I’ve always had an appreciation for artistic skills—people who can create something beautiful with their hands have always amazed me. There are so many paths an artist can take, because as long as your heart is in it, any skill
can lead to something beautiful.
I’ve tried my hand at drawing, learning an instrument, singing, and many other creative outlets because I wanted to create something of my own. But since I didn’t start early, it’s been tough to reach the level I was hoping for.
(My inner perfectionist from childhood is showing!)
One day, I was walking through Joann’s—a craft store—with a friend when I saw an Amigurumi kit for a bear. For those who don’t know, Amigurumi is a DIY crochet kit. I stood there thinking, maybe this is the artistic outlet I’ve
been searching for. As I considered the possibilities, I realized that if I bought it, this could be the start of something new. But I had to ask myself—was I ready to take the next steps?
As an aspiring streamer, I immediately thought about incorporating commissions into my brand. It felt like the perfect fit. So, I bought the kit and got to work. If you haven’t read my post about my little Frankenbear, check it
out here (link). But in short, that first project helped me start the journey I’m on now—a path filled with both challenges and excitement.
Of course, when before I opened commissions, I knew I wasn’t ready to dive in without first laying the groundwork. I had to grasp the art, hone my skills, and build the foundation before anything else. I started by creating
practical, handmade items like scarves, gloves, tote bags, scrunchies, and even potted plants. These were things that I thought would have wide appeal if they were handmade.
With each project, I learned more. I recreated some items to improve and learn from my mistakes. I’ll still call myself a beginner for a while, because I’m my own toughest critic, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.
After creating a list of items I could offer, I decided to create this blog site. I saw the potential for it to double as a place to showcase my work and take commissions. But I won’t lie—it’s been slow. I’m over a month into
blogging, and my site is far from finished. But that’s okay—beacause I’m learning as I go, and I’ve come to accept the inevitable slumps and setbacks along the way. What matters is that I keep moving forward.
When I first opened for commissions, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thankfully, I didn’t get overwhelmed with too many at once. I’ve only had one commission so far, which gave me the chance to focus entirely on it. As I worked
with the client, I asked myself countless questions: Would they like the fit? Would the gloves be comfortable? Was the design too plain? These doubts made me nervous, but I pushed through. I eventually created a second pair,
feeling more confident in the process.
After completing the commission, I sent it off with a note of gratitude for my first customer. A few days later, I received their feedback—they loved the gloves! My heart soared. This is just the beginning, and I know I have
so much more to learn. But like every journey that begins with a single step, I’ve taken mine, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Do you have a skill you’ve wanted to monetize? In today’s world, side hustles are more common than ever. As the saying goes, if you’re good at something, don’t do it for free. You probably have more valuable skills than you
realize. There’s no harm in trying to turn them into something that benefits your life. The possibilities are endless if you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and take that leap.
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