Turning Passion into Profession: Artists Who Made a Career Out of Their Creativity

The idea of transforming a creative hobby into a full-time job can feel like a dream. But many artists and crafters have done just that, turning their passions into thriving businesses. Here are some inspiring examples of artists who successfully transitioned from hobbyists to professionals.

Lisa Congdon
Illustration and Fine Art
www.lisacongdon.com
Lisa Congdon began her art career later in life, starting as a part-time artist while working a day job. She initially sold her handmade items and illustrations on Etsy, where her work gained significant attention. As her popularity grew, she expanded her business to include licensing, publishing, and teaching, eventually making art her full-time career. Today, Lisa is a well-known artist, author, and educator.

Cat Coquillette
Watercolor Painting and Digital Illustration
www.catcoq.com
Cat Coquillette started as a freelance artist, creating vibrant watercolor and digital illustrations. She expanded her reach by selling her designs on platforms like Society6 and Redbubble, where they are available as prints and on various products. Her success in online sales allowed her to travel the world while working, and she now runs a thriving business, offering art courses and licensing her work to major brands.

Mari Andrew
Illustration and Writing
www.bymariandrew.com
Mari Andrew started sharing her illustrations on Instagram as a way to cope with personal challenges. Her relatable and heartfelt drawings quickly resonated with a wide audience, leading to a large following. This visibility led to book deals and speaking engagements, allowing Mari to transition into a full-time creative career. Her story is a testament to the power of social media in building a personal brand.

Stephen West
Knitting and Pattern Design
www.westknits.com
Stephen West is a well-known figure in the knitting community, famous for his bold and innovative knitting patterns. He began by sharing his designs on Ravelry, which quickly gained popularity. Stephen has since built a successful brand, Westknits, which includes a wide range of knitting patterns, books, and workshops. His unique style and business acumen have turned his passion for knitting into a thriving career.

Brandon Stanton
Photography and Storytelling
www.humansofnewyork.com
Brandon Stanton started Humans of New York as a personal photography project, capturing portraits of people on the streets of New York City. His storytelling approach, paired with compelling visuals, attracted a massive following on social media. What began as a hobby has grown into a full-time career, with Brandon publishing multiple best-selling books and expanding the project to cover stories from around the world.

Elise Blaha Cripe
Crafting and Blogging
www.elisejoy.com
Elise Blaha Cripe began blogging about her crafting projects and creative process, which quickly attracted a loyal audience. She monetized her blog through advertising, sponsored content, and product sales, including her popular Get To Work Book planner. Elise’s success in blogging and social media has allowed her to turn her creative passion into a sustainable business, inspiring others through her journey and products.

These examples show that turning a creative passion into a profession is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding. Whether through online platforms like Etsy and Instagram or by creating content and teaching others, these artists have successfully navigated the transition from hobbyist to professional. Their journeys are a testament to the power of creativity, dedication, and strategic thinking. If you’re an artist or crafter dreaming of turning your passion into a career, let these stories inspire you to take that first step.

By learning from their experiences and leveraging the tools available today, you too can turn your creative outlet into a thriving business.

Learn how to sell your crafts online with my freebie: The Maker's Roadmap: A Beginner's Guide to Selling Your Creations Online

Share the joy - maybe your craft bestie would enjoy this book too!

Jolyn