Why it pays to be flexible in today’s changing economy

Whether you’re an artist, educator, or idealist, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” But let’s be real: turning your passion into a sustainable income doesn’t happen by magic. The good news? Opportunities abound for people with creativity, grit, and a little guidance.

Below, I’ve gathered ideas that cater to a range of skills and goals—from teaching to freelancing and beyond. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into all the ways you might start earning money online!

start earning money online

With the rise of AI and economic uncertainties, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen how to be more adaptable in their career. (*pic is from Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum in Berlin. Hello Dr. Freud!)

1. Teaching and Training (Online, In-Person, and Hybrid)

Teaching is one of the most rewarding ways to share your expertise while earning an income. Whether you’re a painter teaching portraiture, a writer running a workshop, or someone with a knack for building websites, there’s a student (or many) out there who needs your guidance.

Where to Start:

  • Online Courses: Platforms like Skillshare and Udemy allow you to create video lessons on virtually any topic. Once your course is live, it can generate passive income for years. (Pro tip: Start with something small and specific—“How to Draw Realistic Eyes” will likely perform better than “Mastering Art.”)
  • In-Person or Hybrid Classes: Community centers, art schools, and coworking spaces often host workshops. Or, why not take matters into your own hands and pitch a workshop to your local gallery or coffee shop? I did this very thing by offering Malawi’s very first Digital Media Accelerator for United Nations Population Fund among others.
    See the pics and learn more.

A Personal Note:
When I first started teaching online on the Udemy platform, I had just one or two students in my first class, but the experience was invaluable. I now have over 90K online students from 191 countries. (Yikes! Thank goodness they don’t all mesage me at once.) Visit me on Udemy.

Teaching online as well as in person taught me how to simplify what I knew and make it accessible to others. Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll be amazed at how much you grow while helping others do the same.


Educator for Artists & Idealists: UNFPA Malawi

2. Selling Physical and Digital Products

If you’re already creating artwork, crafts, or resources, selling them online can provide a steady income stream. And in today’s world, you don’t need a gallery or boutique to get started.

Physical Products: Platforms like Etsy or print-on-demand services like Society6 and Redbubble can help you turn your creations into mugs, tote bags, or limited-edition prints. The best part? They handle most of the logistics so you can focus on the creative side.

Digital Products: If shipping isn’t your thing, consider selling lesson plans, templates, or e-books on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) or Creative Market. I’ve personally found that digital downloads (while less tactile) are a fantastic way to share knowledge and reach a global audience and you don’t need to worry about a physical object getting lost or damaged in the mail.

Pro Tip: Bundle complementary items to add value. For instance, if you’re selling a workbook, include bonus templates or an instructional video as a freebie. Customers love feeling like they’re getting more than they paid for. If you create artwork, crafts, or educational resources, selling products can be a steady income stream. Focus on what you already make, and consider whether it works best as a physical or digital product.


earn money online Esty shop
Just a few months ago, I set up an Etsy shop to make it easier for my customers outside the US to order my 2025 art calendars.

3. Freelancing and Consulting

Do you have a marketable skill—like graphic design, writing, or social media strategy? Freelancing offers a flexible way to monetize your expertise, allowing you to work on projects you care about while building a portfolio.

Getting Started:

When I started freelancing, I reached out to my network first—friends, family, and former colleagues. It’s amazing how much support is out there when you simply let people know what you’re offering.

Platforms to Explore:

  • Upwork and Fiverr: Popular for finding freelance gigs in design, writing, marketing, and more.
  • Behance: Showcase your portfolio to attract clients looking for creative professionals.
  • LinkedIn ProFinder: Great for finding professional consulting gigs.

Pro Tips for Success:

Use your personal network—reach out to organizations or individuals who might need your expertise.

Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work.

Illustration by Kristen Palana
Illustration by Kristen Palana. Created for the book, “Lori Leak Travels to San Diego

4. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is perfect for larger creative projects like exhibitions, films, or books. It allows you to connect directly with supporters who believe in your vision. Whether it’s a gallery exhibition, a short film, or a children’s book, platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe make it possible to connect directly with supporters.

A Word of Advice: Crowdfunding requires planning and effort—it’s not a “build it, and they will come” situation. You’ll need to market your campaign through engaging videos, heartfelt storytelling, and maybe even some quirky perks (think signed prints or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks).

I’ll never forget my first crowdfunding campaign (way back in 2003!). It was rough at first (my initial donations trickled in painfully slowly), but by staying consistent and sharing my “why,” I was able to fund a home for my sponsored child in Guatemala—and then some.

That first project called Aura’s House (the main website for it is now archived after 2016) later turned into over 90+ funded projects for needy families and communities served by the top-rated US charity, Children International. From 2004 up until now (I still do 1-3 charitable projects a year) I’ve been able to raise over $150,000 USD for things like houses, classrooms, income generation projects, water wells for villages, and more.

However, that very first experience taught me that people genuinely want to help when they feel connected to your mission and that no matter how long it takes, you CAN reach your goal with a bit of heart and persistence.
Here are some things (from my blog) I wish I had known when I got started with Crowdfunding.

Platforms to Explore:

  • Kickstarter: Great for creative projects with specific goals and timelines.
  • GoFundMe: Ideal for personal projects and causes.
  • Patreon: For ongoing support, where patrons contribute monthly in exchange for exclusive content.

Pro Tips for Success:

Create a short, engaging video to explain your project and inspire people to support you.

Offer compelling rewards that make backers feel part of the journey (e.g., signed art prints, behind-the-scenes updates).

crowdfunding success for artists and idealists

Here’s a GoFundMe screenshot of my recent successful crowdfunding campaign to help a feeding center in Lilongwe, Malawi. Those are my sons helping out in the photos.

5. Hybrid Opportunities

Some opportunities blur the lines between categories, allowing you to combine teaching, selling, and freelancing.

Examples of Hybrid Models:

  • Ko-fi: A flexible platform for donations, selling digital downloads, or offering commissions.
  • Your Own Website: Combine a blog, shop, and portfolio to centralize your creative offerings. You can visit my Online Art Gallery to get ideas.

Pro Tips for Success:

  • Use hybrid platforms to test multiple income streams. For example, sell digital downloads while also offering consulting services.
  • Leverage social media to drive traffic to your website or hybrid platforms.

Art prints from my online gallery, Ma Kalulu Studio

How to Take Action Today

Feeling overwhelmed? Start small. Pick one area that excites you, and take a concrete step:

  1. Sign up for a platform (Skillshare, Etsy, or Kickstarter—your choice!).
  2. Draft an idea for your first project, course, or product.
  3. Share your plan with a friend or mentor—they’ll hold you accountable.

The key is to start, even if it feels messy. Action breeds momentum, and every little step adds up to something greater.

You can also download my Cha-Ching: Funding Toolkit for Artists & Idealists to access step-by-step guidance, a workbook, and bonus resources to help you succeed!

Preview the Cha-Ching Course

In the course, you’ll learn how to:

In Closing

Earning a living as a creative is challenging but entirely possible. With a mix of passion, strategy, and experimentation, you can build a sustainable career doing work you love. Remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Start where you are, with what you have, and let your journey unfold one step at a time.

So, which path resonates most with you? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your plans and cheer you on.