Side Hustling for Fun
- carvermccaskill
- Sep 17, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 23, 2022
Earlier this year I decided to embark on an artistic journey that would give me results that I never knew were possible. It was another rainy day in Tampa, like many that had come previously. I was inside scrolling TikTok when I stumbled across a man making spray paint planets. I was blown away by how cool they looked and knew that I had to have one for myself. I went to the store bought canvases and plenty of paint. As I experimented and learned how to use spray paint for the first time I saw that my planets had come out beautifully. I was so shocked that I could create something so pretty with such little experience. It was here that an idea hatch. It was still summer and the school year would be starting soon, I figured that the majority of students coming to live on campus would be lacking dorm art. So I got to work, creating 14 unique planets to sell to incoming freshman. I nearly sold out after just 2 days of selling on campus. I wen back home counting my money can got back to work to make more batches of spray paint planets. Today I've been doing this for 5 weeks and am making enough money to rival my day job as a video editor. The point is that to start selling and making business you don't need a big plan or investors, you simply need a passion and an opportunity.

But creating your own business is not all sunshine and rainbows. Yesterday I encountered my first of many roadblocks. I decided to switch up my selling strategy in an attempt to make more sales. The first change, many students skip class on Friday so selling on a Monday - Thursday would give me more exposer. Second Change, I should sell near the art buildings on campus so more people who are interested in art see me. To make a long story short this was a massive failure. I normally sell upwards of 20 paintings on a standard day, with the changes I sold 6. To add insult to injury Campus Safety has finally wised up to my antics. I was stopped and asked to show written approval which of course I have none. This leads me into my recovery plan.

Wow! I've been hearing a lot about your business, but this is the first time I saw your art. I love it! You are so talented! Our family needs to get our hands on some of this!
Hello Carver, your story is amazing and inspiring. I have seen you selling your art around campus, but I had no idea that you had to face all of these challenges. I have always loved art, but I could never do what you do. You are a young entrepreneur. I loved when you said, "The point is that to start selling and making business you don't need a big plan or investors. You simply need a passion and an opportunity." I have never seen myself as an entrepreneur, but now, I may consider taking my passions a step further due to your blog.
Keep doing art, you are amazing at it, and the world needs people like you with your…