Turning your beloved hobby into a career might seem like a pipe dream, but it is a realistic possibility if you are dedicated. Lots of people dream of making money doing abstract digital photography, writing, or cooking. Making a hobby into a career can be difficult, and it doesn't happen overnight, but it can be done. Here are some ideas for things you can do to move closer to that goal.
1. Take your work seriously. Spend time every day working on your craft, and learning how to make it better. Look up all of the information you can find that will help you with this pursuit. No matter how good you are, you can always improve. Being serious and dedicated is a must for becoming a professional.
2. Make yourself known online. You may already be a strong presence on Facebook or Twitter, but you need to be known in terms of your work and not just your personality. Think about making a new website or profile that is devoted only to your work and/or your observations about the field. If you are a photographer, for instance, devote your Tumblr to your professional pursuits.
3. Develop a relevant resume. Your resume should be uncluttered and straightforward. It is often a good idea to have one resume for work purposes and one for your art, especially if your work experience has nothing to do with your art. Someone who is considering you for a writing internship, for example, doesn't need to know that you spent three months scooping ice cream the summer after senior year.
4. Network. Talk to other people in the field you hope to enter. Speak specifically to people whose work you admire, or who are doing exactly the type of thing you want to do. Ask them what they did to get to where they are today, and try to emulate the steps they took. Everyone can benefit from having a mentor.
5. Explore internships. Internships can be tricky because they often pay little or nothing. However, if you have financial flexibility, this is something to consider, as it can provide good training and experience. Also, explore the possibility of part-time paid work assisting someone who does what you want to do. Talk to your networking contacts and see if they can help you.
6. Make a portfolio. A portfolio may be digital or kept in a physical binder or folder, but ideally you should have both a physical copy and a digital one. That will give you more flexibility. When someone is interested in seeing your work, you can either show them the physical copy, or direct them to your digital portfolio. It is a great way to collect the best examples of your work.
With dedication and effort, you may be able to make a career out of cooking, writing, abstract digital photography, or something else that you love. It will take time and planning, but it is definitely possible. Follow the tips above to get yourself on the road to becoming a professional at what you love. It will definitely be worthwhile!
1. Take your work seriously. Spend time every day working on your craft, and learning how to make it better. Look up all of the information you can find that will help you with this pursuit. No matter how good you are, you can always improve. Being serious and dedicated is a must for becoming a professional.
2. Make yourself known online. You may already be a strong presence on Facebook or Twitter, but you need to be known in terms of your work and not just your personality. Think about making a new website or profile that is devoted only to your work and/or your observations about the field. If you are a photographer, for instance, devote your Tumblr to your professional pursuits.
3. Develop a relevant resume. Your resume should be uncluttered and straightforward. It is often a good idea to have one resume for work purposes and one for your art, especially if your work experience has nothing to do with your art. Someone who is considering you for a writing internship, for example, doesn't need to know that you spent three months scooping ice cream the summer after senior year.
4. Network. Talk to other people in the field you hope to enter. Speak specifically to people whose work you admire, or who are doing exactly the type of thing you want to do. Ask them what they did to get to where they are today, and try to emulate the steps they took. Everyone can benefit from having a mentor.
5. Explore internships. Internships can be tricky because they often pay little or nothing. However, if you have financial flexibility, this is something to consider, as it can provide good training and experience. Also, explore the possibility of part-time paid work assisting someone who does what you want to do. Talk to your networking contacts and see if they can help you.
6. Make a portfolio. A portfolio may be digital or kept in a physical binder or folder, but ideally you should have both a physical copy and a digital one. That will give you more flexibility. When someone is interested in seeing your work, you can either show them the physical copy, or direct them to your digital portfolio. It is a great way to collect the best examples of your work.
With dedication and effort, you may be able to make a career out of cooking, writing, abstract digital photography, or something else that you love. It will take time and planning, but it is definitely possible. Follow the tips above to get yourself on the road to becoming a professional at what you love. It will definitely be worthwhile!
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