The Age of the Side Hustle by Susie Sharman-Hayles

A ‘Side Hustle’ can be defined as “generally freelance or piecework in nature, providing a supplemental income. Side hustles are often things a person is passionate about rather than a typical day job”. It is the latter that I am exploring and how ones passion to create can ultimately drive them to use their spare time to imagine and explore.

Being in full time employment, I have seen a huge rise in people embarking in their own side hustles which has fascinated me. I see people grow their own micro businesses and I think- ‘Hey! I could do that!”. Seeing others develop and grow is extremely satisfying and I think it is the notion of creative growth that spurs a lot of people on. In a generation where people are constantly looking for the newest, most innovative thing a side hustle is the perfect way to explore this and make your mark on whichever chosen industry.

In the creative industry, I have found that by having something you can really call ‘your own’ initiates that higher level of creative satisfaction. It is certainly helping me establish who I am as a designer and what picture I want to portray to my audience. Having that additional outlet also really focuses your energy and I particularly feel like it gives me inspiration outside of my day job and enables me to utilise my spare time. The younger generation are becoming increasingly entrepreneurial and I think this is definitely reflected in the volume of “side hustles” in present day. It appears it is almost a “trend” to have something additional to your day job, where you can really explore your passion and develop as an individual.

This is what ultimately led me to start The Resort Studio which is in its very early stages. However, it has enabled me to channel my creativity outside of my day job and explore creative subjects that I have always wanted to delve deeper into. As part of The Resort Studio I create interior prints that are an amalgamation of a few passions of mine: travel, colour and print design. I would encourage ANYONE who is thinking of embarking in their own side hustle, even if it just for your own satisfaction! It is a fantastic creative outlet and also very satisfying, keep up to date with my journey by checking out @theresortstudio!

Written by Susie Sharman-Hayles, Print Designer