It’s no surprise to see your friends and family gain interest in a new hobby or project. With the pandemic’s restrictions on keeping everyone indoors as much as possible, people think of ways to get by without getting bored or depressed. That’s why thinking of the best creative side project ideas could be a means to get you entertained and even earn you some moolah. Here are 20 of the most creative side projects or businesses you might want to try in 2022.
1. Try blogging
Blogging is one of the most convenient and creative side project ideas that can be lucrative. If you have a knack for writing, blogging could be a nice niche to explore. Plus, you can engage in as many blog topic ideas. Whether you’re knowledgeable of the topic or not, you can get all the resources and courses to learn online.
Moreover, blogging is also easy to start. Choose a blogging website and make sure you subscribe to a hosting service for all the world to see. Here are a few blog niches you can look into:
- Travel and lifestyle
- Cooking
- Love and life
- Business
- Sports
2. Start a podcast
If you’re passionate about one thing and want to share it with the world, start a podcast. Unlike the written word, podcasts allow you to communicate your knowledge and expertise to a particular audience. Plus, you can also invite industry leaders to your podcast. In turn, you’ll expand your network and have interested listeners share your podcast. Remember to invest in a good microphone, and you’re good to go!
3. Create a community
If you want to amp up your social responsibility, create a community that supports your advocacies. For instance, if you’re all for protecting the environment, create a community that does environmental clean-ups regularly. Or if you want to give your all-out support to the LGBT community, start an organization that attends regular LGBT events.
4. Learn digital marketing
Any digital advertiser will tell you how creative the digital marketing sphere is. And that’s why this is one of the most practical and creative side project ideas in 2021. Most brands today have dipped their toes in this field one way or another.
Whether you’re looking for a passion project or a money-making business, digital marketing lets you explore many possibilities. Start with YouTube tutorials and offer to help and promote your friends’ businesses for free. Design their brand’s flyer or create their company logo. Once you’re adept in this field, start charging for your services.
5. Try photography
Photography is undeniably a creative side project idea you can try anytime, provided you have a nice camera. Put it to good use if you find yourself constantly using your phone camera or any digital camera. Take snapshots of everyday things and people wherever you go and sort out the best ones.
If you’re still an amateur in this field, you can read some articles on photography or watch tutorial videos to enhance your photography skill. Once you learn the ropes, post the images on photography websites. If you get lucky, viewers might make your images viral.
6. Create an affiliate website
If you want to earn money doing some creative side project ideas, try creating a website. Instead of purely writing recreational blogs, leverage your website by embarking on affiliate marketing.
Check which brands offer affiliate marketing and which products you’re interested in. Affiliate marketing lets you promote these products and earn a commission for every sale.
7. Crochet, knit, sew
For men and women with natural crafty hands, crocheting, knitting, or sewing could be great creative side project ideas. You can start small by creating simpler pieces such as a coaster or mobile phone case. Once you get the hang of crocheting, knitting, or sewing, move on to the bigger pieces such as tank tops, pouches, or bucket hats. It’s pretty fulfilling getting to wear or use your works of art.
8. Coaching
If you're knowledgeable in a specific field or industry, spread the love by offering coaching services. You don’t have to charge people for your service right off the bat. However, start by helping out friends and family members who need your expertise.
Once you gain regulars, start venturing into small groups or individuals who might need your coaching service.
9. Create digital art
One of the most creative side project ideas suitable in this day and age is digital art. Graphic design is popular in almost all branding and marketing materials. And if you want to try your luck in this field, start learning to use design platforms such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva. The upper hand of doing digital art is you can use it for personal or professional materials.
10. Invent something
Channel your inner Thomas Edison and invent something people can use. It doesn’t have to be revolutionary like a time machine or spaceship. However, it can be as simple as something that makes people’s lives more convenient. For instance, create a table organizer from used up plastic bottles.
Better yet, try inventing something for remote employees, such as a clock that alarms regularly to ensure employees are churning in work. Instead of using digital time trackers, alarm clocks could be a cool and traditional way to track your work progress.
11. Build a travel agency
If you’re looking for creative side project businesses, establish a travel agency. Although this might not be the most cost-efficient side project idea, it can benefit you financially in the long run. If you know someone who has a travel agency, gather tips and advice from mentors. Start small by offering domestic destinations and packages.
12. Start a journal
Another creative side project idea that can make you reminisce the most important moments in your life is by starting a journal. Get a nice journal and write every day, either after waking up or before going to sleep.
Some journals are excellent for motivating you for the day ahead. You can answer these three questions daily:
- What are you grateful for?
- What are your achievements today?
- What do you need to improve today?
13. Painting
If you’re into art, painting could be a great way to keep you entertained if you have time on your hands (pun intended). Don’t worry if you don’t have natural painting skills. You can start with an easy canvas and medium. You can play around with watercolors first and start moving on to oil or acrylic. Learn basic painting methods on YouTube and try uncomplicated designs first.
14. Create an app
Although this might be one of the most creative side project ideas you can try, it can be a long shot if you don’t learn the ropes on app design. Think of an app that can solve a solution to a problem. Something that has never been made before. And if you need help with app design, hire the experts if you must.
15. Write a book
If you have a wild imagination and a way with words, write a book and possibly earn from it. This might take years to finish, but it’s a fulfilling side project once you publish your first hardbound or softbound copy. Gather tips from the best authors in history and start from there.
16. Invest in an online business
If you already have a job, investing in an online business could be an excellent side project idea in 2021. Consumers’ buying behavior has changed over the recent years, especially now that we’re facing the pandemic head-on. Set aside a few hours per day to set up your online business. Think of a niche or product with an extensive market and do competitor research to check if it sells.
17. Do volunteer work
Depending on what type of volunteer work you do, this can be a creative side project idea you can do from time to time. Although volunteer work is a bit tedious, doing it to support your passions and advocacies is fulfilling. You can volunteer for the less privileged kids in your area or volunteer to teach art or music.
18. Learn a new hobby
Since people are remotely working nowadays, it’s the best time to learn a new hobby. Remote work means you no longer have to prep and travel to work, which gives you more time to explore new hobbies. Whether it’s sports or camping, try to get yourself involved in a new passion.
19. Make a scrapbook
One way to put all your beautiful memories together is to create a scrapbook. Take some of the images from your previous travels, work and educational milestones, and random photos. Decorate the scrapbook and write funny captions. Trust me. You’ll enjoy browsing through it when you’re feeling a bit nostalgic.
20. Cook your heart out
If you like food, try to experiment with new recipes you can sell. The food industry is a booming business, and the advantage of joining this niche is that you can sell your food online. This means less overhead expenses. Plus, you get to eat meals made with love.
Conclusion
These creative side project ideas should keep you busy at home while the world is trying to curb coronavirus cases. Once you find a new passion you like, you’d be surprised by how satisfying it is every time you work on it. Plus, having a side project gives you something to look forward to every day.
