How to find a job / extra income for creative 61 yr old??!!?

[O.A.Partygirl]

I'm looking for extra income as my earnings have dropped due to not being able to travel to sell my design work in the USA + Europe since the pandemic and many of the companies I used to sell to have now gone into liquidation this last year.

I'm trying to think of ways to earn some money - possibly working online as I'm still being cautious re: shielding so wouldn't feel comfortable about working in an office / busy space in the near future.

I've been a textile designer (printed, hand painted, embroidered and knitted textiles) selling prototype designs at large trade fairs worldwide for many years and am also an artist.

I do sell my work via several online galleries and the usual social media platforms as one-offs which is a nice bonus but it's a very crowded market out there. Although my age should not matter, and I'm a pretty young and colourful 61 yr old going on 29 (according to friends/colleagues) I do think sometimes that people's perception changes even online when they realise someone's age, and certainly this has been the case re: face to face jobs.

Anyway, after rambling on like a 99 year old, I am posting this as I was just wondering if anyone else is or has been in a similar position as it would be good to compare notes!

[Lynne]

Would you feel comfortable hiring local gallery space? I was thinking of places like Jeannie Avent in North X Rd.

[Froglander]

Do you have an Etsy or Instagram account?

[bartleasley]

Ohh. What can you offer to work?

P.S. I am also 57 y.o.