Juggling deadlines, lectures, and client meetings, these freelancers aren’t waiting for degrees to chase their dreams. Armed with laptops, cameras, and Canva accounts, they are turning side hustles into serious pay checks. These youngsters are exploring creative freelancing opportunities and getting earned for the same, even before they turn 25. Be it on editing screen, in social media marketing or behind the lens, these freelancers are students and recent graduates who balance their extracurricular activities with their academic obligations. These young freelancers prove that creativity, teamed with consistency, and hustle can open doors even before graduation.
A teen with a brush, a dream, and a festival stage
Ruhi Samant, a 17-year-old face painter, found her spark for art early on. “My attraction to vibrant colours was influenced by my mother, an internationally certified makeup artist from a young age. Observing her work inspired me to explore my own creativity through painting,” she shares. At the age of 13, Ruhi began sharing her canvas arts on Instagram, which helped her gain attention of the viewers. She says, “That led to initial sales among friends and family, eventually expanding my reach.” Managing art while studying isn’t easy. “Managing work alongside my studies has always been hectic. I study in the morning, and many times I stay up late to complete my orders,” she says. She was given an opportunity at Sunburn 2022 where she showcased her face painting and artistic skills.
From fete to festivals:
How a campus click sparked a career
Yuvraj Seth, a student from Mass communication who freelances in event photography, discovered his passion through college assignments. “The motivation to pursue event photography came when I was just an amateur shooting college events. The first full event I ever captured was the Fete at my college, and that sparked my interest,” he shares. “Music festivals like Martin Garrix, the EDM shows, watching photographers capture those raw crowd emotions really drew me in,” he adds. He credits his professors for helping him in start earning. Managing studies along with shooting isn’t easy task, but he’s found his solution. “I avoid shoots during class hours. I carry my laptop to shoots and work during breaks. The most unforgettable event I’ve shot was Oktoberfest with the crowd, the energy, it was electric.”
Framed flavours: Telling stories through spice and shutter
Rahul Chari, a food photography freelancer, started his journey with product shoots. “That helped me understand lighting and placement,” he explains. “Working with social media agencies gave me exposure, and I began pitching to clients.” A food shoot at a restaurant in Candolim was Rahul’s favourite project that he completed. “I shot 30 dishes in a day using natural light. Balancing colours and lighting is tricky but once you master it, there’s no going back.”
Self-taught skills:
Turning family footage into frame-worthy films
Shawn Vaz, from St Xavier’s College, Mapusa who freelances in photo and video editing, “I got into photography and video editing because I love visual storytelling. I started with family events and built my skills through practice and online tutorials.” He now balances work along with his college projects. “One of my favourite projects was a music video for a studio. It challenged me creatively and made me proud of how far I’ve come,” he says.
Mic and motivation:
The journey
as a freelance emcee
For Sneha Tiwari, an emcee, it all began with her sister’s words, “You’re good at this.” Encouraged by her love for speaking in public and a growing presence at family functions, the 20-year-old from Mapusa took her talent to the stage during college events. “After two years of emceeing in college, I knew it was time to step out of that bubble,” she says. From hosting birthdays and parties in Goa to corporate events, Sneha’s journey is a testament to confidence and passion. Her flexible schedule allows her to balance college and work. “Most gigs are in the evening. If needed, I adjust because this isn’t just work, it’s joy.” For Sneha, every stage offers a new experience, a new thrill. “Things don’t always go as planned, but that’s the beauty of it. Emceeing brings me the kind of joy no other work could,” she adds.