Designing Custom Graphics
As a graphic artist, your skills can open doors to various roles within this industry. Whether it’s designing skateboard decks, creating apparel graphics, crafting logos, or producing digital content, your creativity could be in high demand. This is a perfect way for graphic artists to make money as a side hustle.
Graphic Artists Opportunities in Skateboarding:
- Skateboard Deck Design
- Apparel and Merchandise
- Brand Identity, such as logos
- Digital Content for social media, websites, and online advertisements.
- Skateboard Magazines layouts and advertisements
- Affiliate Marketing
Where to Advertise:
Here are some places you can advertise your side hustle without using paid ads. As a side hustle, the key is to focus on providing value and building relationships in these free promotion channels, rather than just spamming links. This can help you organically attract potential customers over time.
- Social Media Platforms:
- Facebook – Share your business offerings in relevant groups and on your personal/business page.
- LinkedIn – Create a profile highlighting your business services and connect with potential clients/businesses.
- Instagram – Not only post your art, but also engage with skate shops, brands, and others by following top hashtags in your field.
- Online Forums and Communities:
- Fiverr Forum – Participate in discussions and share information about your Fiverr gigs.
- Quora – Answer questions related to your business expertise and include a link to your services
- Pinterest – Cross promote by sharing blogs that you created for your website.
- Reddit – Engage, answer questions others may have about your field.
- Other industry-specific forums
- Start a YouTube channel – Create videos showcasing your services and the process of creating designs.
- Build a blog – Publish informative content that attracts your target customers. Lots of free options (Email me for the list).
- Guest Posting: Reach out to relevant blogs/websites such as Jenkem Magazine or Skate Jawn and offer to write guest posts Include a bio with a link to your business in the guest posts
Places to sell your services & make extra cash:
- Fiverr – Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects freelancers offering a wide range of digital services with clients looking to hire them.
- Craigslist
Facebook – Sell on marketplaces, but joining and posting in community groups offer the most value for free. Additionally, create your own dedicated page.
Affiliate Marketing
Consider monetizing your social media content through affiliate links. As a side hustle, this approach allows you to connect with recommended products that you use for your art and earn commissions when your audience makes purchases. It offers a sustainable way to generate income without requiring completely passive involvement.
- Amazon Affiliates
- ShareASale
- Rakuten
- Refersion
- ClickBank
- PartnerStack
- Tapfiliate
- TUNE
- Everflow
- LeadDyno
- Post Affiliate Pro
Earning Potential: What to Expect
Part-Time/Gig Work:
For part-time graphic designers working with skateboarding brands, freelance rates can range from $15 to $150 per hour. Several factors affect this rate, including project duration, the total number of projects, and competition from other graphic designers. In my opinion, it’s possible to average around $500-$2,000 per month doing this as a side hustle. However, these figures depend on the factors mentioned previously.
Full-Time:
If you decide to pursue this career full-time, the financial rewards of becoming a skateboard graphic artist can be substantial, with the potential income ranging from $58,000 to $81,000 annually. It’s important to note that salaries can vary based on your experience, portfolio, and the specific company you work for. For instance, a graphic designer at Element Skateboards may have a different earning potential compared to someone at a smaller brand. Regardless, the opportunity for a lucrative career is tangible within this niche.
How to Become a Skateboard Graphic Artist
The journey to becoming a sought-after graphic artist in the skateboarding industry is akin to skateboarding itself: it requires practice, persistence, and passion. Here’s how you can start your journey:
- Invest in yourself:: Attend workshops and networking events, take online courses, earn certifications, listen to audio books (email me for my list), and refine your skills.
- Build Your Portfolio:Include all your work, even those outside skateboarding, to give potential employers a sense of your creative range. Consider creating a separate social media page for your artwork to attract attention from skateboard companies.
- Connect with Brands: Start local. Connect with small and emerging brands. Visit skate shops, explore online forums like Reddit, and attend skateboarding events to network with industry insiders.
For part-time graphic artists eager to dive into this industry, the opportunities are as vast as your imagination. By honing your craft, building a robust portfolio, and connecting with the skateboarding community, you can turn your passion for art and skateboarding into a fulfilling career.
Need Our Assistance? We’re here for you! Just drop us an email with any questions or if you need any assistance in becoming a graphic artist in skateboarding, and we’ll help you get started on how to begin.