7 Creative Freelance Gigs You’ve Never Thought of Before
When you hear the term “freelance,” which careers come to mind? Chances are they’re something like writer, editor, journalist, web designer or social media manager.
If you’re not interested in content marketing, can you still start a business as a freelancer?
Definitely.
If you’re dead set on living the freelance lifestyle but aren’t quite sure what kind of services you’ll offer, consider these unusual freelance careers. One of them might just be the opportunity you’re looking for.
1. Calligrapher
Maybe you don’t want to be a content writer, but if you have excellent handwriting skills and a set of calligraphy tools, you can address envelopes. You could make $2 to $5 a pop just for being a talented calligraphy writer!
It doesn’t sound like a lot, but book a wedding with 100 guests, and you could rake in $200 or more for handwritten invites.
Launch your own website to sell your services, or offer calligraphy through Etsy. For example, Margo Dittmer gets creative with her calligraphy services and sells custom wedding certificates for $175 each on Etsy.
2. Date Concierge
If you’ve thought about being a freelance event planner but don’t want to plan big events like weddings, get your foot in the door with couples who haven’t thought of marriage yet.
As a date concierge, you plan the dates couples don’t have time to plan themselves. You’ll do everything from developing the date idea to booking the restaurant reservations and car rental.
Freelance date concierge Brenndon Knox charged one couple $12.50 per hour for his services in 2012. Depending on your clientele, you could easily charge more today.
Who knows? Your clients may hear wedding bells thanks to you, and if you’re into it, they might ask you to plan their wedding, too!
3. Fabric Reseller
Maybe you’ve toyed with the idea of starting your own clothing alteration business, but it doesn’t seem quite right? Consider becoming a fabric reseller.
You’ll have to visit fabric sales or buy wholesale fabrics and assemble small quantities into appropriate packages. There’s a decent demand for this type of fabric bundle in the quilting, scrapbooking and craft markets. Check out some of these packages on Etsy for inspiration.
4. Virtual Recruiter
Do you have the skills and connections to find the right employees or freelancers for jobs? Try working as a virtual recruiter.
As a freelance recruiter, you could offer services like:
- Posting jobs
- Screening resumes
- Handling preliminary interviews
- Negotiating salaries
If you wanted to expand, you could work the other way around and consult with job seekers to find their perfect career opportunities.
Dorothy Rawlinson works in this industry and says most virtual recruiters are paid on commission.
5. PowerPoint Presentation Designer
If you have a knack for designing awesome PowerPoint presentations, turn your talent into a money-maker.
Graphic designer Magda Maslowska designs custom presentations and infographics for businesses and keynote speakers who don’t have the time or skills to do it themselves. If you have an eye for great presentations, consider launching a business of your own.
6. Children’s Book Illustrator
Love drawing or designing cute images with Adobe Illustrator? You could make money illustrating children’s books. The type of work you can do and the amount you can make varies widely.
The good news is self-publishing is on the rise. Children’s book authors will turn to freelance illustrators to help their stories come alive, so now could be a great time to offer your creative services.
7. Genealogist
Love putting together puzzling family trees? People will pay you to avoid doing it on their own.
Anthony Adolph is a professional freelance genealogist who charges between £50 and £500 per request. If you’ve been a hobby genealogist for any amount of time, you could easily charge these rates with the right knowledge base.
Get Creative to Find Freelance Jobs
As these options show, freelance careers aren’t limited to the writing or marketing industries. Branch out, consider your own interests and talents, and get creative with your offerings.
Lisa Stein owns FreelanceMom.com and is a college business professor and a mom to two growing daughters. Lisa is dedicated to playing a part in helping women and moms run businesses they love, help support themselves and their families, and create flexible lifestyles.
