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I was talking to a few friends this morning about this and that and realized that we are all having "economic" problems and that maybe some of us designers and creators aren't using our talents to their fullest extent to make money. Here is a list of things that you can do to supplement your income as a creative individual:

1. The change round up - go around your house, look in every book, nook, jacket, crevice and cushion for spare change. A few pennies here, a couple of dimes and quite possibly quarters can really add up! Although not creative - it is kind of fun and it is the quickest way to get a few bucks.

2. Create items that would be useful to other artists and sell them online. Yes Second Life is a great way to do this but there are so so so many more avenues for you to explore.

www.renderosity.com - A lot of the content creators on here do similar things to what creators in SL do. But mainly for Poser or DAZ. This doesn't mean your current skills are nil here - adapt! Patterns, Photoshop brushes, 3D objects, High-Res backgrounds and the like are wanted items and will surely sell. Note - these people are very picky and make sure that you read the FAQ and look at what is being offered before diving in. They review each and every file and will throw out anything that is suspicious (i.e. IP infringement).

www.turbosquid.com - A den for all 3D officionatos but that doesn't mean you can't post items here. Photoshop, Illustrator, Patterns and such are welcome too. Check them out and make a store!

www.(insert photo stock house here).com - a lot of stock photography houses are open submission and accept illustrations, patterns and renders. Check out istock.com, dreamstime.com, http://graphicriver.net and www.stockxpert.com

www.payloadz.com - If you have a blog, website or something that you run and has traffic. This site enables you to put items up and sell them yourself. Really easy to use and I have had a few sales on it. Great way to expand your possibilities.

www.deviantart.com - great way to network and such. Also note that items you put here can be sold as a print to others and you get paid! Woot!

3. Create prints of your artwork (see Deviant Art) and sell them at a (insert location here). Pound the pavement, go to flea markets, sell at fairs etc. You never know who might like what you've done... it's worth a try anyway. Also note that crafts and such (bracelets, sculptures etc) can be sold in this manner as well.

4. Post your availability on forums that deal with art or programming (depending on what you specialize in). Deviant art, CGtalk, CG Arena, and other sites have sections that are specifically set up for this. Don't forget to peruse the jobs offered sections to see if anyone could use your services. Note - beware of anyone asking for money upfront, and always get a contract and partial payment upfront!!!

5. Facebook - this social networking site is gaining popularity and has even surpassed myspace in attendance and hits. Make sure that you contact your friends and acquatences and let them know that you are selling this or that. Or if you have something going on with the local artizen fair - friends support each other and I know I would have no problem spreading the word about a friends items if they asked me.

6. Tutorials - tutorials sites are booming right now and there are so many it's hard to keep track. Some sites even PAY to have you write them! Photoshop being the most popular program to write for but I've seen them on 3Ds Max, ZBrush, Poser, Illustrator, After Effects etc. http://tutsplus.com/ is one that is really great and has a lot of different sections. But google online tutorials regarding whatever program and you are sure to find a landslide of sites.

Ok - I've listed just about everything I could think of at the moment - but I'm sure there is more that I've missed. Feel free to chime in and add your own via comments. I look forward to hearing more.