10 Side Hustle Jobs for Actors & Other Freelance Artists

It's hard being an actor or any type of freelance artist. 

Few free-lance artists, whether they be actors, videographers, crew members, script writers, photographers, etc… are able to make a living in their filed. Especially, at the beginning of their career.

Instead of taking on a 9:00-5:00 job that takes you away from pursuing your chosen art form, why not find some great side hustle jobs to bring in additional income? You might even be able to find jobs that are in your filed.

In this blog I will share and discuss 10 interesting side hustle jobs that might be perfect for you. I will also have a short explanation for each gig.

1. Focus Groups

Advertising agencies and other types of companies/organizations need to hire people to give them feedback on products or ideas.

The great part about this job is that you can do this from home. You can accept or turn down jobs depending on your schedule.

2. Headshot Photographer

If you are a skilled photographer and know how to create effective headshots or even commercial photos for commercial models/actors, then this could be a fantastic side hustle.

Find local actors/models and contact acting agencies to offer your services.

3. House Sitting

You can get paid for staying in (and looking after) someone’s house.

And, you might not have to rent a place for yourself. This can save you a lot of monthly expenses.

4. Mock Jury

Attorneys sometimes hire people to give them feedback on an upcoming trial.

The attorney can test out an opening argument or ask about other aspects of their trial.

5. Sell Your Services (graphic design, web design, photography, etc) on Fiverr

If you have a special skill like graphic design or illustration, you can try and sell it online.

You can take on projects when needed and get the work done on your schedule.

6. Writing Articles or Blogs

There are places that hire writers to create article or blogs.

This could be a great experience for writers.

7. Role Playing Government agencies, such as TSA, Homeland Security, FBI, etc

These government agencies often hire actors to help train employees.

You could be someone trying to smuggle something illegal onto a plane, and the TSA employee needs to practice how to deal with this situation. 

Some law schools hire actors to allow their students to practice working in a courtroom in a mock trial. The actor could be hired as a witness or a jury member. The actor will be given all of the background information of the case and answer appropriately. It is essentially, an improv session.

Some attorneys want to practice and get a reaction about an opening argument or other aspects of their upcoming trial. A “role player” is hired to help test ideas and give the attorney a better perspective of his or her argument.

8. Substitute Teacher

This can be a great part-time job. You can accept or turn down work depending on your schedule and financial needs.

9. Web Designer

If you have web design skills, this could be an amazing job.

Maybe you could find actors, models or other industry professionals who need a new website.

This work can be done at your convenience and availability.

10. Standardized Patient Work

Actors are hired by some teaching hospitals and medical schools. It gives the medical school students or residents the opportunity to have more experience with examining patients. The actor is told about their disease. Things like, how long they have been sick, side effects of their medication, the types of medication they are taking, how they are currently feeling, etc…

Although the backstory is not memorized, the actor needs to be very familiar with their disease. And, they must be able to answer all of the questions asked.

After the exam, the actor writes a report and grades the student/doctor on how well he/she did during the exam. This is also a great opportunity to practice improv.

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel for 13 More Side Hustle Ideas!

Be sure to comment below and let me and others know about other side hustle jobs you have done that helped you pay the bills while pursuing your art.

Links for job resources:

• Focus Groups
• House Sitting
• Mock Jury Trial
• Sell Your Services on Fiverr
• Writing articles or blogs - writers.com or ClearVoice
• Role Playing for Government Agencies
• Substitute Teaching
• Web Designing
• Standardized Patient Work

About Aaron Marcus

Aaron Marcus, has been making his living as a full-time actor and commercial model for over 3 decades. To date he has been cast in more than 1,200 projects. Aaron had a recurring role on the Netflix show House of Cards, and worked on Gotham, the Jon Stewart film Irresistible, ABC Pilot, Heart of Life, Mr. Robot, Rectify, Halt and Catch Fire as well as Dr. Stephen Leopold, on NBC's show Do No Harm. He was cast in films such as Philomena, and worked in Atlanta on the feature Project Almanac. You have seen him on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Wire, Fishbowl and Buck Run.

Aaron has been cast in ads for companies such as: Disney World, AT&T, Molson Beer, StarKist Tuna, Coca Cola and McDonald's.

Aaron is the author of How to Become a Successful Actor and Model. It is considered by many to be the most comprehensive and helpful book for actors and models. He has given over 600 workshops spanning 3 continents as well as offering private acting and modeling online mentoring programs.

Get more acting tips from Aaron from his YouTube and Website.

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