I’ve been working in training and development for years, but prop making has always been my creative outlet. Lately, I’ve been wondering if it’s possible to turn it into something more than just a hobby. The idea of freelancing sounds appealing getting paid to build cool stuff, setting my own schedule but I’m not sure if it’s actually sustainable.
Has anyone here made the jump from hobbyist to full-time (or even part-time) prop maker? How do you find clients, and what’s the balance like between creative work and the business side of things? I’d love to hear from people who’ve been there, especially if you’ve managed to make it work without burning out or going broke. Are there specific niches or industries where demand is higher, or is it mostly gig-to-gig?
Also, how do you handle pricing? It’s one thing to make props for fun, but charging for them feels like a whole different ballgame. Any tips or pitfalls to watch out for? Appreciate any insights!