As a child, Kate Segal found her creative outlet in drawing. Today, at 37, she resides in Manhattan and, apart from her work as a licensed psychologist, devotes a few hours each day to managing her Etsy store, updating her social media accounts, and crafting digital art pieces on her iPad using Procreate. Since commencing the sale of her art in 2020, Segal reported generating $32,000 in revenue through Etsy, according to documents disclosed to Business Insider. She has also earned from non-Etsy licensing deals, though the specifics remain undisclosed.
As more individuals seek alternative employment beyond the traditional 9-to-5, side hustles and freelancing have surged in popularity. According to Business Insider, over seven million people sell art or handmade goods on Etsy, marking a 60% increase from 2020. The majority of these sellers work from home, and the platform facilitated the sale of $11.6 billion worth of goods last year.
Segal's art has been featured on greeting cards, used as wall decorations, and gained recognition from prominent brands. Her artwork was utilized by HBO's set decorator in an episode of "Succession," printed on stationery by Trader Joe's, and she recently collaborated with Jiggy Puzzles. Not only is Segal's art business a creative outlet, but it also offers her flexibility in her daily schedule. Her remote psychologist job allows her to set her own hours and dedicate additional time to her art when possible.
To sustain her side hustle, Segal regularly repurposes her art for content on her Instagram and TikTok accounts. Additionally, she invests a small amount on Etsy to promote her pieces to potential buyers using the platform's algorithm. Describing her art as maximalist, whimsical, and colorful with themes of nature and spirituality, Segal encourages fellow artists to promote their work and remain self-assured about its appeal to others.
While Segal remains undecided about pursuing art full-time, she eagerly anticipates further developing her business. Her future plans include immersing herself in quilting and fulfilling customer requests to feature her work on album and book covers. "By the end of my art career, my art will have been on every possible type of thing you can imagine," she expressed.
As more people look for job options beyond the traditional 9-to-5, side hustles and freelancing have gained traction. More than seven million people sell art or handmade goods on Etsy, according to company data reviewed by Business Insider, a 60% increase from 2020. The vast majority of sellers are people who work from home, and last year, $11.6 billion worth of goods were sold on the platform.
Segal's art has been used on greeting cards and as wall decorations, she said. Segal has also been recognized by big-name brands — HBO's set decorator used her art in an episode of "Succession," Trader Joe's printed her art on stationary, and she recently collaborated with Jiggy Puzzles, she said.
Segal's business is also her creative outlet
Segal draws almost every day to relieve stress. However, she decided to sell her art after her social media followers asked her to buy the drawings she posted.
Not only is Segal's business a creative outlet, but it also allows her flexibility in her daily schedule. Her psychologist job is also remote, she said, so she can set her own hours and spend extra time on art when she is able.
To maintain her side hustle, she said she regularly turns her art into content for her Instagram and TikTok accounts. And, on Etsy, she pays a small amount to boost her pieces to buyers through the platform's algorithm.
She would describe her art as maximalist, whimsical, and colorful — leaning on themes of nature and spirituality. Segal said she encourages other artists to promote their work.
"Each person on earth has their own taste in art, and your art is going to resonate with people," she said "Don't be self-conscious."
Segal isn't quite sure if she will ever turn to art full-time, but she looks forward to continuing to build her business. Next, she plans to dive into quilting. She has also had requests from customers to put her work on album and book covers.
"By the end of my art career, my art will have been on every possible type of thing you can imagine," she said.