5 Best Side Business Ideas for Actors and Models
There is a prevailing myth that all actors and models waiting to break into the industry first must suffer by accepting low paying, demanding, and stressful work. All while trying to pursue their passion—acting or modeling. This myth needs to change. You don’t have to accept any old job “just because.” You can pursue acting or modeling while supporting yourself with a fulfilling job you love. You have other activities, passions, and pursuits you enjoy. So turn one of those into your side business as you work toward your acting career.
The benefits of pursuing a side job you enjoy are numerous. You’ll wake up each day looking forward to your day job. You’ll feel more energized and productive, which will show in your acting. The best side business ideas are activities that related to things you are interested in and enjoy.
Here are five fun side business ideas that will help support you while you pursue your acting career.
1. Event Organizer
As an actor or model, you’re used to meeting and making connections with a variety of people. You’re great at fitting in during different events and make people feel welcome and heard. You can harness these skills and become an event organizer. Event organizers plan and organize a variety of events from small functions to large-scale events.
You’ll need to have (or develop) strong organizational skills and feel comfortable working with a variety of people. You’ll have a variety of responsibilities from selecting venues, setting everything up, and coordinating necessary equipment. You don’t need a degree to get started in this industry.
Many first learn the ropes by shadowing someone. You can work for an event company, or once you build your skill set, you can start your own freelance company. The hours will vary depending on the event.
As a bonus, you could end up working on events related to the film or TV industries, which can provide opportunities to build your network.
2. Social Media Influencer
If you enjoy being on social media and have a specific niche or opinion about particular products or brands, you can establish yourself as a social media influencer. This job can take some time to build a following, but you can create a robust and dedicated audience which could help you when marketing yourself as an actor.
To become a social media influencer, you’ll need to identify a niche on something that you’re passionate about to help build your authority and authenticity. You’ll need to create your brand and online content that enables you to engage with your audience.
This job requires patience as you build your brand, but can provide a good source of income once you’ve built your audience.
3. Jewelry Maker
If you enjoy creating items as a hobby, making jewelry as a side business may work for you. While it can take time to build your business, it can be profitable. Before starting, decide on your focus, such as fine or fashion jewelry. You’ll likely need to study trends and determine your brand.
You can work your business around your acting schedule, which is a plus. You could also consider going into business with another artisan to share the costs of starting up a business.
4. Photographer
As an actor or model, you know how to ensure people are positioned for an optimal picture. If you enjoy photography, starting a photography business can be a profitable and flexible job. Additionally, you could focus on taking headshots for other actors and models.
As an actor or model yourself, this could help lend authority to your photography and help build your network.
5. T-shirt Designer
If you love fashion and are creative, becoming a t-shirt designer may be the right choice for you. This job is flexible and can easily work around your acting or modeling schedule. Take time to hone in on your niche or target audience. You’ll need to learn software specific to t-shirt designing, and then mock up sample designs.
Before starting your business, try to get feedback from people you know, ideally those who are your target audience. Once you have a product direction, you can start building up your portfolio.
Many t-shirt designers are freelancers so that you can reach out to groups or companies within your specific niche.