If you are an artist trying to balance creativity with financial stability, you are definitely not alone. Over my years working as a recruiter and career coach, I have spoken with painters, illustrators, musicians, and designers who all share the same concern: how do you pay the bills without sacrificing your artistic goals? That is exactly where day jobs for artists come into play. The right day job does more than provide income. It protects your creative energy, gives you flexibility, and keeps your long term artistic vision alive.
Many artists make the mistake of taking just any job that pays quickly. I have seen talented creatives burn out in rigid roles that leave them mentally drained before they even touch their craft. A smart day job should support your artistic growth, not compete with it. When chosen strategically, your daytime role can build transferable skills, expand your network, and even open doors inside the creative industry.
In this expert guide, I will break down the best day jobs for artists, explain what the term really means, and show you how to choose a role that fits your creative lifestyle. Whether you are in Canada, the US, the UK, or working remotely from anywhere in the world, these practical options can help you earn consistently while still protecting time for your art.
What Are Day Jobs for Artists?
Day jobs for artists are flexible or stable roles that provide income while allowing artists to continue pursuing their creative careers outside work hours. These jobs typically offer predictable schedules, lower mental strain, or remote flexibility.
Key features of good day jobs for artists:
- Flexible or predictable hours
- Low creative burnout risk
- Remote or hybrid options
- Transferable professional skills
- Reliable income stream
As a career specialist, I always tell creatives this: the best day job is not just about money. It is about energy management and time control.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Day Job as an Artist
Before we dive into the job list, let’s talk about why this decision matters.
Financial stability
A consistent paycheck removes survival pressure and allows you to take creative risks without panic.
Protected creative energy
The right role leaves you mentally fresh enough to work on your art after hours.
Skill development
Many day jobs build communication, marketing, or technical skills that directly support artistic careers.
Networking opportunities
Some roles put you close to creative industries, clients, or collaborators.
Reduced burnout
Artists who choose flexible day jobs tend to sustain their creative careers longer.
10 Best Day Jobs for Artists
Below are carefully selected roles I often recommend to creative professionals and aspiring artists.
1. Freelance Graphic Designer
If you already have visual skills, freelance graphic design is one of the smartest day jobs for artists. It allows you to earn from creativity while maintaining control over your schedule.
Most entry level designers start by creating social media graphics, simple logos, or marketing materials. Over time, your portfolio grows and higher paying clients follow.
Typical pay: 20 to 60 dollars per hour
Why it works for artists: flexible workload and portfolio building
2. Art Instructor or Workshop Facilitator
Teaching art is a natural fit for many creatives. Community centers, private studios, and online platforms frequently hire part time instructors.
This role keeps you connected to your craft while generating income. It also strengthens your communication skills, which helps when pitching your own artwork.
Typical pay: 18 to 45 dollars per hour
Best for: painters, illustrators, digital artists
3. Social Media Manager
Businesses constantly need help managing their online presence. Artists often excel here because they already understand visual storytelling and audience engagement.
You can start by managing small business accounts and gradually specialize in niches like fashion, music, or creative brands.
Typical pay: 22 to 55 dollars per hour
Remote friendly: yes
4. Gallery Assistant
If you want industry exposure, working in an art gallery is a strategic move. I have seen many artists land commissions and connections through gallery roles.
Daily tasks often include:
- Greeting visitors
- Managing artwork inventory
- Assisting with exhibitions
- Handling sales inquiries
Typical pay: 16 to 25 dollars per hour
Big advantage: direct exposure to the art market
5. Content Writer or Copywriter
Writers, storytellers, and concept driven artists often thrive in content writing roles. Many companies hire remote writers for blogs, product descriptions, and marketing materials.
This job builds research and communication skills while offering strong flexibility.
Typical pay: 20 to 70 dollars per hour
Entry barrier: low with strong writing samples
6. Virtual Assistant for Creative Businesses
Creative entrepreneurs often hire virtual assistants to handle emails, scheduling, and admin tasks. This is one of the fastest growing remote opportunities globally.
Artists who take this path often learn valuable business operations skills that later help them manage their own creative brand.
Typical pay: 18 to 35 dollars per hour
Remote friendly: highly
7. Print on Demand Store Manager
Artists familiar with platforms like Etsy or Shopify can manage print on demand stores either for themselves or for clients.
This role involves:
- Uploading designs
- Managing product listings
- Handling customer messages
- Monitoring orders
It combines creativity and ecommerce skills, which is powerful long term.
Typical pay: varies widely
Growth potential: high
8. Photography Assistant
If you enjoy visual production environments, assisting professional photographers can be a great stepping stone.
Responsibilities may include:
- Setting up lighting
- Managing equipment
- Organizing shoots
- Editing basic photos
You gain hands on industry exposure while earning income.
Typical pay: 15 to 30 dollars per hour
9. Customer Service Representative Remote
This may not sound creative at first, but hear me out. Many artists choose remote customer service roles because they offer stable hours and minimal creative drain.
When your workday ends, your mental energy is still available for your art.
Typical pay: 16 to 28 dollars per hour
Flexibility level: high
10. Art Commission Coordinator
Some studios and agencies hire coordinators to manage custom art orders, client communication, and timelines.
This role keeps you close to the creative process without requiring full time production work.
Typical pay: 20 to 40 dollars per hour
Best for: organized, detail oriented artists
How to Choose the Right Day Job as an Artist
Not every flexible job will suit your creative lifestyle. Use this simple decision framework I share with clients.
Step by step selection method
Step 1: Assess your energy patterns
Choose roles that do not mentally exhaust you.
Step 2: Prioritize schedule flexibility
Look for remote, freelance, or predictable hour roles.
Step 3: Consider skill overlap
Jobs that build marketing, design, or communication skills are ideal.
Step 4: Evaluate income stability
Ensure the role covers your essential monthly expenses.
Step 5: Protect creative time
Your day job should support your art, not replace it.
Where to Find Day Jobs for Artists
Here are the platforms I consistently recommend to creative job seekers.
Best job platforms
- Indeed
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- FlexJobs
- Creative industry job boards
Pro search tips
- Use keywords like “remote,” “flexible,” or “part time”
- Set job alerts
- Apply early in the posting cycle
- Customize your resume for each role
Mistakes Artists Should Avoid When Choosing Day Jobs
After coaching hundreds of creatives, these mistakes appear repeatedly.
Taking high stress jobs
If the role drains you mentally, your art will suffer.
Ignoring schedule control
Shift unpredictability kills creative consistency.
Undervaluing transferable skills
Your creative background is valuable in many industries.
Waiting for the perfect job
Progress beats perfection. Start where you can and adjust.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right day jobs for artists can be the difference between creative burnout and long term artistic success. The goal is not just to earn money. It is to build a sustainable lifestyle that protects your time, energy, and creative momentum.
Start by selecting roles that offer flexibility, stable income, and skill growth. Build your experience step by step, and keep your long term artistic vision front and center.
Your day job should fund your dream, not quietly replace it. So be honest with yourself. Which of these options fits your creative lifestyle best right now?
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FAQs
What is the best day job for artists?
The best day job for artists is one that offers flexible hours, stable income, and low creative burnout. Popular options include freelance graphic design, social media management, and remote virtual assistant roles because they allow artists to protect their creative time.
Can artists work remote jobs full time?
Yes. Many artists successfully work full time remote roles such as content writing, design, and customer support. Remote work often provides the flexibility artists need to maintain their creative practice alongside steady employment.
How much should an artist earn from a day job?
Ideally, a day job should cover essential living expenses while leaving room for creative growth. Many artists target roles paying between 18 and 40 dollars per hour depending on location, skills, and experience level.
Are part time jobs better for artists?
Part time jobs can be excellent for artists because they protect more creative hours. However, the best choice depends on your financial needs, discipline, and long term career goals.