Older adults are developing creative strategies to earn extra income in retirement by selling art, crafts, and creative services. These activities can be enjoyable and profitable for seniors who need or want to improve their social and economic wellbeing. One low income older adult in the Creative Age Training Program stated “An extra six hundred dollars per month is a game-changer for me!” Here are some successful strategies creative seniors use:

1. Selling on Online Marketplaces

• Etsy: A popular platform for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. Many older adults set up successful shops here, especially for custom artwork, jewelry, knitted goods, and home décor items.
• eBay: For selling art or collectibles, eBay is a great marketplace, offering access to a global audience.
• Amazon Handmade: A more selective marketplace that allows artisans to sell their handcrafted goods to a large customer base.
• Facebook Marketplace & Instagram Shops: These platforms help reach local buyers and can help build a more personal connection with customers.

2. Craft Fairs and Art Shows

• Participating in local or regional craft fairs, art shows, and farmers’ markets is a great way to meet potential buyers face-to-face. These events often attract people looking for unique, handmade items and art.
• Specialized Events: Seniors may look for art or craft events targeted toward local or niche audiences, such as senior art fairs, local artisan markets, or holiday craft shows.

3. Starting a Website or Blog

• Creating a personal website or blog to showcase and sell art can be an excellent long-term strategy. Sites like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify offer easy-to-use templates and e-commerce functionality.
• Blogging about art or craft techniques can drive traffic and build a community of followers who may be interested in purchasing goods.

4. Social Media Marketing

• Using Instagram or Pinterest to showcase work visually can attract followers and potential buyers. Instagram, especially, is a highly effective platform for selling art and crafts due to its focus on imagery.
• Facebook Groups: Older adults can join or create groups related to crafts or local selling, and use these platforms to promote and sell items.

5. Creating Limited-Edition Collections or Custom Pieces

• Offering exclusive or limited-edition works of art or custom handmade items can make products more appealing to customers looking for something unique.
• Many customers are willing to pay a premium for personalized pieces, such as custom portraits, custom jewelry, or unique home décor items.

6. Collaborations with Local Businesses

• Partnering with local shops, galleries, or restaurants to display and sell art or crafts can create a mutually beneficial relationship. Many small businesses are open to showcasing local talent, especially unique handmade items.
• Consignment Sales: Some retirees choose to work on consignment with local boutiques, offering them a percentage of the sale price in exchange for showcasing their goods.

7. Teaching Art or Craft Classes

• Sharing knowledge by teaching online or in-person art and craft classes can be a great source of income. Older adults can host workshops on platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or Teachable, or even offer local classes in their community.
• Teaching not only provides income but can also help build a brand and reputation in the craft/art world, leading to future sales of products.

8. Subscription Boxes or Membership Programs

• Offering a subscription model for art or craft enthusiasts is a creative way to earn regular income. Retirees can create “art of the month” or “craft kit” subscription boxes with themed projects or artworks delivered regularly.
• Platforms like Patreon also allow creators to earn income through fan subscriptions and offer exclusive content to subscribers.

9. Using Photography and Digital Art

• Many retirees have skills in photography, and they can sell digital versions of their work on stock photography sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
• Digital art or designs (like greeting cards, printables, or wall art) can be sold via websites or Etsy shops, where customers can instantly download files.

10. Selling at Estate Sales or Garage Sales

• For those who have accumulated art or craft items over the years, holding an estate sale or participating in local garage sales can be a great way to declutter and make money. Items could include vintage crafts, supplies, or finished art pieces.

11. Building a Local Network or Community

• Many older adults find success by networking with friends, family, and local communities. Word of mouth can be powerful, especially if retirees are involved in local clubs, church groups, or senior centers.
• Collaborating with other local artists or crafters to cross-promote each other’s work can be an effective strategy.

12. Utilizing Print-on-Demand Services

• For artists, using print-on-demand services like Printful or Society6 allows them to create designs that can be printed on demand for items like t-shirts, mugs, or posters, eliminating the need to maintain inventory.

13. Developing an Email List

• Building an email list can help stay connected with potential buyers and keep them informed about new products, discounts, or upcoming sales. Offering a freebie (like a digital art piece or discount) for signing up can help grow this list.

14. Creating Online Tutorials or YouTube Content

• Retirees who have expertise in certain crafts or artistic techniques can create YouTube tutorials and earn money through ad revenue or by promoting their own products.

By leveraging a combination of these strategies, older adults can successfully turn their artistic or craft skills into a source of extra income, while enjoying the creative process. Marketing Workshops for creative seniors are offered by Creative Age Network Instructors.