5 Hobbies You Could Turn into an Income

Many people often settle for jobs that bring them little passion or joy and don’t take their hobbies seriously enough.

Don’t waste many years of your life in a role you hate. It might be time to take the plunge and turn your pastime into a career.

If you are eager to give up your current job and grow your finances, here are the five hobbies you could turn into an income.

• Illustration

If you have a talent for illustration, don’t allow it to go to waste and pursue a career as a professional illustrator.

Many companies are often happy to hire talented artists on a freelance business to create unique marketing projects or corporate portraits.

You also could generate a regular income on freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and People Per Hour.

• Photography

If you know the difference between cowboy shot, close-up, and extra-wide shot, you could turn your photography hobby into a career.

While taking photographs of your loved ones, landscapes, and objects for personal use might be rewarding, you could generate a large income by starting a photography company.

You are bound to feel nervous when first starting your business in photography, but it could help you to embrace your passion on a full-time basis and earn a higher income each year.

• Gardening

While you might love to spend many hours tending to your flowers, shrubs, and lawn, many homeowners dread the thought of gardening.

If you are tired of your job and would happily spend your days improving and maintaining gardens of all sizes, consider a career as a professional gardener.

People would happily pay good money for you to tackle their lawn, weeds, and hedges on their behalf.

You will be able to spend more time outdoors, which can support both your mental and physical health.

• Cooking

You don’t need a gastronomy degree to enjoy a successful career in food.

If you love whipping up delicious dishes for you and your loved ones, you could make money each day from your cooking passion.

You could start a food blog or YouTube channel and generate an income from advertising.

Other options include launching a food truck business in your town or city, creating innovative cooking products, or selling tasty dishes to the public.

• Crafting

If you have crafted many beautiful items for your home or upcycled furniture and accessories, you might have what it takes to launch a crafting business.

There are many products you could make to earn a superb annual income, such as:

• Bath bombs
• Scented candles
• Soap
• Jewelry
• Home accessories
• Furnishings

Crafting is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and there is no reason why you can’t secure a share of the increasingly popular market. In addition to selling the products to your friends and family, you could boost your revenue by marketing your homemade items on social media, Etsy, eBay, and via your website. You also could attend local craft fairs to showcase your creations and generate a bigger revenue.

 

A Guide to Canvas Framing

Have you been on an overseas holiday and have canvases rolled up in your closet or maybe you purchased a canvas online only for it to arrive rolled up in a tube? If the answer is yes, then it is time to get them unrolled and on the wall! Easier said than done I hear you say! With the multitude of options and different framing opinions it can get quite overwhelming and confusing however this guide will give you the knowledge ensure you are getting the correct materials and the perfect frame for your works of art!

Step 1: Information on mounting your Canvas

There are two different ways that you can mount your canvas in order to hang it on the wall. Firstly, you can stretch the canvas over what is commonly called a stretcher bar. This is a solid wood frame that sits underneath the canvas and the canvas is pulled tightly over the bar and stapled to the back, essentially making the canvas frameless. This is the correct way to mount a canvas and this technique is used in all art galleries. However, it some instances you may not be able to stretch your canvas. This could be because there is not enough canvas to pull around the stretcher bar and too much of the artwork will be lost, or due to poor quality canvases used in some tourist destinations the canvas maybe too brittle or thin to withstand the stretching process. Therefore, in these cases you may opt to glue the canvas to a wooden board or stick it down on an adhesive foam core backing and then place a frame around the outside. This method should only be used if there is no other option to mount your canvas.

When collecting quotes for canvas stretching, it is important to not only ask for a price but what size stretcher bar they will be using to stretch your canvas. Although this may not make a lot of sense to you, it will help you decipher the array of different quotes you will receive. Some picture framers will use the cheapest stretcher bar available and place a brace bar in the middle of the canvas so that it will stop it bowing or warping. This is usually only a temporary measure and eventually it will move out of shape and will not sit flush on your wall or in the frame. The quote for this will be on the cheaper end as they will want to secure your business. Quotes that are a little higher that use a larger stretcher bar with no brace are the ones to look for. Using the correct size stretcher bar means that a brace is not required as it is an adequate size to support the tension of the canvas once it is stretched. This is an art gallery standard and one you should look for if you want your canvas to remain in shape for many years to come.

Step 2: Deciding on a Frame

Once your canvas is stretched you have the choice to leave it as a stretched canvas and hang it frameless or you can choose a frame to place around it. Choosing to leave it frameless can work well on some canvases that have a very busy subject matter or sometimes less is more and adding a frame only detracts from the artwork rather than adding to it. If you decide to frame your canvas it is good to note that the frame does not provide any additional structural support, it simply adds style to your canvas and room and/or enhances the subject or colours of the canvas.

Step 3: What type of frame do I choose?

If you decide to add a frame to your stretched canvas you have two choices in regards to the style of the frame. The first one is a unique frame that is made specifically to go around a stretched canvas. Known as an “L-Bar” or “Floating Frame” it gets the L-Bar name from its shape and Floating Frame as the canvas appears to be floating in the frame. This particular frame sits around the outside of the canvas and a small gap can be created between the frame and the canvas, further adding to the floating appearance. It is important to note that this frame does not cover any part of the front of the canvas, unlike a typical frame where the artwork sits inside a rebate. This style is typically used in art galleries and adds a subtle yet stylish addition to the artwork. These frames are typically only 5mm to 10mm wide at the front, but they cover the entire side of the canvas and wrap around the back. These frames are typically plain and usually come in a standard range of colours.

The second option for canvas frames is an ordinary frame that has a large depth to it, so it covers the sides of the canvas. This will give it the same “box” look at the L-Bar but the difference with using this frame is that the frame will cover around 5mm of the front of the canvas, where the artwork sits in the rebate. The advantage of using this type of frame over the L-Bar or Floating Frame is that you will find a bigger choice of colours, textures and styles in these frames since the width of the frame can vary which allows for frame embellishments to be created.

Many people ask why they cannot use an ordinary frame to place around the stretcher bar. The answer is you can, but it isn’t advised for one reason. Imagine you place your newly stretched canvas with a 5cm deep stretcher bar on your hallway wall, so you can admire it every time you walk past it. If you place an ordinary frame around the outside and the frame is not deep enough to cover the stretcher bar, you will see the stretched canvas protruding out the back of the frame which diminishes the look and leaves it looking unprofessional. The only time it is recommended not to use canvas frames and to use an ordinary frame is if the canvas frame is going on a wall that you do not walk past and only see from the front.

So when you find your rolled up canvases in your closet and you are looking around for canvas frames, please take into account the information above and hopefully you will have a professionally framed artwork that will be displayed proudly in your home for many years to come.

 

How To Take The Best Holiday Photos

Going out on a holiday? You sure are very excited, who would not be anyway, you have waited for this for a long time and sacrificed a lot of burgers just to save for this trip. And the time has come, all your bags are packed and you are now ready to go. But wait, before you close your luggage bag, you may want to check if there is a camera inside it. Some use their mobile phones to take photos during their holiday, sure it is okay but not enough if you want to capture the best photographs.

Whether you are a professional photographer or not, there are ways for you to capture great photos. To help you with it, read this article.

Ways To Take Great Holiday Photos

Great photos are a good way to remember your holiday, without it, there is no way you can reminisce how beautiful your holiday experience was, it is also like winning in casinos and their sister sites that if you do not withdraw your money and buy anything you like, winning is useless. Many online casinos are owned by the same company, we call this sister sites and sites like AllSisterSites.com are the experts in this.

Going back to taking great photos, below are some of the things you have to keep in mind if you want your photos to seem like taken by a pro.

Take photos of the least popular tourist destinations

Do not capture too many photos of already popular tourist destinations. If this happens, you won’t get the chance of taking unique photos that are interesting and new to the eyes of others. Sure, they have seen a lot of popular tourist destinations on the internet and seeing it again may not be as appealing anymore.

Take photos until night time

Taking photos until night time is also a good idea as there are places best captured when the city lights are on. The night sky indeed is a dramatic natural landscape only in night time you can see. Photos of it will give novice photographers outstanding photos.

Do not forget local foods

And yes, food is without a doubt a good subject to photograph. The colors, the appearance and appeal of food would make any photo turn to a gem. Photos of their local food would give you a remembrance of how well your experience was.

Consider taking photos of their locals

Instead of taking photos of tourists like you, take photos of their locals. You would not want to miss the opportunity of seeing their locals in action and making sure that it is taken in still photos so you have something to look back at when you are already back to your hometown.

Take photos of the small details

Of course, it is nice to take photos of structures, buildings, the oceans and the skyline, but have you ever considered taking photos of details of a statue, fountains, pillars etc? Sometimes it is in the smallest details you can see a great subject to photograph.

Photos are a must when on a holiday as it will give something to look back and reminisce.

How to Build the Ultimate Travel Pack

Backpackers benefit immensely when they put time and energy into what they bring with them. There are smart, travel-sized items all the way to innovative backpack tools that help them stay safe and comfortable whether they sleep in hostels or under the stars. With so many different options, it is imperative that you know how you like to travel and what tools are available to help you enjoy yourself more comfortably, even with a smaller budget.

A Professional Travel Pack

Not only do travel packs help you maximize space, but they are also designed to help you redistribute the weight as effectively as possible. Considering how much weight you will likely be carrying on your back, the importance of a professional travel pack cannot be emphasized enough.

Travel Toiletries

Travel toiletries are definitely one of the items that will make the biggest difference. Microfiber towels dry quickly and pack away tightly. Foldable brushes and other grooming supplies also count.

When it comes to the actual washing items, like soap or hair conditioner, try to stick to bars. Shampoo bars and bars of soap don’t apply towards your liquid limit and are easier (and smaller) to pack away.

On the Go Electronics

We cannot live today without our electronics, and that is perfectly acceptable. What electronics you bring, however, can either be a boon to you or a drag. Bulky, heavy laptops should almost always stay home. Stick to tablets instead if you can, especially as you can easily add a tap keyboard with ease.

Other electronics you will want to invest in include:

• Solar charger
• Backup battery
• Multi-region adapter
• Unlocked phone
• SIM Cards

Tips to Keep Your Pack Budget Friendly

Travel packs can become very, very expensive. Unfortunately, when items are lighter and easy to pack, they often carry a high price tag. Camping equipment especially falls under this rule, so stick with the necessities, look for discounts, and remember to check back again during sales for items you want.

Look for Discounts and Coupons

When buying anything, always look online for coupons first. Keep an eye open for any discounts from big discount department stores like Walmart all the way to specialty sports stores. If you are on a particularly tight budget, then places like Walmart are going to be your friend. Just do yourself the favor of checking for any Walmart coupons before you buy to save even more.

Only Buy What You Need

The biggest way you will waste money is by buying items that you don’t need. That is why it is a good idea to stick to the necessities first, and then continue to build your pack from there, so you know how you travel and what you need to make it more comfortable.

Swap, or Buy Second-Hand

Some items you can save by buying second-hand or even swapping with someone else, but you do want to be careful, however, and only buy barely used items. Saving on someone’s failed adventure is fine, but it’s not a good idea to try and trust items that have seen a lot of use over the years.

 

Alternative Realities – 5 Alternatives To The 9-5 Lifestyle That Are Worth Considering

The idea of quitting the 9-5 grind in pursuit of endless adventure is a dream for many. If you’re thinking of ditching your soul-crushing job for something more exciting and relevant to your talents, you might want to consider the following alternative lifestyles.

• Start an Online Business

While exchanging time for money can buy you a good lifestyle, it can also rob you of the opportunity to do the things you truly love. The good news is, the internet offers a number of solutions that can give you both time and location freedom.

Once you sift through the get rich quick schemes and scammy programs, there are many unique business models that offer a sustainable alternative (eCommerce and affiliate marketing being two of the most profitable).

In addition to low start-up costs, most online businesses are simple to operate with a laptop and internet access. If you happen to outgrow the home office, serviced office suites are available to hold meetings and provide an affordable change of pace.

• Join the FIRE Movement

The FIRE movement stands for Financial Independence to Retire Early, and it’s aimed at individuals who are looking to take control of their lives and finances. We’re living at a time when safety nets are disappearing, corporations are promising less and less, and fewer jobs offer pensions or paid retirement anymore.

The FIRE movement posits that with very strict budgeting and extreme measures to reduce expenses, it’s possible to quit stressful jobs and enjoy a fulfilling life. Having accessed all this free time, you can spend your best years pursuing passion projects, from writing a book, starting a blog, or traveling the world.

The key to success with the FIRE movement is to be mindful of your spending and cut out extra expenses that don’t bring you happiness. Focus on increasing your take-home pay every year, and when you do get pay raises, don’t spend the new money you’re earning. Instead, put it into savings and investments and you’ll get closer to early retirement each year.

• Try The Nomadic Lifestyle

The thing about a vocation is that it affects your entire lifestyle, including your location, your mindset, your circle of friends, your diet, and even the time you spend in traffic.

If you find yourself daydreaming about ocean waves and sombreros while at work, then you might want to consider becoming a nomad. The great thing about the nomadic lifestyle is that you can leverage your existing skills to make a living while traveling the world.

Nomads have been known to take up unique vocations, from harvesting strawberries and bartending, to being lifeguards and scuba diving instructors.

• Get Paid to Travel

If you have a social media account, then you’ll be familiar with travel influencers who get paid to travel the world. All you need to get started as a travel influencer is a large and loyal social media following and a penchant for taking aesthetically pleasing pictures, and an understanding of how to monetize your photography and social media presence.

Though international travel was halted due to COVID-19, there are still opportunities in the local tourism sector of most countries, and companies are doubling down on digital marketing as a way to stay relevant.

• Become a Digital Nomad

Unlike regular nomads, digital nomads work for themselves, running successful online businesses or consulting practices on the go.

They’re innovative movers and shakers who seek greener pastures past the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle, and they want to get the most out of their best years before they settle in any one place.

Which of these 9-5 alternatives is calling your name?

 

Quick Tips for Creating a Home Photography Studio

The one thing that all budding photographers want, besides a top of the line Canon camera, is a location where their creativity can flourish. A home photography suite, filled with a plethora of backdrops, lights, and props is not easy to come by. However, if you are willing to do the work, you can have an awesome photography studio setup, right in your very own home. Get all of the equipment you need to choose captivating pictures and prepare to create a space where you can elevate your craft.

Picking the Perfect Space for Your Photography Studio at Home

When it comes time to set up a home photography studio, you have to pick out the right location accordingly. First, you have to accept the fact that you’ll have to work with the space that you have. Photography buffs that happen to live in roomy houses with plenty of extra bedrooms will have more choices. On the other hand, even if you live in a small studio apartment, you still have the option of moving around your furniture and rearranging things to make room for a quaint photography setup. Other factors for photographers to consider are noise levels, foot traffic, lighting, and storage. Fully explore each area of your home, look around, and visualize what the final workspace will look like.

It’s All About the Lighting

During the setup stage, you should be consciously aware of how lighting elements will come into play. Some choose areas to set up their studios where they know they will get a lot of natural light, and only need to use additional secondary lighting for drama and effect. If you are planning to reconfigure the existing lighting with LED, recessed, or track lighting, check out the selection at your local hardware store. These Lowes coupons will come in handy when you want to compare light fixtures. Consider adding a dimmer switch to your home studio and have even more control over how your photos come out.

Making Room for Your Photography Supplies and Setup

Once you have your photography workspace roughed out, areas for storing your equipment, computer, and other peripherals need to be established. Stackable plastic storage bins take up minimal space, and they come in a lot of fun colors. Shelves can also be installed to help keep your home studio organized and clutter-free. Modern desks normally come with an assortment of drawers, cubbies, and cabinets, so you can keep other necessary equipment like printers, photo paper, and prints neatly stored away as well. As you begin working in your photography studio,

Having a peaceful and private space to shoot photographs, edit your pictures, and assemble a portfolio won’t just make you more productive – it will help you to become the best photographer you can be. With the right tools and the proper inspiration, you will see changes in the way you treat your photography, view art, and regard your craft. Having a home studio to work in just may spark new interests and lead to you taking up other forms of photography. So, start working on a masterplan for creating the ultimate home photo suite.

 

What is Gainz Box?

Fitness trends have evolved over the years, attracting people from all age groups. Going to the gym in a dull outfit without the proper gear will lower your energy even before you start to work out. To boost your energy, buy workout tanks, leggings, and sneakers that have become the standard at the gym and in the studio. If you have a home gym, equip it with new tech equipment, weightlifting items, gym balls, mats, and other necessities.

Fitness subscription boxes

Equipment manufacturers are coming up with new convenient ways to facilitate people by selecting and updating styles in gears with technology and design. They are making it easier for the people to open up a home gym by providing all the stuff you need in a box at your doorstep. These packs include protein-packed snacks too. There are many subscription boxes by the fab fit ban, Fabletics, Gainzbox for runners, Crossfit lovers, and yoga enthusiasts.

Gainz box

Among the new and trendy fitness items that you can choose from, Gainz Box is the best option to cater to your fitness desires and needs. It helps you in staying motivated along your fitness journey. If you haven’t heard about the Gainz Box yet, you need to start reading about it. It is a box filled with new fitness gear and outfits delivered to you monthly on your doorstep. Yoga clothing, exercise gear, and healthy snacks will keep you well-stocked with reasons to get excited about your wellness and fitness.

Gainzbox consists of the best-selected items of Crossfit equipment, supplements, snacks, and various weightlifting items. It offers athletes personalized services to give them their chart of dietary requirements according to their desired exercise plans. They don’t only provide the equipment but also sound advice and some well-needed tips.

By using Gainzbox, you can easily take your fitness to the next level at an affordable cost.

Gainz box motto

The Gainz Box is an American private company dedicated to supporting different brands that have grown-up from the practical fitness community and athletes. Gainz box was founded with the idea that the focus of this journey should be the training, not the things that surround it.

Who can get a Gainz box?

Men and women both can get it and strengthen their resolution to complete their target.

Gainzbox subscriptions

Monthly Subscription: you will be billed for your first box the day that you subscribe to Gainz Box. Your next payment will automatically be scheduled for the 1st day of each following month, per your subscription term. 3, 6, & 12 Month Subscriptions- you will be billed for your planned term upfront. Your next payment will automatically be scheduled for the 1st day of the month AFTER your term has finished.

Products

Gainzbox consists of different and unique things related to workout, which are selected by experts for their customers. Every month you’ll get a diverse mix of 4-6 items from well-known, popular, up-and-coming brands including workout apparel, supplements, equipment, accessories, healthy snacks, education, and other surprises.

What You Should Do Before You Start Your Career

Starting your career is one of the most significant milestones of your life, and whether you are just starting out or are heading on a career change, there are some actions that you need to take to be prepared for whatever your career throws at you. To find out more, read this article for a complete guide on how to set your career up for a good start.

Research Careers

The first thing that you should do is to research the types of careers that are available to you and which align with your interests and the lifestyle that you are looking from. To conduct career research, you should consider taking career assessments or quizzes to get some idea of which careers are open to you and which may suit your personality. You can also conduct research by reading online resources and career-based journals, which can help to profile a range of different roles that may appeal to you.

Stay Updated with Industries

Conducting research about the industry that you are about to enter is paramount, as this can allow you to stay up-to-date with any advancements that are occurring and which could affect your job and the requirements of the roles that you are applying for. You can stay up-to-date by following industry-specific news, reading online industry journals, and joining professional networks, which can keep you in contact with the most significant developments in the business.

Look at the Requirements

You should also keep track of the requirements that are needed to enter the career of your choice, as this can ensure that you are prepared when it comes to applying for a job that suits you. This can include checking the requirements of college courses that are necessary for your career, as each of these demand different GPAS and SATS records for applicants. To do this, CampusReel can give you access to a range of information, including the Denison acceptance rate, which can help you to find the college which can most advance your career in the future.

Create a Resume

Before you start applying for job roles that interest you, and even while you are still at college, you should create a resume that can profile your successes and strengths and encourage employers to want you on their team. You could also couple this with a professional portfolio and a personal pitch to elevate your chances of getting the career that you are looking for. What’s more, you can use social media platforms to create a personal brand that can help to open opportunities to you and link you to employers who may be interested in what you have to offer.

Improve Your Career Skills

Lastly, before you begin your career, this is an excellent time to improve the skills that you will need within your career. This includes essential office and admin skills such as knowing how to send a stellar email, how to prepare an invoice, how to pitch an idea, and how to communicate with clients and your manager.

6 Tips For Planning Your Next Photography Trip

Planning a photography trip can be an exciting thing to do, especially in these times where we’re not sure when we’ll be allowed to travel again and having something to look forward to will help.

There are many popular locations to get photos of: the Matterhorn mountain in the Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Italy; the impressive skyline of New York; the imposing pyramids of Giza. These are just some of the most amazing places to photograph in the world – we could go on and on!

It’s exciting to think about taking a trip. That said, being able to relax and get the best shot can only happen if you’re not worried about anything. Planning a trip can be incredibly stressful, so here are a few things we recommend that you plan before turning up:

Do your research

Research not only what you’ll be photographing, but also the area you’ll be in. Is it a pickpocketing hotspot? Is it very sandy or incredibly humid? Take extra precautions around your gear.

Camera and gear insurance

The number-one thing you don’t want to be worrying about on a photography trip is your gear. You want to be able to grab your camera and get the shot. Accidents happen, we’ll never be able to stop that, but if you plan for the possibility and make sure your gear is insured, that takes away one level of worry.

Airport parking

A big worry for many is leaving your car while you’re on the trip of a lifetime, so trust in a company like Parkon.com to organize airport parking for you, whether you need short-term or long-term parking.

Rethink the carry-on

If you can, pack your most valuable camera gear in your carry-on luggage. While you may be concerned about the extra weight, having your most valuable possessions with you is vital.

Ditch the camera bag

Similarly, ditch the camera bag if you can. Using a generic-looking day bag that doesn’t look like a camera-specific bag will mean you don’t stand out as much to potential thieves. The same goes for that branded camera strap.

Book your hotel in advance

Popular travel photography locations (like the Matterhorn) get booked up pretty far in advance. Make sure you reserve your spot to get the shot you have been waiting for. As an extra bonus tip, quieter or more out of the way hotels usually lend themselves better to leaving before dawn and arriving after sunset for those two all-important golden hour opportunities.

Getting away

At the end of the day, your trip should be a fun experience. Making sure you plan in advance will go a long way to ensuring you can make the most of what might be a limited window to get that ‘bucket shot.’ Once you have this shot get it printed on a canvas by personalizedbykate.com.

Always keep your eyes open. Remember that most tourist crime can be prevented with prior planning, so act in a respectful manner and don’t draw attention to the gear you’re carrying.