Abby B. *This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
17 Best Side Hustles For UX Designers
1. Create and sell templates for website design
2. Make videos for your own YouTube channel
If you’re looking for something more relaxed and fun, you may want to start your own YouTube channel. UX designers are generally well-paid so there’s no rush to make a quick buck!
Making videos for your own YouTube channel can be a great way to build an online audience, make friends, showcase your skills and potentially bring in freelance work (you don’t have to intentionally look for).
I do personally find YouTube a time-consuming side hustle to get into especially if you’re busy with your day job but it doesn’t always have to be demanding. It is still much more manageable than social media where you need to upload videos everyday!
Plus, as a designer, you have way more skills than the average man to make it an easy side hustle to transition into.
You can be sharing videos on your career journey as a UX designer or talk about your personal passions e.g. cooking, travelling or cycling. Just keep your content educational, informational or entertaining and stay consistent with your uploads!
Interesting YouTube channels in the UX designing niche:
| What do I need to start? | – A camera to record – Portable microphone for better sound – A video editing software |
Read: What I spent for my vlogging gear in first 6 months
3. Build a podcast for the UX and web design niche
Really don’t have the time to make YouTube videos but still want to explore content creation? You can start a podcast instead for the UX or web design niche.
You may think that podcasts are less popular compared to YouTube videos and while there’s some truth in that, I believe it’s meant for a different audience. Your audience may prefer listening to podcasts while driving and doing chores compared to watching YouTube as it’s harder to focus with the latter.
So start your podcast even if you want to do YouTube because it’s a different game altogether!
To make things extra fun (and productive), you can video-recording yourself doing the podcast and uploading the video to your YouTube channel. This double content creating strategy is popular among podcaster-YouTuber as it helps them get more done.
Similar to YouTube, podcasting allows you to earn via number of downloads you get and paid brand sponsorships.
| What do I need to start? | – Good desk microphone – Set of quality earphones – An audio editing software |
Check out: 15 best podcasts for graphic design
If you’re not too keen on YouTubing or podcasting, you can try out sharing written content with blogging. Although website design and design in general is a graphic-heavy field, it is still possible to share your insights with content writing.
There are a few angles you can take to make it work – this includes writing reviews of products/services, creating how-to tutorials, sharing best listicles and publishing news on the web design industry. I would personally focus on how-to articles and personalized reviews when starting out with a new blog.
The multiple streams of income you can earn with blogging is quite similar to YouTube. This includes advertising revenue, affiliate income, sponsorships and sales of your own products. Just like YouTube, it can take you a year or two before you’re able to make anything substantial.
If you’re unsure what to write about and don’t know how to blog the right way, learn how to with this course right here. Or check out my article for step-by-step guide on how to set up a blog.
| What do I need to start? | – A WordPress Website – Domain name & hosting – Passion to write for a specific niche |
Read: Why I invested in a blogging coach before doing anything else
5. Earn commissions with affiliate products and services
If you’re already on the social media treadmill with TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest or Twitter, it’s best to stick to growing your social accounts before going into any of the content creation methods I shared above.
There are numerous ways you can earn with your social media accounts if you have a growing audience. This includes selling your own products, getting brand deals/sponsorships and earning from affiliates.
My favorite way is to make money passively with affiliates! If you’re on Instagram or TikTok, it’s possible to share all your affiliate links by compiling them in a single customized Linktree page.
Popular affiliate sites you can sign up to are Amazon Associates, CJ affiliate, Clickbank, Share-a-sale and Rakuten Advertising. Sign up for an account, get an affiliate link for a suitable product/service based on your audience and start promoting on your socials.
| What do I need to start? | – Affiliate products or services you can promote – Social media account with growing followers |
6. Sell your photos, videos and illustrations online on stock websites
If you’ve ever thought of starting a photography or videography side hustle, you might want to reignite your interest again – this time, to sell your footages as stock images/videos.
Similar to how UX designers need elements to use for their work, content creators, large websites and businesses would need stock photos and videos to use within their content.
You can sign up to any of the websites I’ve listed below to become a contributor and have your assets reviewed. Aside from the usual photos and videos, some websites are also accepting illustrations and welcoming digital artists.
It’s a great side hustle to get into as an introvert and if you’re too tired to be doing anything serious outside your day job. Your photos and videos can make a sale at any time of day!
Stock websites you can join to start:
| What do I need to start? | – A good camera & photography skills – Basic photo editing skills – Consistency to upload photos frequently |
7. Become a freelance content writer for other websites
If you’re into content writing but not too sure about going through the hassle of setting up a blog, you can become a freelance content writer instead.
You’ll need to setup a work profile on sites like Upwork, create some sample pieces of your writing and start applying to content writing jobs within your expertise e.g. design.
As a UX designer, it’s best to stick to writing for topics you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in. It’s also a way to differentiate yourself against so many others that try to write in all kinds of niches (and doesn’t mind a lower pay rate).
You’re in a better position to negotiate for a higher pay rate that way!
You can also search for tech websites with a dedicated page for hiring writers for their blog (with a pay!). Here’s how you can get started writing for SitePoint.
| What do I need to start? | – Writing skills – Good command of English or language you want to write for – Promote your freelance writing service |
8. Create online courses to teach web design
Don’t know about you but almost all UX designers I know self-taught themselves to become a UX designer. One of my friends graduated in geology but started a career in graphic design right after university and now transitioned to UX design.
She learned through online courses on her own capacity!
So if you’re well experienced in your field and confident of your skills, you can make a side hustle out of creating and selling online courses for UX design.
Although some people may feel that face-to-face classes are best, I still believe in selling pre-recorded online courses especially for tech fields. You get to free up your time, set a more reasonable price and reach a wider audience.
Here’s a sample of online courses for UX and web design available on Udemy. You can offer similar lessons for a lower price by making it bite-sized or according to phases, instead of bundling all modules together.
Some sites you can host online courses on:
| What do I need to start? | – A niched course idea – Well thought out module – Tools to record your lessons e.g. screen record, microphone |
Creating courses is too much work for you? Here’s a list of digital products you can make to sell on easy platforms like Etsy. I’ve made a quick guide on how to make these products too!
9. Start a Patreon membership for web design info
If you already have an online audience that’s not paying anything for your content e.g. social media or YouTube, you should start an online membership where they can pay for premium content.
Depending on the number of followers you have, you can easily earn an extra $1,000 with Patreon. Setting up an account is free and you’ll only need to pay the fees if you’re making any money – 5%-12% depending on the plan you’re on.
You can use Patreon to share behind the scenes, early access to new posts and even tips you don’t share anywhere else. Anyone’s looking to become a UX designer will surely sign up to it!
| What do I need to start? | – A premium version of your content others would pay for – Three packages for tiered pricing with different offers – Social media to promote your Patreon |
10. Offer professional freelance website design services online
Want to start a side hustle for something that will look good on your resume and can bring in a quick income? You should offer freelance web design services on sites like Upwork or Fiverr.
Aside from these two main popular gig platforms, you can look for websites dedicated to tech freelancers and web designers. This includes 99designs, Dribbble and Webflow.
If you’re able to take on these jobs while having a full-time job, it may be beneficial for you to promote your services on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. It will attract more clients, build better trust and allow you to negotiate a higher pay rate compared to your competitors.
Ways to promote your services:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- PeoplePerHour
- Indeed
- TikTok (because anything can go viral here)
- Build your own website
| What do I need to start? | – Skills for a specific task or job – A portfolio to showcase past work – Your hourly rate charge or project fee |
11. Create digital products for sales on Etsy
If you love using Etsy, it’s time for you to make money with it – through selling digital products. There’s a wide range of digital products you can sell on Etsy but common ones are Canva templates, photo editing presets, digital planners and Excel budget sheets.
There’s a ton others that only designers like you would understand! This includes website templates for WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace and even Canva. If you’re skilled in using any of these site builders, you can create simple templates to sell repeatedly on Etsy.
Etsy allows listing of digital products that does not require you to ship anything as the seller. Your customers will be able to download the files immediately upon successful purchase.
So, just like some of the side hustle ideas I’ve shared above, these digital products only need to be made once and can bring you passive income indefinitely even when you’re at your day job.
| What do I need to start? | – A digital product idea – Tools to create the digital product – Platform to sell on |
12. Take up a part-time barista job
Want to avoid burnout from your current work whether it’s a full-time one or few freelancing gigs? The best way to unwind (aside from travelling) is to dedicate time in your daily routine to something that’s completely unrelated to your main profession.
Personally, I spend about an hour or two doing some gardening in my yard and making meals for my family. It can be different for you!
If you love coffee and visiting cafés, I highly recommend starting a side hustle as a part-time barista for a café in your area. It can be quite therapeutic to make coffee and latte art but make sure to take a course to learn these skills.
You can even start a YouTube channel or a social media account later just to share your coffee-making videos.
| What do I need to start? | – Barista training certification – Love for coffee |
Check out: 6 tips and tricks on becoming a barista
13. Start a pet-sitting service in your neighborhood
If you want to do something that doesn’t involve a lot of thinking but can’t leave your house due to workload or just too tired to do so, you can earn a nice side income with pet-sitting.
It’s a great side hustle to get into if you personally love pets and don’t mind taking care of other people’s pets. You can get started easier by signing up to websites like Rover or WagWalking as a pet caregiver. They’ll link you up to pet owners!
Pet sitters typically make $15-20 per visit but this varies depending on type of job you’re doing and your area. You can make a lot more if you’re offering home boarding services as customers are using your home instead of theirs.
Services you can include with pet sitting:
- Walking
- Home boarding
- Sleepovers and night care
- Training
- Bring to vet
- Basic grooming & care
- Travel trips
| What do I need to start? | – Good skills with pets e.g. dogs, cats – Tools for the service you want to offer – Platform to promote your services |
14. Write on Medium to earn with their Partner Program
Interested in writing but unsure of both blogging and becoming a freelance content writer? You can still explore the craft as a side hustle by writing for websites like Medium – and earn through their Medium Partner Program.
You can choose to write any kind of topics you’re personally interested in, whether it’s about UX design, productivity or remote working in general. These topics are a hit on Medium and I personally read them!
There are some requirements you’ll need to fulfill before enrolling for their Partner Program – not all countries are accepted. You can then make money through number of reads/views your article gets and the listening time or engagement time i.e. how people interact with your articles.
The more number of articles you publish, the more revenue you can get!
| What do I need to start? | – A niche topic to write about – Fulfill requirements to apply to program – Good writing skills |
15. Self-publish your own UX design e-book on Amazon KDP
If you love buying e-books and PDF guides, you can also be the one selling them!
Many people don’t know this, but it’s possible to self-publish your own book using sites like Amazon KDP, Lulu or Book Baby. Selling your e-books on Amazon will allow them to sell it as a physical copy as well – once a customer makes a purchase, they will print your book and ship it directly to the buyer.
It’s usually free to set up an account with your e-books for sale as they’ll get their fees from the revenue you make. As an e-book is a form of digital product, you’ll be making them once and they can be sold repeatedly forever – so these fees may not matter anyway!
I would suggest creating guides or tutorial books for UX design and make it structured for easy learning. You can include links to your other resources in your e-book as well as affiliate links to products/services you recommend.
Publishing your own book has many benefits including a better recognition in the field. It would vastly complement your experience and bring in opportunities for your career growth.
Here are some examples of e-books sold on Amazon for UX design.
| What do I need to start? | – Book writing skills – Join an online self-publishing platform |
16. Stream your live designing sessions on Twitch
There are so many ways you can earn online with sharing videos. One of it is through livestreaming and letting your audience watch you as you’re doing something e.g. gaming or using Figma.
As a web or app designer, you can livestream your designing process and make an income on Twitch via these 6 methods. If you’re too busy or lazy to edit videos for YouTube, running live sessions would mean sharing non-edited content and making things uncomplicated.
You can then upload the recorded livestream video to your YouTube channel or repurpose it for content on your other social media accounts. Of course, you shouldn’t be showing footages of real designs you’re working on especially if it’s for your day job or client.
There’s a growing preference for livestreams as people nowadays love seeing how things are built in real-time. It’s super exciting to watch!
| What do I need to start? | – Tools to conduct livestreaming – Social media to promote your Twitch channel |
17. Create designs to sell on merchandise with print on demand
If you’re into collecting merchandise with cool designs, I’m here to let you know that you can be the one designing and selling them online. Even if you have a full-time job, it’s possible to run a merchandise business on the side with print on demand – here’s seven reasons why you’ll like POD.
Just like dropshipping, POD doesn’t require you to purchase large volume of inventory or pay anything to start selling your custom products. When you receive an order, your POD print provider will print your design on the merchandise you sold e.g. desk mats, and ship it directly to your customer’s address.
Two best POD suppliers I recommend to beginners are Printify and Printful, as both integrates seamlessly with Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce and Wix. They also have the best catalogue for you to choose from!
As a seller, you’ll have to come up with your own designs using simple tools like Kittl or more advanced ones like Photoshop – which I’m sure you’re experienced in using.
If you’re too busy and don’t want to be making these designs from scratch, you can hire others on Fiverr or purchase ready made ones on creative marketplaces like Envato Elements or Creative Fabrica.
Always working at your desk? You’ll love designing beautiful desk mats for your work area!
| What do I need to start? | – Basic designing skills – A laptop to work with – An initial niche and product |
Can’t decide what product to design and sell? Check out my product guides before deciding!
- Tote bags for print on demand
- Tumblers for print on demand
- Phone cases for print on demand
- Posters for print on demand
- Leggings for print on demand
- Jewelry for print on demand
- Candles for print on demand
- Doormats for print on demand
- Hoodies for print on demand
- Pet products for print on demand
- Socks for print on demand
- Pajamas for print on demand
- Blankets for print on demand
- Baby clothes for print on demand
- Wrapping paper for print on demand
- Puzzles for print on demand
- Stickers for print on demand
- Athletic wear for print on demand
- Hats for print on demand
- Journals for print on demand
- Greeting cards for print on demand
- Mugs for print on demand
11 Ideas On Passive Income For Graphic Designers
Here are 11 ways you can earn passive income as a graphic designer:
- Create templates and sell for other designers
- Sell presets and elements for Adobe
- Become a YouTuber sharing your graphic design journey
- Create comics for Webtoon to earn on readership
- Sell your designs on merchandise with print on demand
- Write your own e-book to sell on Amazon
- Make low to medium content books for Amazon KDP
- Sell online courses for others learning graphic design
- Write content for your own blog
- Promote affiliate products or services with social media
- Sell your original photos on stock websites
Which Side Hustle Should I Choose?
Unsure which side hustles for UX designers you should go for? Here are the top 6 things to consider when deciding which is best for you.
- How much time can you commit to it?
- Consider how much time you can set aside for your side hustle for weekdays and weekends
- What type of income are you looking for?
- Do you want to make income actively or passively while you sleep?
- What sparks interest & passion in you?
- Choose a side hustle that aligns to your personal goals and interests as it keeps you motivated
- Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
- Different side hustles requires different level of communication with the outside world, are you comfortable meeting new people every day?
- What is your current partner or friend up to that you can leverage on?
- Doing something with a friend or partner makes things easier and more manageable
- How soon do you need to make extra money?
- Not all side hustles make the same amount of money in the same pace, do you need money today or in a year’s time?
Bottom Line
Your tech skills are super unique and hard to come by for others. Just imagine how many hours you put in to get to where you are today.
If there’s one thing you should take away from my article, it’s to find your perfect side hustle angle. Not everyone is suited for everything!
There should be one or two things I’ve listed above that works best for you and the best to way to start is to TRY. You can always pivot later just like how you did in your career!
Regardless of what you’re looking to start, I always encourage my readers to build passive income streams outside their full-time job so we’re safe one way or another.
Here are 17 best side hustles for UX designers:
- Create and sell templates for website design
- Make videos for your own YouTube channel
- Build a podcast for the UX and web design niche
- Share your website design knowledge with your own blog
- Earn commissions with affiliate products and services
- Sell your photos, videos and illustrations online on stock websites
- Become a freelance content writer for other websites
- Create online courses to teach web design
- Start a Patreon membership for web design info
- Offer professional freelance website design services online
- Create digital products for sales on Etsy
- Take up a part-time barista job
- Start a pet-sitting service in your neighborhood
- Write on Medium to earn with their Partner Program
- Self-publish your own UX design e-book on Amazon KDP
- Stream your live designing sessions on Twitch
- Create designs to sell on merchandise with print on demand
I’m not one to brag, but blogging has changed my life. I’ve been able to earn an income passively while on a coffee date and traveling with my family. With everything, it takes time to learn and not an overnight success – to speed things up, get yourself a blogging coach before starting.
These are my blogging resources to help you out:
- Step-by-step guide how to start blogging in your free time
- Why you need a blogging coach right from the start
- Worried of exposing yourself? You can blog anonymously
Photo by Muhammad Salim
