Is it possible to turn a hobby into a career?

[Deja Q]

And I don't mean prostitution? :spray:

[billyskank]

1. I did.

[edbermac]

2. What kind of hobby?

[Deja Q]

3. Graphic manipulation...

I'm thinking 'ad design', but will I have what it takes to impress the suits?

[edbermac]

4. Mine's photography, so just show some pros a few samples.

They may not accept it but you might get some feedback from them on what's good/bad about it. When my photos are displayed at my camera club they give very constructive criticism on them.

[Deja Q]

6. Will do...

I do photography too. I've had about 20 people to tell me to "go pro", which is nice... they haven't seen the less successful pics, but I've been learning what makes for a good one, bad one, and sometimes use my own instinct to shoot something so atypical...

But "photoshopping" is far more fun. And many images have had people do a double-take, which really is awesome.

I am devising a portfolio, contacting a copyright lawyer, and sending out a couple of my current designs with cool catchphrases relevant to whatever industry...

I wonder if National geographic will dig my pics of Monarch butterflies... some would really love the pics of two of them gettin' it on (yes, I am a piggy little voyeur with delusions of grandeur!)

[BarenakedLady]

5. I would think so

Dh does photography on the side, but he is a software engineer geek by day. He mostly sells his photography over the summer at art shows/festivals etc. It isn't something that has turned into a career, and he certainly hasn't made a ton of money (more is being spent on supplies, booth fees, etc. than is coming in) but perhaps someday it could. :shrug: He has been approached by some galleries to show his pics and such.

If you would like to see his work, go here. http://www.pbase.com/pregan

[edbermac]

7. Very nice pics!

Better than mine...:-(

[BarenakedLady]

10. Awwww

We are often our own worst critics. :hug: I am sure you are very talented.

[RetroLounge]

13. Amazing pictures!

Saved a few as backgrounds...

RL

[JVS]

8. LOL!

[Dora]

9. It worked for my FIL.

My FIL taught high school science his entire "professional" life. But he also was a certified scuba diver and instructor, and taught scuba in his rural midwestern community. All his kids learned scuba, it was party of their family life.

At some point, the scuba-certifications and scuba tours became too much of a burden, so he sold that "hobby" business. After selling that off and retiring from teaching, he began selling breathable-air compressors for volunteer fire departments in his area, then throughout the state, and then in other states too. Today he owns a million+ dollar business selling high-pressure air systems and service to VFDs across the midwest. It grew out of the scuba. Go figure.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

11. Sorry, but no one is going to pay your ass to read DU.

[Parche]

12. hobby

My hobby is pimping would that work???