5 Things To Do as an Unemployed Creative [Part 1]

Tebogo J. Khalo
Mar 15, 2025
9 min read

Enhance your skillset.

Start building a portfolio.

Start thinking of ways of making money other than getting a job.

Focus on your practice.

Take on volunteering work to keep yourself busy while enriching your life and your skills

Unemployment can feel like a pause in your creative journey, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, reinvent, and prepare for the next big step. Instead of waiting for a job to come along, use this time to invest in yourself, enhance your skills, and build a strong foundation for your creative future.

Enhance your skillset.

Unemployment can be a challenging period, often accompanied by self-doubt, uncertainty, and a loss of structure. But, it also presents an opportunity—an invitation to refine, expand, and enhance your skillset. Instead of allowing this time to foster laziness, complacency, or stagnation, you can use it as a crucial period of self-improvement and professional development. Strengthening your skills while job searching not only makes you more competitive in the job market but also ensures that you remain engaged, motivated, and confident in your abilities.

When you’re unemployed, it’s easy to fall into the trap of passivity—waiting for an opportunity instead of actively preparing for one. The job market is constantly evolving, and employers seek candidates who show initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. By investing in your skillset, you demonstrate dedication to your craft and prove to potential employers (or clients if you’re freelancing) that you are proactive, resourceful, and continuously evolving.

Expanding your skillset is also crucial for creative professionals because artistic trends, software, and industry standards are always changing. Whether you’re a visual artist, designer, animator, writer, or filmmaker, staying ahead of the curve ensures that you remain relevant and competitive.

Start building a portfolio.

One of the main reasons you might be struggling to secure a job is that employers either see a lack of a portfolio or find that your existing portfolio isn’t strong enough. A portfolio is more than just a collection of your work—it is a powerful tool that demonstrates your skills, creativity, and ability to solve problems.

Regardless of your industry, having a well-crafted portfolio sets you apart from other candidates by providing tangible proof of what you can do. If your resume is a summary of your qualifications, your portfolio is the evidence that brings those qualifications to life.

Why Is a Portfolio So Important?

Employers Need Proof – A resume lists your skills, but a portfolio shows them in action. Employers want to see actual work that demonstrates your expertise.
It Builds Credibility – A strong portfolio reassures employers that you are experienced and capable. It removes any doubt about your ability to perform the job.
It Helps You Stand Out – Many applicants apply for the same job, but a portfolio makes you more memorable. It provides a personal touch that helps employers connect with your work.
It serves as an Ongoing Record – Your portfolio is a living document that tracks your growth and evolution as a professional. As you improve, your portfolio should reflect that progress.

Whether you are an artist, designer, writer, developer, marketer, or in any other creative field, a portfolio is the best way to showcase your capabilities.

Ways of making money other than getting a job.

Relying solely on job applications and waiting for an employer to offer you a position can be a slow and frustrating process. Sometimes, you need to create your own opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you. The truth is, money is not only made through employment—there are countless ways to generate income if you are willing to be creative, take initiative, and put in the effort.

Why You Should Consider Alternative Income Streams

Unemployment Is Unpredictable – Jobs are not guaranteed, and it’s wise to have multiple sources of income.
Greater Financial Independence – Earning your own money outside of employment gives you control over your financial situation.
More Flexibility – You decide how much you work, what projects you take on, and what direction you want to grow.
Increases Your Value – When you create opportunities for yourself, you build skills that make you more attractive to employers and clients.
Potential for Growth – A side hustle or business can eventually grow into something bigger than a regular job.

By thinking beyond traditional employment, you take control of your financial future instead of depending on external factors like job market conditions, economic downturns, or hiring trends. Ways you can start making money on your own terms rather than waiting for a job to "fall into your lap."

1. Freelancing – Sell Your Skills Online

If you have a valuable skill, freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start making money without a full-time job. Many companies prefer hiring freelancers because it’s cost-effective for them, and you can work with multiple clients at the same time.

Common Freelance Skills & Services:

Graphic Design – Create logos, posters, social media graphics, or website designs.
Web Design & Development – Build or redesign websites for businesses.
Writing & Editing – Offer article writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, or proofreading services.
Video Editing & Animation – Edit YouTube videos, create motion graphics, or animate social media content.
Digital Marketing – Help businesses with SEO, social media management, or paid advertising.
Illustration – Create custom illustrations for books, brands, or social media campaigns.

Where to Find Freelance Work?

Fiverr – Ideal for beginners offering small, affordable services.
Upwork – A larger platform where you can apply for projects.
Freelancer.com – Similar to Upwork, where clients post job requests.
Toptal – A premium freelancing site for skilled professionals.
Social Media – Market your skills and attract potential clients organically.

2. Start a Small Business or Side Hustle

If you have a passion or a craft, turning it into a business could be a great source of income.

Small Businesses You Can Start:

Handmade Crafts & Art – Sell paintings, jewelry, clothing, or customized merchandise.
Print-on-Demand – Sell T-shirts, posters, or mugs online without handling inventory.
Photography Services – Offer event photography, portraits, or sell stock images.
Event Planning – Organize birthdays, weddings, or corporate events.
Catering or Baking – Sell homemade food or baked goods to local customers.
Tutoring – Teach subjects like mathematics, English, or offer creative skills training.

3. Monetize Your Content Online (YouTube, Blogging, TikTok, etc.)

If you enjoy creating content, there are multiple ways to make money online through social media platforms.

Ways to Earn from Content Creation:

YouTube – Earn through AdSense, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
TikTok & Instagram Reels – Monetize your content through brand deals and promotions.
Blogging – Write about a niche topic and earn from ads, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products.
Podcasting – Start a podcast and make money through sponsorships.

4. Sell Digital Products or Online Courses

If you have knowledge or expertise in a field, you can create digital products that people can buy online.

Examples of Digital Products to Sell:

E-books – Write about something you are knowledgeable about and sell it online.
Online Courses – Teach a skill through video lessons and sell on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Design Templates – Sell resume templates, business card designs, or social media graphics.
Stock Photos or Videos – Sell high-quality visuals to brands or content creators.
Music or Sound Effects – Sell royalty-free beats, background music, or sound effects.

5. Invest & Build Long-Term Passive Income Streams

If you’re thinking long-term, you should also look into making money passively—where you earn without actively working every day.

Passive Income Ideas:

Stock Market & Dividends – Invest in shares that pay dividends over time.
Real Estate – Rent out property or sublet spaces.
Cryptocurrency & NFTs – Invest carefully in crypto assets or digital collectibles.
Creating a Membership Website – Charge a monthly fee for exclusive content.
Automated Dropshipping Business – Sell products online without handling inventory.

Focus on Your Practice

Regardless of external circumstances—whether you are employed, unemployed, successful, struggling, or uncertain about the future—your practice must remain your priority. It is a commitment that extends beyond temporary emotions, self-doubt, or financial instability. True dedication to your craft means showing up for it every day, regardless of how you feel.

Too often, unemployment or financial stress can lead to neglecting one's practice. When income is uncertain, people tend to shift their focus to survival rather than mastery, which is understandable but ultimately detrimental. However, your practice is your foundation—the very thing that will open doors for you in the long run. Whether you are an artist, designer, writer, or any kind of creative professional, maintaining and refining your craft is not just an option; it is a necessity.

Commitment to your practice means:

✅ Showing up every day, even when motivation is low.

✅ Continuing to refine your skills, even when there's no immediate reward.

✅ Making time for your craft, even in difficult circumstances.

✅ Understanding that progress is built over time through consistency.

✅ Honoring your creative identity, no matter your situation.

Your emotions, circumstances, and financial situation will fluctuate, but your practice must remain constant. True commitment means following through with your craft, whether you are feeling inspired or not.

1. Your Craft is Your Lifeline

When everything else is uncertain—when job applications are being rejected, and opportunities seem scarce—your practice is what remains. It gives you a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up and create. If you abandon it, you lose a key part of yourself.

2. Skill Mastery Takes Time

No one becomes a master overnight. The difference between someone who succeeds and someone who fades away is consistency. Those who put in the hours every single day—whether seen or unseen—will be the ones who eventually rise.

3. Your Practice is the Source of Future Opportunities

Every job, commission, collaboration, or sale you will ever receive will come because of your practice. The stronger your craft, the more valuable you become in the marketplace. The work you put in today will determine the doors that open for you tomorrow.

4. Creativity Requires Discipline, Not Just Inspiration

Many people believe that creativity is driven by inspiration, but the reality is that creativity is built on discipline. You don’t wait for inspiration to strike; you create consistently, and inspiration finds you in the process.

5. Even in Unemployment, Growth Must Continue

If you are unemployed, it is easy to fall into a cycle of frustration and stagnation. However, your practice is what keeps you moving forward. Instead of dwelling on what is lacking, use the time to build, refine, and create at your highest level.

At the end of the day, your practice is who you are. If you are an artist, you create. If you are a writer, you write. If you are a designer, you design. With or without an audience, money, or external validation, you must continue. The creative journey is not about waiting for perfect circumstances—it’s about showing up for your work every single day. Commitment to your practice is what separates amateurs from professionals, dreamers from doers, and those who succeed from those who fade away. So even in unemployment, discouragement, or uncertainty, make sure your practice remains your top priority.

The work you put in today will define your future. Stay committed. Keep creating. Keep growing.

Take on Volunteering Work to Keep Yourself Busy While Enriching Your Life and Skills

Unemployment can often lead to a state of frustration, self-doubt, and mental stagnation. When you are not actively engaged in work, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of idleness, procrastination, and even negative thinking. The phrase “an idle mind is the devil’s playground” means that when your mind is unoccupied, it can become a breeding ground for worry, self-doubt, bad habits, and even depression.

One of the most powerful ways to break out of this cycle is to take on volunteering work. Volunteering doesn’t just keep you busy—it enriches your life, expands your skill set, builds your network, and gives you a sense of purpose.

Why Volunteering is Beneficial.

1. It Keeps Your Mind and Body Active – When you don’t have a daily structure or responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into inactivity—both mentally and physically. Volunteering forces you to get up, move, engage with others, and stay mentally sharp.

2. You Continue Building Your Skills – Many people make the mistake of thinking that if they are not employed, they are not learning or growing. Wrong.Volunteering allows you to keep your skills sharp and even develop new ones. Even though you are not being paid, you are actively improving your craft and adding more experience to your portfolio.

3. It Adds to Your Resume – Employers prefer to hire proactive and engaged individuals rather than those who have been sitting at home doing nothing. Volunteering fills employment gaps on your CV and shows initiative, commitment, and work ethic.

4. It Expands Your Network and Opens Doors to Job Opportunities – Who you know is just as important as what you know. Volunteering introduces you to new people, including business owners, professionals, and potential employers. Networking through volunteering can lead to unexpected job offers, collaborations, and business opportunities.

5. It Gives You a Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment – Unemployment can sometimes affect self-esteem and create feelings of uselessness. Volunteering reminds you that your skills and efforts matter—you are making a difference in someone’s life, even if you are not earning money.

Helping others enriches your own life in the process. Unemployment is not just about waiting—it’s about creating opportunities for growth. Volunteering keeps your mind sharp, your body active, and your skills relevant. More importantly, it helps you remain productive and positive while searching for work.

✅ Stay engaged.

✅ Stay proactive.

✅ Keep building yourself.

Even if you are not getting paid today, the effort you put into volunteering and skill-building will pay off in the future. Keep moving forward, and your opportunities will come.

Closing Thoughts

Unemployment may feel like a setback, but it’s also a time of growth, reflection, and reinvention. Enhance your skills, build your portfolio, and create your own opportunities. Keep practicing, volunteer to enrich your experience, and share your work on social media. Above all, never stop creating, dreaming, and believing in your potential.

The journey might be challenging, but every step you take is a step closer to your dream. Let this time of uncertainty fuel your creativity and determination. Remember, success isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about building a life where your passion and purpose shine through.

I’d love to hear from you: What strategies will you adopt during this time? Which of these steps resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s build a community of creatives who support and inspire each other.

Keep creating, keep dreaming, and never lose sight of your passion. The future is yours to shape!