CEBU, Philippines — Creativity isn’t limited to adults – in fact, kids, with their unbounded imagination are often brimming with creativity.
Take, for example, Aelita Andre who at four-years-old was named the world’s youngest artist and a “color prodigy.” Aelita began experimenting with paint before she could walk and even had her first piece exhibited in an Australian gallery at just 22-months-old. A couple of years later, at age four, she had her first solo exhibition at the Agora Gallery in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Three of her paintings sold for a total of $27,000.
While not all kids are as gifted or will be able to earn as much as Aelita, her story shows there’s really no age minimum for creating art people are willing to pay for. If you’re a creative kid or a parent of a creative kid, here’s a list of ways kids can make money with their talents.
For the Performer/Musician:
Music practice mentor: Sometimes it’s difficult to convince kids to practice their musical instrument. Young kids are often inspired when they can have an older kid as a mentor.
Start a rock band or quartet: Nothing beats live music. Grab a few of your musical friends and form a rock band or quartet to play at a restaurant, at weddings or at parties in the neighborhood.
Entertain kids at a birthday party: Planning birthday parties can be a lot of work for parents. If you have a knack for planning parties, advertise your services to be a birthday helper. Or if you have acting skills you could dress up as a costume character. Other popular services at birthday parties include magic tricks, face painting, or creating balloon animals.
For the Sewist:
Make cat or dog toys and accessories: People love their pets and have fun purchasing toys, clothing, special leashes etc. for them.
Make scrunchies, hair bands or headbands: What girl couldn’t always use a few new hair accessories? Scrunchies, hair bands, and headbands are quick and easy projects.
Give old clothes new life: Giving new life to old clothes is not only cost-effective but also good for the environment.
For the Artist:
Sell your art: Selling art is extremely difficult, but if other kids can do it, then maybe you can too!
Make homemade stationary: If trying to sell your art is a bit intimidating, you could instead design cards – thank you cards, birthday cards etc. – or just blank stationary cards.
Sell your ceramics: Mugs, pet dishes, plates, small boxes – there are numerous ways clay can be shaped into objects that can then be sold.
For Kids Who Like Crafts:
Lots of kids love crafts! And many crafts can be turned into a product people are eager to buy. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Fashion Crafts:
Make friendship bracelets: Kids love collecting friendship bracelets but not everyone has the time or skills to make one they like. If you have experience making friendship bracelets, make use of your talent and sell them to others.
Make printed t-shirts: Printed t-shirts are fun to wear and fairly easy to make. You can create unique designs or sell your services to teams and groups who would like to buy logo shirts.
Knit scarves and hats: Homemade scarves and hats are relatively easy to make and always in demand in colder months.
Make tie-dye clothes: Tie dye shirts, socks, headbands, etc. seem to never go out of style. Create your own unique designs – but be careful! – clothing dye is messy and best used outside.
Seasonal/Holiday/Celebration Crafts:
Make decorated tins for food or storage: During the holidays it seems like everyone is either bringing cookies to a party or giving them as a gift. Help make your customers’ presents even more attractive with uniquely designed tins.
Make holiday ornaments: Can there ever be too many ornaments on a Christmas tree? Get creative and make your own ornaments out of ceramic, wood or whatever you fancy. And do it now before the holidays emerge at the corner!
Make homemade wrapping paper: Who wants plain old store bought wrapping paper? Handmade wrapping paper adds a unique touch to any gift.
Make a birthday party decorations kit: Planning a birthday party can be a lot of work! Make it easy for both parents and kids by creating all-in-one boxes full of all the decorations needed to throw a unique bash.
Where Kids Can Sell Their Crafts
Once you’ve decided what you’d like to make, you need a place to sell it. Here’s a list of channels to sell your goods, both locally and online.
Note that if you’re under 18 you’ll need an adult to sign up for most online accounts.
Locally: A stand outside your front door, yard sales, craft fairs, farmers markets, art fairs, school fairs, local gift stores…
Online: Facebook, Twitter and other social media. (www.selfsufficientkids.com)