a drink, and follow your creative guidance to complete their own artwork. 

As a Paint Nite host, the business provides you with training, event templates, and art materials to help you run a successful event, even if you're not a professionally trained artist. But if you are: even better! Some of our top earners are local artists and popular party hosts, making money with their exceptional creative skills.

Most events take place in local bars, cafés, or other social venues, though some hosts choose to partner with community centers or even offer virtual sessions. Guests pay to attend, and as a host, you earn income through ticket sales. It’s a great way to make extra money while also having fun and working completely on your own terms.

Why It’s a Great Side Hustle

Paint Nite is a standout option for anyone who thrives on creativity and social interaction. It’s ideal for artists, art teachers, performers, or even outgoing personalities who enjoy bringing people together. 

Many hosts already have experience in creative fields or customer service, but formal training isn’t required. What matters most is your ability to guide others and create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

Compared to other side jobs, like food delivery, app testing, or participating in online surveys, hosting a Paint Nite event also adds more variety and energy to your week. Plus, you maintain full control over your schedule, venue choices, and the number of events you want to host.

Build a Network, Build Your Income

One of the most powerful aspects of Paint Nite’s model is the opportunity to expand beyond your own events. Hosts who love the experience can invite others to join as new hosts, offering mentorship and guidance. In turn, they earn a percentage of income from those events as well.

This means your side hustle isn’t limited by the hours you can personally work. Instead, it can grow into a network of hosts that contributes to your monthly earnings, creating a semi-passive income stream.

Some Paint Nite hosts even use events as a way to promote their art, showcase cosplay props or handmade crafts, or develop future customers for workshops or online courses. The flexibility of the side hustle makes it easy to integrate other business goals, whether you're aiming to reduce college tuition costs, pay off a credit card, or take the leap into self-employment.

2. Sell Your Art Online or In Person

Selling art can be a fulfilling way to make extra money, especially if you’re already creating in your free time. You don’t need a full studio or large inventory to begin. With the right tools and a consistent style, you can start small and build from there.

Where to Sell

There are several platforms that make it easier to connect with buyers. Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 allow you to list artwork, prints, and custom items for a broad audience. These sites work well for artists looking to experiment or grow gradually.

If you’d rather engage with customers directly, local options like farmers markets, art fairs, or community pop-ups offer in-person sales opportunities. These events can also lead to commissions or future collaborations, especially if you're comfortable talking about your work.

You can also explore print-on-demand services, which turn your designs into merchandise without needing to store products. While the margins can vary, it’s a useful way to test ideas and earn income from designs you’ve already created.

Pro Tips

Choose a niche that reflects your interests and strengths, whether that’s pet portraits, botanical prints, or abstract landscapes. A focused collection helps customers understand your style and builds recognition over time.

Sharing works-in-progress on social media can also draw attention. Behind-the-scenes posts, time-lapse videos, or even casual studio updates help people connect with your process. Many artists find that storytelling is just as important as the finished piece when it comes to building interest.

Selling art (online or off) takes time and consistency, but it’s a flexible way to bring in extra income while doing something creative and personal.

3. Offer Creative Workshops

In 2025, there's strong demand for hands-on, creative experiences, both online and in local spaces. Sharing your skills through workshops can be a rewarding way to earn extra money, especially if you enjoy teaching or leading group activities. 

What to Teach

Start with something you're comfortable demonstrating, such as watercolor basics, acrylic painting, hand lettering, or mixed media. Niche topics tend to attract more focused audiences, think floral line drawing, sketchbook journaling, or DIY cosplay props.

You can offer one-time classes, ongoing series, or themed sessions tied to holidays or events. If you enjoy group settings, hosting in person at community centers, cafés, or creative studios can work well. For broader reach, virtual workshops let you invite attendees from anywhere, using platforms like Zoom or pre-recorded sessions hosted on your website.

How to Get Started

Begin by outlining what your workshop will include, materials, format, time needed, and any age recommendations. Then choose a format that fits your comfort level: small groups, private lessons, or ticketed public events.

To promote your workshop, use social media and email lists, or post your offering on community boards and event platforms. You might also partner with local businesses that are open to hosting creative events.

Many Paint Nite hosts use this approach to develop parallel offerings, leading their own workshops during off-nights or introducing new formats to returning guests. 

4. Flip Furniture or Decor

Flipping furniture is one of the more hands-on ways to make extra money…. and it’s an extremely satisfying one, too!

If you enjoy painting, restoring, or styling interior pieces, this side hustle combines creativity with practical value. With a bit of time and some basic tools, older or damaged items can be turned into something stylish and sellable.

Turn Trash into Treasure

Start by sourcing low-cost or free pieces from thrift stores, garage sales, or neighborhood apps. Look for items made from solid wood or metal, these tend to hold up better and are easier to refinish. A coat of paint, new hardware, or simple repairs can dramatically increase the value of even the most worn-down items.

This kind of work suits people who enjoy problem-solving and design. You don’t need a workshop, just a place to sand, paint, and let things dry. Many people begin with one piece at a time, learning as they go.

Where to Sell

Once your pieces are ready, Facebook Marketplace is often the quickest way to reach local buyers. Well-staged photos and clear descriptions help listings stand out. You can also look into curated flea markets, consignment shops, or home décor pop-ups.

Flipping isn’t just limited to furniture. You might also refinish mirrors, trays, or lighting fixtures—anything with potential that just needs a little care. While it takes effort upfront, it’s a flexible way to bring in extra income without relying on traditional side jobs.

5. Freelance Your Creative Skills

If you have experience in writing, design, photography, or video editing, freelancing offers a practical way to earn extra money on your own terms. 

Many small businesses, startups, and creators look for help with creative projects they can’t handle in-house. That’s where freelancers come in.

Examples of In-Demand Creative Work

Creative freelancers often take on roles such as graphic designer, copywriter, social media manager, or video editor. Others offer illustration, content creation, or digital marketing services tailored to specific industries. Some freelancers specialize further, working only with nonprofits, local businesses, or ecommerce brands.

Because the work varies so widely, it’s possible to start small, with one-off projects, and scale up as you gain confidence. For people who enjoy working independently and prefer a flexible schedule, freelancing can be a good fit alongside a full-time job or other side hustles.

Where to Find Work

There are several ways to find clients. Freelancer platforms (like Upwork) list jobs across many categories and experience levels. Local networking groups, creative communities, and even LinkedIn are also useful for connecting with potential clients.

Some freelancers find work through word-of-mouth or by reaching out directly to businesses they admire. Others promote their skills on personal websites or social media, especially if they’re already sharing projects or behind-the-scenes content.

If you're looking to build income gradually, freelancing can complement other side jobs like hosting Paint Nite events, selling digital products, or offering online courses. It’s flexible, creative work with real earning potential, and a good way to turn what you’re already good at into something income-generating.

6. Rent Out Your Creative Space

If you have extra room at home (like that sunlit corner, your dad’s converted garage, or even a tidy backyard) there may be ways to turn it into income. 

Creative professionals, content creators, and event organizers are often looking for unique, affordable spaces to use by the hour or day, and they’re willing to pay!

What Spaces Work

Think about what you already have access to. 

A quiet home studio, a rustic outdoor area, or even a garage with good lighting could work for photo shoots, art classes, or co-working sessions. While it might not be a full vacation rental, these short-use spaces are still valuable to renters looking for something local and specific.

Some hosts offer space for user testing, content creation, or even themed workshops, especially in high cost of living areas where commercial rentals are expensive or hard to find.

Who Needs Them

Artists, photographers, and small business owners often look for short-term space to work, meet clients, or shoot content. By offering a tidy, well-lit area with basic amenities, you can support the creative community and earn extra money doing it.

Where to List

Sites like Peerspace and Splacer let you list your space and set hourly rates. You can also share availability on local Facebook groups or business networks. Just make sure to review insurance coverage, local HOA restrictions, and any permits needed before you begin.

7. Sell Digital Products or Templates

Selling digital goods is one of the most accessible ways to bring in passive income. Once your product is created, it can be sold over and over without additional production costs. This makes it a solid option for creatives who want to earn steadily over time.

Ideas to Try

Digital downloads can include anything from printable art and planners to social media templates, Photoshop brushes, or mobile presets. Artists often turn illustrations into downloadable files, while writers might publish checklists or editable documents. These products don’t require shipping or physical materials, which helps keep startup costs low.

Next, platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Shopify make it simple to upload files and start selling. With the right product mix and some regular promotion, digital goods can add reliable income to your month.

8. Become a Creative Virtual Assistant

If you’re organized and enjoy helping others behind the scenes, virtual assistant work might be a great fit. Many creative entrepreneurs need help managing the details so they can focus on their art, business, or content.

Niche VA Work

Creative VAs often handle things like email management, file organization, newsletter scheduling, or uploading new products to ecommerce sites. Others assist with blog formatting, social media replies, or coordinating small-scale events.

This kind of work can be a good match for someone with admin skills who prefers working from home—or anyone looking to add a few consistent hours of paid work each week.

Getting Started

You can find clients through job boards, freelancer platforms (like Upwork), or referrals. Many VAs also introduce their services through online communities or by reaching out to artists, podcasters, or educators directly.

If you already have experience with content scheduling or digital marketing services, you might also branch out into more specialized work. As with other side hustles, the flexibility allows you to build around your main job, class schedule, or creative projects.

9. Run Your Own Pop-Up or Market Stall

For artists and makers who like working face-to-face, pop-up events and market stalls offer a rewarding mix of creativity and sales. These events can bring in immediate income while giving you the chance to meet customers and test new ideas.

What to Sell

Popular items include art prints, small originals, DIY kits, zines, handmade jewelry, or themed seasonal items. Some sellers package house plants, stationery, or home decor. Others use stalls to promote online shops, gain social followers, or hand out discount codes for future purchases.

Tips for Success

Set up your space in a way that reflects your brand. Simple signage, clear pricing, and attractive product displays make a difference. 

If you’re also hosting Paint Nite events, you can cross-promote your classes or hand out flyers at your stall. Offering gift cards or small-ticket items gives people a way to support you even if they’re browsing.

10. Teach Art Classes in Schools or After-School Programs

For artists with teaching experience (or those who enjoy working with kids and teens) teaching part-time in schools or after-school programs can be both steady and fulfilling.

Why It’s Rewarding

These programs are often looking for instructors who can introduce basic drawing, painting, or crafts in an age-appropriate way. 

You don’t need a formal teaching license for most after-school roles, just (a lot of) patience, reliability, and a love of creative learning. It’s a great fit for people seeking extra income in the afternoons or evenings.

How to Find Opportunities

Start by reaching out to local schools, community centers, or nonprofits. Some districts have artist-in-residence programs or use outside providers for arts instruction. Be prepared to submit a sample lesson plan or portfolio and complete a background check.

Let Your Creativity Fuel Your Finances

Creative work and flexible earning go hand in hand. Whether you’re selling handmade goods, leading painting events, or freelancing online, there are plenty of ways to bring in extra money while staying true to your interests.

At Paint Nite, we’ve seen how hosting just a few events a month can turn into something bigger. Some hosts use their earnings to offset rising living costs, while others grow their network and treat it as a serious business. However you approach it, there’s value in choosing a creative side hustle that works with your life, not against it.

If you’re ready to explore what hosting could look like for you, get started on hosting your first event here.