I launched a side business creating stickers and art prints to break free from my job — and now I make more than I did at my previous full-time position.

Gwen Lee's Artistic Journey: Gwen Lee, a 32-year-old animator and artist from Singapore, transitioned from the animation industry to running her own arts side hustle, "Curious Pots," which she started in 2020, focusing on creating art that brings joy and a sense of escape.

Business Growth and Adaptation: Initially starting with stickers, Lee expanded her business to include stationery and a subscription-based snail mail club, adapting to market demands and leveraging her artistic skills to create a unique product offering.

Balancing Work and Passion: Lee balances her freelance animation work with her arts side hustle, finding fulfillment in both areas and emphasizing the importance of flexibility and customer feedback in her creative process.

Advice for Aspiring Artists: Lee encourages aspiring artists to overcome self-doubt, start creating, and seek direct feedback from their audience, highlighting that perfectionism can hinder progress and that sharing work is essential for growth.