Creative business ideas for working out and about
49 ideas
These 49 creative business ideas suit people who would rather be on location, in a venue or in front of a crowd than stuck at a desk. You might start an on-location business and marketing photographer service, run calligraphy workshops in local venues, or build a live band for pubs, clubs and venues.
Touring theatre and dance troupe for schools
Take a short, curriculum-linked show or workshop to schools, libraries and community events.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Independent theatre or dance production company
Stage your own shows in hired venues and earn from tickets, grants and local sponsors.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Weekend wedding photographer
Photograph a small number of weddings a year on weekends, alongside your day job.
- A$3k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Full-time wedding photography business
Run a full-time wedding photography brand with premium packages, albums and a second shooter.
- A$8k-25k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Jewellery maker selling at markets and pop-ups
Sell your handmade jewellery face to face at weekend craft markets, festivals and pop-up events.
- A$800-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Drone photographer for property listings
Shoot aerial photos and short videos of homes and land for agents, builders and owners.
- A$2.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Aerial video for events and local businesses
Capture drone footage of events, venues, farms and worksites for promo videos and updates.
- A$3k-9k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring children's shows for schools
Take a short, curriculum-linked play to primary schools and childcare centres, with a small cast and a simple set.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Ticketed children's theatre shows
Stage family shows in a hired community hall or theatre and sell tickets to local parents during school holidays and weekends.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Gigging musician for venues and events
Get paid to play live at pubs, weddings, corporate events and private parties.
- A$500-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Henna art workshops
Teach beginners henna design in small paid workshops held in hired community halls, studios or cafes.
- A$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up knitting workshops
Run one-off knitting workshops at yarn shops, cafes, libraries and community halls.
- A$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Artist selling at markets and galleries
Sell your artwork and prints through local markets, art fairs and gallery consignment.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Art sourcing for interior clients
Select and sell artwork for homes, offices and venues, working with designers and earning a margin on each placement.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pop-up stitching workshops
Run stitching workshops in hired halls, cafes and craft shops, and take group bookings to other venues.
- A$800-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
News photo and video agency
Capture local news events on camera and sell the photos and footage to newsrooms and broadcasters.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Freelance video producer working from home
Film and edit short promo and social videos for local businesses, with the editing done from your home office.
- A$2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Interior designer for small businesses and fit-outs
Design cafes, salons, clinics and offices for local owners, from concept layouts to supplier coordination.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Independent theatre producer
Stage one show at a time in hired small venues and fringe festivals, earning from tickets and grants.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Touring theatre show for schools and towns
Build one portable show and sell performances to schools, councils and regional arts venues.
- A$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small independent theatre company
Stage plays with a small cast in hired venues, earning from tickets, grants and bookings.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Theatre company for schools and community
Tour short shows and workshops to schools, libraries and community groups for set fees.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Calligraphy workshops in local venues
Run beginner calligraphy classes for groups in cafes, studios and community halls.
- A$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event and portrait photographer
Shoot birthdays, family sessions, corporate events and small celebrations at your clients' venues.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
They work well if you enjoy meeting people, can travel with your gear and are comfortable promoting your own work. Before you choose, think about what equipment you already own, how far you are willing to travel, and whether your income will come from regular bookings or one-off events. Also check whether you need public liability insurance, venue agreements or council permissions for the places you plan to work.
More ideas
- Ballroom and social dance teacher
- Media training and interview coach
- Dance troupe for events and corporate bookings
- Independent dance company producing original shows
- On-location business and marketing photographer
- Mobile pottery workshops for groups and events
- Live band for pubs, clubs and venues
- Touring puppet shows for schools and parties
- Ticketed puppet theatre for festivals and venues
- Ballet classes in a hired hall
- Party and family event entertainer
- Wedding and corporate event entertainer
- Local photography workshops and short courses
- Pop-up chamber opera company
- Touring opera for regional towns and community venues
- Pop-up craft workshops at cafes and venues
- Painting workshops in hired venues
- Airbrush murals and vehicle artwork
- Outdoor photography workshops
- Weekend event and portrait photographer
- Wedding photographer
- Model portfolio and headshot photographer
- Flamenco classes in a hired hall
- Chamber orchestra for hire
- Pop-up orchestra concert series
Questions
What should I check before taking creative work to venues and client locations?
Check whether the venue or client requires public liability insurance, written agreements or permission to use the space. Councils may also have rules for public places. Confirm these details early so they do not surprise you after you have taken bookings.
Do I need a licence to perform music or run classes in Australia?
It depends on what you do and where. Venues often hold their own music licences, but you may need to check this with them. Class providers should also check insurance, hall hire terms and any rules about working with children.
How do I price creative services that involve travel?
Work out your hourly rate, then add travel time, fuel, parking, equipment wear and set-up time. Check what similar local providers charge. It can help to state clearly what is included and what costs extra before you accept a booking.