Making Money from a Hobby

Hi All

Besides property, anyone considered doing this?

I have been following this amazing water colour painter, Anna Mason, gave up her secure day job in 2008 to pursue her passion/hobby whatever you want to call it and made a small fortune. I am so glad she did, I am a big fan.

Here is her story, do you have one?

http://annamasonart.com/about/

MTR

 

I dabbled in 3D printing as a hobby back in 2010 (well before it became mainstream), before long people were waving money in my face to print stuff and the printer had paid for itself several times over. Only use it for prototyping my own inventions now, so back to a hobby

 

I played the flute for many years, and at one point seriously considered a career as a flautist. Common sense prevailed however and I ended up with a business related degree instead. Now however I'm back into it, teaching music two afternoons a week. Been doing it since November 2013 and still loving it

 

Wonderful
Would you consider giving away the day job to teach full time

 

I would, but it would have to be in a few years' time. At this point we need my income to be full time, and one of the things about teaching any instrument is that your income is always irregular. On any given week I have at least a couple of lessons where students don't show - they might have a rehearsal for a musical, or they're sick, etc etc. It's not a problem for us as anything I currently earn teaching is a bonus, but it would be completely different if it was my main income.

 

I used to earn some spare cash playing baritone sax in a few jazz and funk bands.

Didn't have the commitment to do it on a more professional level. An awful lot of work and practice required.

 

I get a steady drip of money from Getty Images every quarter for some of my pics. I really need to have a look at it properly and tag the bejeesus out of my photos to make them more searchable. Im also currently trying to design an engineering app which while more for fun, i hope to get another steady drip happenining

 

Would you recommend getty? I'm into photography myself and was considering it. I mainly shoot landscapes.

 

To be honest, it just happened. I am on flickr and somehow ended with Getty. I dont know enough about the process to accurately say if Getty is better or worse than some of the other stock providers.

 

I do get commissioned painting work every now and then, but unlikely to give up my day job for it though! It's more like a pocket money

 

I never planned to go into software as a business - it was a hobby and gradually turned into my source of income for the last 25+ years, http://www.superbeam.co.uk/museum/index.htm

 

I know plenty of wives who would sell their hubby.

 

Oops I should've read the question

 

Hire a hubby?

 

I was going to say that I'd pay someone to take my hubby, but GeoffW beat me to it!!

Still, I'll offer him up for $50 (negotiable). Plus shipping. If I poke some air holes in the box he should be fine

 

Lucky guy. No way would I get air holes.

 

Do you think 3D printing can work as a home business now? I've been toying with the idea of looking into it for a while. I'll need something in the near future.

 

LOL... My mum was never worried about me getting kidnapped.... Apparently I am so annoying they would pay her to take me back It is a wonder I don't have self esteem issues