Hobby or Business? Why My Art Business is 100% Real

Hobby or Business? The Question That Always Makes Me Hesitate

Is it a hobby, or is it real work?

That question has made me hesitate, stutter, and over-explain for years. Whenever someone at a birthday party asked "So what do you do?", I felt that little knot in my stomach.

Because how do you explain something that is so much more than a hobby, but doesn't fit the traditional picture of a full-time business?

Let me take away any doubt. On paper, everything is official. I am officially registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel), I run my own professional website www.artybyesther.com, I pay for my domain name and hosting every year, I have a separate business bank account, and I cover all my ongoing costs for professional tools like Canva, pastel pencils, and high-quality paper. And yes, every year I file my official tax returns.🙄

Ever since my very first year as Arty By Esther, I have built a steady stream of income that has remained remarkably consistent. Financially speaking, I pretty much break even. I am not paying our mortgage with my art income, but all my business expenses are covered, and that feels like a huge win.

The freedom to build on my own terms

The truth is, I am in a very fortunate position. For many years, I ran a business together with my husband. I worked hard behind the scenes, made sacrifices, and supported our growth. We eventually sold that company, and my husband is now happily retired. He was the first one to look at me and say: "Now it is your time to shine!"

He supports me completely and helps me wherever he can, from carrying heavy tables at art fairs to making coffee for my workshop students.

Because we do not rely on my art income to live, I have been given the ultimate freedom. The freedom to build this business entirely on my own terms. To say no to projects that don't feel right, and a big YES to projects that bring me pure joy.

But having freedom doesn't mean it isn't serious work. I spend hours drawing, filming, answering emails, and preparing workshops.

From Nieuwerkerk to the world - and soon, Spain!

And look at what that dedication has already brought me. My pastel drawings are now hanging in loving homes across Canada, the United States, England, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and of course, all over the Netherlands. A drawing made in my conservatory in Nieuwerkerk, Zeeland, now brings daily joy to someone in Canada.

And my business keeps evolving. Most of the year you can find me in my cozy garden conservatory in Nieuwerkerk, Zeeland, where I give small workshops for max 3 people.

But from November 2026 through January 2027, I will be offering my workshops in sunny Spain, in the Manilva / Estepona region! So if you are spending the winter there, you can join me for a creative escape in the sun. You can find all the details about both locations here: My Creative Workshops in Zeeland & Spain

Why I keep pushing: The new chapter of group workshops

So why do I keep pushing so hard? Because it brings me joy, and because new doors keep opening.

Recently, I was asked by the local municipality to host a creative workshop for a group of 15 people. Preparing for a group that size takes tremendous time and planning, but it is so exciting! It also opens up a whole new revenue stream.

These larger group workshops on location - for companies, friend groups, or municipalities - are showing that my business is stepping into a whole new phase. From small and cozy at home in Zeeland, to inspiring larger groups anywhere, and soon even under the Spanish sun.

Art fairs and the energy you can't put a price on

Then there are the art fairs and exhibitions. Financially, they barely cover the effort. They cost a lot of energy, hours of setting up early in the morning, and plenty of heavy lifting.

But the real reward is something you cannot put in an Excel sheet. Meeting wonderful people, having deep conversations about their beloved pets, and receiving sweet compliments all day long. That positive energy is priceless. It is the fuel for my creativity.

It's never too late

Sometimes I wonder: "What if I had started drawing when I was much younger?" But then I realize: that thought itself is proof that you are never too old to chase a dream, start a business, or discover a new passion. I started this chapter later in life, and it is the most beautiful one yet.

Being a real business is defined by your dedication, professionalism, and official setup, not just by your profit margin. Having financial freedom is not a weakness - it is a gift that gives me space to choose only joyful projects and work with amazing clients around the globe.

So the next time someone asks what I do, I will not hesitate anymore. I am a passionate, legitimate, and official creative entrepreneur. I am ArtyByEsther.

Now I would love to hear from you. Have you ever started a new passion or business later in life? Let me know your story in the comments below - I read every single one!

With all my love🩷

Arty By Esther