By Serena Price


Turning your beloved hobby into a career might seem like a pipe dream, but it is a realistic possibility if you are dedicated. Lots of people dream of making money doing abstract digital photography, writing, or cooking. Making a hobby into a career can be difficult, and it doesn't happen overnight, but it can be done. Here are some ideas for things you can do to move closer to that goal.

1. Think of yourself as a professional. Even if you are not making money from your craft yet, you can begin thinking of it as a career. Do some research in the field, and find ways to improve on the work you are already doing. This will help you to think of yourself as a professional, and will also show others that you are serious about your work.

2. Make yourself known online. You may already be a strong presence on Facebook or Twitter, but you need to be known in terms of your work and not just your personality. Think about making a new website or profile that is devoted only to your work and/or your observations about the field. If you are a photographer, for instance, devote your Tumblr to your professional pursuits.

3. Build your resume. Spend time creating a resume that is simple and straightforward. You may need to develop a separate resume that contains only the experience relevant to your craft. People who are looking at you as an artist do not need to know about the summer you spent working at Taco Bell when you were sixteen. Be selective about the information you include.

4. Network with others. Get to know people who do the kind of work that you want to to do. Make a special effort to speak with people whose work inspires you. Ask them about the steps they took to get to the place in their career where they currently are. A mentor can help you to figure out the path you should follow.

5. Look for internships or part-time work in the field. Because internships are usually unpaid, they are not an option for everyone, but if you can afford to work for free they can provide valuable experience. However, if unpaid work is impossible, look for a part-time job that is relevant to what you want to do, such as being the assistant to a photographer or editor.

6. Make a portfolio. A portfolio may be digital or kept in a physical binder or folder, but ideally you should have both a physical copy and a digital one. That will give you more flexibility. When someone is interested in seeing your work, you can either show them the physical copy, or direct them to your digital portfolio. It is a great way to collect the best examples of your work.

The thing you love, whether it is writing, abstract digital photography, cooking, or something else, can make you money eventually. You just have to be willing to spend the time and the effort to turn it from a hobby into a career. It takes dedication, but it is definitely worthwhile. There is no better feeling than getting paid for something that comes naturally and that you love to do!




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