Welcome to capitalism where you are squeezed to produce as much surplus value (profit) as possible for someone else while being given barely enough to subsist on.
Underpaid yes as an employee. But as a licensed sole proprietor definitely six figures. You just have to get out and make yourself known. The only downside to being a sole proprietor is that you put in 60+ work hour weeks unless you have very good and experienced help.
Henry's 4 streams of income 1. Full time Architecture job 2. Moonlighting- Doing renders for other firms 3. Pen & Ink drawing Etsy Shop 4. Architecture Photography
@@nicolevega4888 "Unresponsable" is not a word. Also, who does having multiple streams of income, combined and still insufficient for one's needs, really benefit?
4th year architecture student here! This is a God-send as I have been working to support myself through school, thanks for this, it's very encouraging! Keep up the great work.
I’m an Arch. Designer and have been on this path since 2008. I’ve been solo full time now for 7 years now. I also have pursued web/graphic design and photo/video work alongside my design work. My wife also runs a family owned printing and graphics shop (vinyl decals and wraps, plans, card stock items like business cards, banners, etc.) and it compliments my work very well. None of it is easy by any means or super profitable (sometimes it can be) but we enjoy it. We most recently purchased our first commercial investment property as well (small storage facility) and are always working on growing and living debt free. With that “semi retired” freedom also comes sacrifice.
For me, the best decision I could make was starting my own office. It was incredibly hard and dissipating at first, but after a year I started having better jobs and clients, and started earning more to. The only problem is that I don't hace any free time hahaha
@@davidgarraza technically, that’s true, but “choosing to have time off” means you’re declining work. It’s always terrifying to say “no” when you don’t have a salary and don’t know if there will be another project coming in next month to help you pay expenses
I am a landscape architecture student who is close to graduating. This was a very helpful video! I often find my favorite part of the design process is 3d modeling and sketching/drawing ideas and illustrations on photoshop and rhino. This gives me hope that I can not only continue these pursuits, but can make extra money off of them. Thanks!
Side hustles (that is an expression that I would not have heard when I was your age) provide income but also keep your brain in a satisfied realm. They are a kind of emotional and creative safety net. I've been freelance (full time photographer) for 22 years now and so has my partner (full time set designer and prop stylist). I worked in publishing full time and my partner was a designer at an architectural firm before quitting full time corporate jobs ). You need to feel comfortable with knowing your income might be erratic. However, if you have skills that set you apart from your industry peers you can generate a good income. I probably tripled my income and and my partner maybe made 4 times as much. We still have side projects---we run a rental photo studio, a prop house, I make porcelain wheel thrown ceramics and we also have a few rental properties. All basically the fruits of side hustles that became full time endeavors. Your different ways of being creative and making income give you a broader view of job potentiality and most likely in a year or two you might find yourself pursuing one of these "side" hustles because it brings you more satisfaction and money.
Nice to hear your life/work history and I am glad youre happy and doing well, Henry. I am an architect from Brazil. Graduated in 2004 and worked for 9 and 1/2 years for 3 firms (including 2 years in New York). Since 2013 I have my own practice here in São Paulo, a very small one, with two architects helping me out. Only now in 2022 I am starting to really have an income which I finaly think is decent. I almost gave up two times in the past years. Our profession takes a LOT OF pacience. This is key for somene willing to enter an architecture school to keep in mind.
Only thing I am nervous about after graduating, is the fact I won’t be able to show/use my creative ideas… I just feel for 6-7 years of uni, we should be on a very good wage!
Thanks for your feedback ........ For more guidance and Lessons +1xx(6xx8xx1)xx5xx0xx8xx1xx0xx5xx3xx W..h..a..t..s..A..p..p .... o..n..l..y........💰.....
Also, after graduating you have too high self confidence. Work in a team, get used to consultants and constraints of all kinds. Hope you land a good office! Working on projects + office culture you like is the most important for you to pump up your knowledge on the professional journey. Then you're free to start off by your own ;)
As a licensed architect of 40 yrs, my advice is to be mobile, advance your skills, work for multiple firms, rise up through the ranks...Architecture is an old man's profession, a comprehensive understanding of the business practice, the project management, constructions systems, ethics and personal skill development is a lifetime endeavor. Pursue Architecture if you love it, if not...don't. Architecture takes too much of a commitment for side hustles, if anything, learn how to invest and create long term passive income...and invest your TIME in your career.
I think it would be very valuable to also put in perspective the contacts/networking you developed to get opportunities/advantages. Someone with the same skills in a vacuum would not be able to launch the same side hustles; creating opportunities through interactions [jobs, emails, coffee meeting, friends/family connections] is really good context to decide if reducing a secure job is a good plan. A video on how you developed your network would really help people understand how to make a social framework for supporting their decisions😊 i’m currently in a foreign country (norway) and it’s a struggle to visualize my side hustle. Thanks for considering my comment!!!!
I'm 31, switching to interior design for the past 1.5 years, and thrilled, but money is serious shit. I'm currently an intern at an architectural studio (it took already a long way to be there) but I obviously couldn't make the same money as my previous job (business). it's hard to crack the way into doing what you love and be able to live with it comfortably. Thinking about going back to business while finding ways to practice design, but time is limited. what a headache! thanks for your sharing.
Oh gosh, these comments make me nervous. I'm in a bad state for designing, and currently getting a degree in interior architecture/design. I want a field I'm happy in but also don't want to be struggling too bad to enjoy it.
This was suggested on my feed and all I can say is wow. You nailed it. As a full time intern architect right now, I am definitely feeling the creative stimuli lack. For my thesis I started this youtube channel and to showcase a design-build project. Since then it's turned into a side hussle, one that I want to grow and put more time in. Thank you for bringing to light all the different streams of "expertise" architecture schools teach as well as their shortfalls. This hit home. Glad to have found your channel, subscribed!
30 is definitely young!😃 And your video is so inspiring! Thanks for sharing Henry. I was bored in China and now a junior architect in Switzerland. I will try your ideas out, and see if something would work out.
Appreciate the mention! I'm currently looking for junior architect jobs in Switzerland (the reasons are completely unrelated to this video) and wondering about the process you encountered. Am I able to contact you somehow?
You’re a hero, man… I too am so dissapointed with how architecture profession is so underpaid. In a way, I understand why that is…but a tech person with less years in university than me has 3-4 times my salary when he begins…not to mention the possibility for growth in the field. And architecture is a difficult profession as well…
I saw a video where another architect drew his own grisaille mural over a weekend and was so casual about this insane level of skill. If only more people knew what architects could do and how multi talented you are!
I'm a current architectural student and the money is the only thing that makes me nervous about it. Money doesn't mean everything to me and I love the work but school is expensive and paying off a 5 or 6 year degree on a relatively small income for that time frame makes me more and more worried after each semester.
Just curious, What's a relatively small income to you? If it helps, it seems designers make above average in the US, but just not as much as engineers which everyone loves comparing us to. I think it's negatively affecting designers, but if you're licensed you can make a lot more. I'm 5 years into my career (not licensed) and already make close to the average income in Denver, CO so I feel pretty fortunate!
@@chocolateearrings Did you just chase money for your career? A lot of people would / do hate their tech jobs. Some people actually want to work in an industry that they are interested in.
@@HomeWorkouts_LS my projected starting salary here in Arizona wouldn't be a "small" amount by any means, the wording is bad. But the amount of debt I will have after finishing my 5 year program compared to my starting salary is going to make things more difficult to manage financially than say if I went into buisnesses and or software engineering. The ratio to time and debt investment against starting salary puts a lot of young aspiring architects into a really difficult situation, especially if they don't have financial support from family. Even paying in state tuition at ASU without the extra cash from my job and financial aid I would be racking up 12k+ a year in debt (not accounting for housing and cost of living wich is insane right now) for 5 years wich seems really daunting when I'm expected to make 44k a year with a fresh degree.
Your biggest asset is your time, especially in your 20s. The best use of that is invest in yourself. Everything you need is already free on the internet but requires a little digging.
This is so inspiring! I’m an engineer and I love drawing and painting, I’ll keep at it to make it a great side hustle. I’ve kind of lost my passions during school and I’ve been slowly getting back into it
Giving me a lot to think about. I graduated my architecture degree and have found a job in a building design firm as a building designer. Today really hit hard in realising that what I'm doing is not architecture and I was more or less told that I will not be making architecture in this job. I'd like to apply more of the skills I've learnt from my study partly to make more money, part not feel like I've wasted my time studying architecture and partly to keep developing a folio and series of ideas to try and make an impact on the built environment. I really need to look at what I was good at during my study and what I enjoy and develop the skills more. I'm glad to know it's possible. I'm going to look into rendering I think
Great Video Henry, I started taking a similar path, I decided finishing architecture school at this point wasn’t worth my time/ money. I’m currently working full time at an Architecture firm but do freelance drafting on the side and it has been great for me. Tried the Fiverr route originally but like your archviz, found it hard to compete with people who would draw plans for minimum wage. Love the idea to make prints into a passive income! I’ve always been a good illustrator but never thought of actually making it a source of income. Will have to see if it takes me anywhere… Thanks again for such an informative video!
Yeah, arch viz used to be a great side hustle. Started doing it while still in college and after a couple years found enough recurring clients that I was making an extra $2k a month from only 4-5 days of work. Was never able to find enough clients to justify doing it full time, so I stopped, but as a college student it was a great way to pay rent.
I stopped the 3D visualization hustle as well. It's hard to compete with oversea rendering companies with their fee structure. I've replaced this with my free hand renderings in the recent years.
@@HenryGao I'm happy to hear that you have found a way to get profit from this interest /skillset. Its also a bit more unique compared to archviz which is nice. Well done and cheers for the interesting video! =)
Really appreciate you being so open. I have had a side hustle for years providing residential architectural design. It's not for everyone one has to develop some serious discipline and focus. I like many here are always seeking ways to decrease stress and streamline our processes. Nonetheless, I have found that vetting great people to support you in the beginning was my greatest challenge. Again, really appreciate you sharing your experiences and that there are many fulfilling opportunities as designers we can fill.
I'm a professional engineer with 15+ yrs experience and a MASc in Sustainable engineering, but I'm contemplating going back to do architectural technology to start my own design firm. I'm tired of having ideas and expertise that clients don't use to actually do great things! Love the advice, very practical and real. I'm trying to claw my way into the hands-on side to get things built, but I may consider Canadian Arch Tech'y programs that bridge into an accredited MArch program to complete an architecture degree (ideally with some added benefit such as landscape or interior design capability being gained for the extra time and $). I have a lot of side skills to develop, business, marketing, photo/videography etc. Thanks!
Really enjoyed listening to your skills and am very impressed by your sketches. Details are so well proportioned. I am a B.Arch grad and completed a B.A. in asian languages simultaneously. It was the latter that led me away from studio work to field work when I apprenticed as a garden constructor in Japan for 5 years. Today I yearn to do more design/build projects in residential architecture as the combination of home and nature is regaining popularity, especially in rural places.
I wanted to become an architect, but couldn’t afford the schooling..money or time as I went back to school when I was 50. Instead, became a structural drafter, and on to millwork drafting. After doing freelance work to gain experience, I saw how little money was made in architecture, and I’m glad I didn’t go that route. What has opened up possibilities though, was doing more freelance millwork design. It gives me freedom to get creative, and a fair bit of extra income. I’m still exploring more possibilities though, and seeing your video is getting me thinking. Thanks and subscribed.
Great video, just an FYI for something that I have seen happen to others. When showing orders you have received, make sure you blur out their details :)
i want to especially thank you for this video. It answered all my questions i had regarding what to do as side hustles as i was really lost. Hats off to you, Very inspirational ... :)
Omg i can so relate, the expectation vs reality did slap me to horror of real life work. Especially the pay! 😮💨 Been practicing for years already and i’m thinking of shifting to a new career since I don’t really have any fulfillment yet on the job unlike the one that i’d imagine to be leading or managing lol and the pay! Yes the pay is a major letdown too, since we’re a thinking workforce yet the pay doesn’t match the stress we have. And maybe because I keep moving to different countries that I really hate starting from scratch again but oh well.. now i’m thinking of staying when I stumbled upon this… so maybe it’s the sidelines that will make it work instead of the main job 😐🤐🤭
the only thing I dont agree on, is the render service part. There are literally entire companies doing great revenues in that field. Just because someone is doing it from Pakistan for peanuts doesnt mean the industry is destroyed
@@HenryGao you are right about that without question. I was lucky enough to get a visualization project in US (I am based in Europe) and the firm had about 2 offers per day for the same job. Mind-blowing
So inspiring , been running around trying to find time to do other things till u point out that maybe my work life for 48/week making it hard to do other side things i take interest in.
It's tough to do anything when you have a 48 hr/week schedule! Sometimes keeping your sanity is more important. But I believe if there's a will, there's a way.
Great video topic. Years ago I worked as a director of leasing in a luxury high rise in NYC. Three young ladies rented a 1BR there and put up temp walls to make it accommodate three. All three were recent graduates of Cornell architecture school, and all three subsequently left the profession for more money in other fields. I saw it essentially as an artistic field, which like other artistic fields has a high barrier to entry, and initially low pay with few making it to the top. Seems unfair for such a rigorous academic endeavor.
Awesome. I need this. Im running around like a headless chicken. I do this for a hobby at the moment and looking to make it a revenue stream. What are the best places to market my designs?
Thanks for producing that online piece. It was well put together, and has made me think that it was about time I made more of an effort to earn online. Not sure how as yet, but it was inspiring. Thanks!
@@HenryGao I always liked the idea of architecture as a kid. I studied 'Visual Arts & Culture' at university, but still haven't managed to turn those efforts into what I could call a 'Creative Career'. I'm still trying, and I've just moved back to London as there are better opportunities here, but the game has changed so much in favour of the internet, I really don't know where to start. Not your problem. And yes, you did inspire me some! Good luck to you
The only two ways to make money as an architect, become a principal in a large firm, start your own business. the worst job as an architect is to be a project manager in a large firm.
Hi Henry, Its a bless stumbling upon your channel! We met at one point in naoshima, good to see you are still in the architecture discipline Bay Area. We should reconnect some time!
Hey Henry! Thanks for the video! I’ve been toying with different side hustles on the side like yourself and you’ve encouraged me to try new things. Great video man and awesome drawings! 👍
Thanks for the kind words! Since I published this video, I've found more ways to leverage my architectural skillset, which I will post as a follow-up video to this one at some point in the future.
I am an odd case where I work almost full time at a firm and do part-time uni because I have support myself. This can get tough financially and it’s easy to get discouraged and want to move away from architecture because of all the lucrative web based stuff and side hustle propaganda, but this video has really helped with my mind set! No need to chuck poor architecture down the drain.
I really enjoy watching this video and reading the comments given by others who have side hustles and are doing well for themselves. I am interested and just started out on Etsy.
Thank you brother for that good information may GOD BLESS YOU..Which softwares must a proffessional architect learn at least. I want to architecture as my career
Americans are so wild, imagine calling "working a second job in the evenings" after five years of university a "stream of income". You're being tricked into a society where you work 80+ hours, friends. You're not entrepeneurs, you're not turning your passions into streams of income, you're not diversifying your revenue trickles, or whatever your self help books call it. You're working 2-3 full time jobs, when you should only be working ½ time for what you produce in value and commodities for society. You're being scammed, friends. Please resist.
@@HenryGaothat’s what he is saying tho, other countries are way more chill with their work hours and that money actually supports family life in those countries. I’m an architectural designer for 3+ years and can’t afford my own place to live.
I am an architectural designer who got layoff recently and I have the photograph and free hand skills but I really don’t know how to start!! And after my first time getting layoff I feel the corporate companies don’t deserve my hard work because at the end they don’t appreciate it and once they run over budget they will let you go. Right now I feel disappointed and lost and I really don’t know who to start or even considering changing career especially with the job market nowadays it’s awful!
I'm about to enter my first year of studying Architecture this September! I'm curious to see how demands for different services will have changed by the time I'm finished 🤔
I am in similar situation. But I choose to focus in architecture for side hustle as well. simply because there are so much to learn in architecture. I would rather spending the spare time perfecting the craft. True about the low income, I am in Australia, most of my friends working in other professional jobs earns at least double. They have all the spare times after working hours to themselves. They progress much faster in the hobbies such as tennis, surfing etc because they get to practice more while I have to work in the second job.
Hi Alex, glad to hear your opinion and experience here. There's no right or wrong answer here, everyone has a different journey as an architect...I am merely sharing my own in hopes it can positively help others.
Hi Henry, thank you for this helpful content, I got a lot of value from it. I would love to know more about your Etsy store, how you set it up, how you marketed it, printing and fulfilling.
This is such valuable information and i’m so glad you’re sharing this. What editing software do you use and what are good resources for learning more about photography/cinematography/editing. Thank you in advance!
Curious - What kinds of help did you end up hiring for to help make some of these incomes more passive than active? Particularly for what you mentioned of your selling hand drawings? Love the video, couldn't agree more across the board!
living in san fran or other bif city you need side hustle to just survive - it is not nice to have option - you should start your own company now that you basically know industry - my 2c
So true, architects are incredibly underpaid. I have a degree in architecture and didn't realise how low salaries were until after I graduated. If I could go back in time I'd study something like tech lol
I love your freehand drawings. I also do them as well but haven't done them digitally yet. are you using an ipad and if so, are there specific programs you use for them?
Hi Henry! Thanks for sharing this with us, very insightful! I have a question, what were some of the platforms you used for these? (Like in your video at 07:06 , 08:16 , 08:18 , 11:28 ? Would love to know to better productivity. Thank you!
Very well presented. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am seeking work as a passive house designer architect and have found it difficult finding clients. Any thoughts?
Hi Henry! Love your work and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Would you mind telling me what model Cannon printer you use in the video? Thanks so much!
Hi Henry. Very enlighting. Makes me so eager to start sketching too. Very new to this digital arts on etsy etc. Is it okay to just sell the softcopy of our art ? Without the need for printing it on canvas ?
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Welcome to capitalism where you are squeezed to produce as much surplus value (profit) as possible for someone else while being given barely enough to subsist on.
Im narrowing down my choices for early decision. Since you went, should I pick Cornell?
Underpaid yes as an employee. But as a licensed sole proprietor definitely six figures. You just have to get out and make yourself known. The only downside to being a sole proprietor is that you put in 60+ work hour weeks unless you have very good and experienced help.
not a question, but maybe a new pivot: IT architecture (Enterprise and Solutions being less technical know it all)
This is not easy if you don't have the talent.😢 easy talk about hard to excute or everyone wil be doing it.
Henry's 4 streams of income
1. Full time Architecture job
2. Moonlighting- Doing renders for other firms
3. Pen & Ink drawing Etsy Shop
4. Architecture Photography
Appreciate the summary Jesse!
The need for side hustles signifies that the profession on the whole is underpaid and understimulated.
true
Students should really know this before entering the profession
Having one stream of income is financially unresponsable
@@nicolevega4888 "Unresponsable" is not a word. Also, who does having multiple streams of income, combined and still insufficient for one's needs, really benefit?
The fact he can make 6 figures on side hustles proves it’s a valuable profession
4th year architecture student here! This is a God-send as I have been working to support myself through school, thanks for this, it's very encouraging! Keep up the great work.
Glad it was helpful!
I’m an Arch. Designer and have been on this path since 2008. I’ve been solo full time now for 7 years now. I also have pursued web/graphic design and photo/video work alongside my design work. My wife also runs a family owned printing and graphics shop (vinyl decals and wraps, plans, card stock items like business cards, banners, etc.) and it compliments my work very well. None of it is easy by any means or super profitable (sometimes it can be) but we enjoy it. We most recently purchased our first commercial investment property as well (small storage facility) and are always working on growing and living debt free. With that “semi retired” freedom also comes sacrifice.
It's so nice to hear your story! I agree it's not always profitable but it definitely adds to the fulfillment and another layer my life.
For me, the best decision I could make was starting my own office. It was incredibly hard and dissipating at first, but after a year I started having better jobs and clients, and started earning more to. The only problem is that I don't hace any free time hahaha
Good for you but I think you have a bigger problem on your hand.
You can choose to have free time when you’re very busy. You can’t choose to be busy when all you have is free time. Not right away anyway.
@@davidgarraza technically, that’s true, but “choosing to have time off” means you’re declining work. It’s always terrifying to say “no” when you don’t have a salary and don’t know if there will be another project coming in next month to help you pay expenses
Can I work with you remotely?
Do u have any open position?
I am a landscape architecture student who is close to graduating. This was a very helpful video! I often find my favorite part of the design process is 3d modeling and sketching/drawing ideas and illustrations on photoshop and rhino. This gives me hope that I can not only continue these pursuits, but can make extra money off of them. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Side hustles (that is an expression that I would not have heard when I was your age) provide income but also keep your brain in a satisfied realm. They are a kind of emotional and creative safety net. I've been freelance (full time photographer) for 22 years now and so has my partner (full time set designer and prop stylist). I worked in publishing full time and my partner was a designer at an architectural firm before quitting full time corporate jobs ). You need to feel comfortable with knowing your income might be erratic. However, if you have skills that set you apart from your industry peers you can generate a good income. I probably tripled my income and and my partner maybe made 4 times as much. We still have side projects---we run a rental photo studio, a prop house, I make porcelain wheel thrown ceramics and we also have a few rental properties. All basically the fruits of side hustles that became full time endeavors. Your different ways of being creative and making income give you a broader view of job potentiality and most likely in a year or two you might find yourself pursuing one of these "side" hustles because it brings you more satisfaction and money.
Amazing for you! I think your story is definitely worth sharing with the community. Thanks.
Nice to hear your life/work history and I am glad youre happy and doing well, Henry.
I am an architect from Brazil. Graduated in 2004 and worked for 9 and 1/2 years for 3 firms (including 2 years in New York). Since 2013 I have my own practice here in São Paulo, a very small one, with two architects helping me out. Only now in 2022 I am starting to really have an income which I finaly think is decent. I almost gave up two times in the past years. Our profession takes a LOT OF pacience. This is key for somene willing to enter an architecture school to keep in mind.
Sounds like patience and perseverance is key! Thanks for sharing your story!
Qual o nome do seu escritório?
@guisleme Hey, do you need freelancer for 2D and 3D work? If yes, please let me know so that I can share my work portfolio. Thanks in advance!
Only thing I am nervous about after graduating, is the fact I won’t be able to show/use my creative ideas… I just feel for 6-7 years of uni, we should be on a very good wage!
Yes! After graduating, you are most likely going to work on someone else’s agenda, which is sad.
Thanks for your feedback ........ For more guidance and Lessons
+1xx(6xx8xx1)xx5xx0xx8xx1xx0xx5xx3xx
W..h..a..t..s..A..p..p .... o..n..l..y........💰.....
Also, after graduating you have too high self confidence. Work in a team, get used to consultants and constraints of all kinds. Hope you land a good office! Working on projects + office culture you like is the most important for you to pump up your knowledge on the professional journey. Then you're free to start off by your own ;)
As a licensed architect of 40 yrs, my advice is to be mobile, advance your skills, work for multiple firms, rise up through the ranks...Architecture is an old man's profession, a comprehensive understanding of the business practice, the project management, constructions systems, ethics and personal skill development is a lifetime endeavor. Pursue Architecture if you love it, if not...don't. Architecture takes too much of a commitment for side hustles, if anything, learn how to invest and create long term passive income...and invest your TIME in your career.
@@LiloUkulele as a current Architecture student your comment is realistic and encouraging
Thank you for sharing. It is such a shame to hear that this beautiful profession is so underrated in the USA.
I think it would be very valuable to also put in perspective the contacts/networking you developed to get opportunities/advantages. Someone with the same skills in a vacuum would not be able to launch the same side hustles; creating opportunities through interactions [jobs, emails, coffee meeting, friends/family connections] is really good context to decide if reducing a secure job is a good plan. A video on how you developed your network would really help people understand how to make a social framework for supporting their decisions😊 i’m currently in a foreign country (norway) and it’s a struggle to visualize my side hustle. Thanks for considering my comment!!!!
I'm 31, switching to interior design for the past 1.5 years, and thrilled, but money is serious shit. I'm currently an intern at an architectural studio (it took already a long way to be there) but I obviously couldn't make the same money as my previous job (business). it's hard to crack the way into doing what you love and be able to live with it comfortably. Thinking about going back to business while finding ways to practice design, but time is limited. what a headache! thanks for your sharing.
I hope you find a way to combine both, you can definitely leverage your business background into the profession!
Oh gosh, these comments make me nervous. I'm in a bad state for designing, and currently getting a degree in interior architecture/design. I want a field I'm happy in but also don't want to be struggling too bad to enjoy it.
@@rachelfullmer5785 Don't look into A.I. and what's coming down the pipe. It'll scare you.
This was suggested on my feed and all I can say is wow. You nailed it. As a full time intern architect right now, I am definitely feeling the creative stimuli lack. For my thesis I started this youtube channel and to showcase a design-build project. Since then it's turned into a side hussle, one that I want to grow and put more time in. Thank you for bringing to light all the different streams of "expertise" architecture schools teach as well as their shortfalls. This hit home. Glad to have found your channel, subscribed!
Thanks Joel, glad you stumbled on this video in browse. Nice job growing your own TH-cam channel too. Wish you many success in the future.
30 is definitely young!😃
And your video is so inspiring!
Thanks for sharing Henry.
I was bored in China and now a junior architect in Switzerland. I will try your ideas out, and see if something would work out.
It’s worth testing out your ideas before jumping in with both feet
Appreciate the mention! I'm currently looking for junior architect jobs in Switzerland (the reasons are completely unrelated to this video) and wondering about the process you encountered. Am I able to contact you somehow?
You’re a hero, man… I too am so dissapointed with how architecture profession is so underpaid. In a way, I understand why that is…but a tech person with less years in university than me has 3-4 times my salary when he begins…not to mention the possibility for growth in the field. And architecture is a difficult profession as well…
It’s indeed difficult but rewarding for some.
I saw a video where another architect drew his own grisaille mural over a weekend and was so casual about this insane level of skill. If only more people knew what architects could do and how multi talented you are!
Thanks for the kind words Andreea!
Freelancer software engineer. Handling 2 clients now. Earned entire years salary in 3 months.
Good for you Sidharth!
Architecture and landscape architecture jobs are definitely undervalued. Thanks for sharing!
Yes they are!
I'm a current architectural student and the money is the only thing that makes me nervous about it. Money doesn't mean everything to me and I love the work but school is expensive and paying off a 5 or 6 year degree on a relatively small income for that time frame makes me more and more worried after each semester.
Imagine paying off 2 degrees totaling 8 years.
Just curious, What's a relatively small income to you? If it helps, it seems designers make above average in the US, but just not as much as engineers which everyone loves comparing us to. I think it's negatively affecting designers, but if you're licensed you can make a lot more. I'm 5 years into my career (not licensed) and already make close to the average income in Denver, CO so I feel pretty fortunate!
Quit now, switch to tech related degree 👀
@@chocolateearrings Did you just chase money for your career? A lot of people would / do hate their tech jobs. Some people actually want to work in an industry that they are interested in.
@@HomeWorkouts_LS my projected starting salary here in Arizona wouldn't be a "small" amount by any means, the wording is bad. But the amount of debt I will have after finishing my 5 year program compared to my starting salary is going to make things more difficult to manage financially than say if I went into buisnesses and or software engineering. The ratio to time and debt investment against starting salary puts a lot of young aspiring architects into a really difficult situation, especially if they don't have financial support from family. Even paying in state tuition at ASU without the extra cash from my job and financial aid I would be racking up 12k+ a year in debt (not accounting for housing and cost of living wich is insane right now) for 5 years wich seems really daunting when I'm expected to make 44k a year with a fresh degree.
I love you henry, I want to be like you when I grow up, I'm 20... soon to be 21, yet I lack anything necessary to live a decent life
Your biggest asset is your time, especially in your 20s. The best use of that is invest in yourself. Everything you need is already free on the internet but requires a little digging.
Thank you Henry. Would love to try the sketching.
Thank you much for sharing your journey, experience and the number of opportunities available.
My pleasure!
This is so inspiring! I’m an engineer and I love drawing and painting, I’ll keep at it to make it a great side hustle. I’ve kind of lost my passions during school and I’ve been slowly getting back into it
life can have that effect on people
Do you know of a recommendable drafting school that has an online platform?
Yes dear, 30 is still young. Wait till you hit 70!
glad you think so!
Giving me a lot to think about. I graduated my architecture degree and have found a job in a building design firm as a building designer. Today really hit hard in realising that what I'm doing is not architecture and I was more or less told that I will not be making architecture in this job. I'd like to apply more of the skills I've learnt from my study partly to make more money, part not feel like I've wasted my time studying architecture and partly to keep developing a folio and series of ideas to try and make an impact on the built environment.
I really need to look at what I was good at during my study and what I enjoy and develop the skills more. I'm glad to know it's possible. I'm going to look into rendering I think
There are many ways to make money leveraging your architecture education. I have 8 now.
Great Video Henry, I started taking a similar path, I decided finishing architecture school at this point wasn’t worth my time/ money. I’m currently working full time at an Architecture firm but do freelance drafting on the side and it has been great for me. Tried the Fiverr route originally but like your archviz, found it hard to compete with people who would draw plans for minimum wage.
Love the idea to make prints into a passive income! I’ve always been a good illustrator but never thought of actually making it a source of income. Will have to see if it takes me anywhere…
Thanks again for such an informative video!
Yeah, arch viz used to be a great side hustle. Started doing it while still in college and after a couple years found enough recurring clients that I was making an extra $2k a month from only 4-5 days of work. Was never able to find enough clients to justify doing it full time, so I stopped, but as a college student it was a great way to pay rent.
I stopped the 3D visualization hustle as well. It's hard to compete with oversea rendering companies with their fee structure. I've replaced this with my free hand renderings in the recent years.
@@HenryGao I'm happy to hear that you have found a way to get profit from this interest /skillset. Its also a bit more unique compared to archviz which is nice. Well done and cheers for the interesting video! =)
Really appreciate you being so open. I have had a side hustle for years providing residential architectural design. It's not for everyone one has to develop some serious discipline and focus. I like many here are always seeking ways to decrease stress and streamline our processes. Nonetheless, I have found that vetting great people to support you in the beginning was my greatest challenge. Again, really appreciate you sharing your experiences and that there are many fulfilling opportunities as designers we can fill.
Thank you for the kind words! I believe our profession needs more transparency with pay and salary.
Dubai-based architect..Side hustles 1. Visualizer 2. Photography 3. Graphic Design 4. Art (portrait and landscape)
Not bad! Are these keeping you busy outside of regular work?
Hello Henry, yes and most of the time, my regular work eats up all of my spare time. This is my struggle at the moment.
I'm a professional engineer with 15+ yrs experience and a MASc in Sustainable engineering, but I'm contemplating going back to do architectural technology to start my own design firm. I'm tired of having ideas and expertise that clients don't use to actually do great things! Love the advice, very practical and real. I'm trying to claw my way into the hands-on side to get things built, but I may consider Canadian Arch Tech'y programs that bridge into an accredited MArch program to complete an architecture degree (ideally with some added benefit such as landscape or interior design capability being gained for the extra time and $). I have a lot of side skills to develop, business, marketing, photo/videography etc. Thanks!
Really enjoyed listening to your skills and am very impressed by your sketches. Details are so well proportioned.
I am a B.Arch grad and completed a B.A. in asian languages simultaneously. It was the latter that led me away from studio work to field work when I apprenticed as a garden constructor in Japan for 5 years. Today I yearn to do more design/build projects in residential architecture as the combination of home and nature is regaining popularity, especially in rural places.
Thank you!
Eventually your side hustles will be your main source of income. Being your own boss is priceless.
getting there! you are right...
Making money is just a game, and people who learned this game made millions and billions.... Learn the money game and ger RICH !
I like that you save time for other creative hobbies and not for stupid exotic vacations.
They are not always stupid. lol
I wanted to become an architect, but couldn’t afford the schooling..money or time as I went back to school when I was 50. Instead, became a structural drafter, and on to millwork drafting. After doing freelance work to gain experience, I saw how little money was made in architecture, and I’m glad I didn’t go that route. What has opened up possibilities though, was doing more freelance millwork design. It gives me freedom to get creative, and a fair bit of extra income. I’m still exploring more possibilities though, and seeing your video is getting me thinking. Thanks and subscribed.
Thanks for sharing! There are many ways to make more as an architect, we just need to think outside of the sandbox a little.
Yes, I'm about to finish up school and have an etsy store and daytrade the futures market haha. Preparing myself ahead of time!
You are ahead of your time Ryan, nice job!
Great video content! I just discovered you through a recommended video and quickly subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
I just want to learn this skill for my Home Remodeling Business
Dude... most helpful and encouraging video I've seen, many good info and ideas, architecture and design related
Thanks dude
Wow this video was very inspiring. Love how clear and motivating you are. Thank you for sharing those tips !
You are so welcome Laura!
Great video, just an FYI for something that I have seen happen to others. When showing orders you have received, make sure you blur out their details :)
Thanks for the tip!
Henry you are so funny! Also very talented, great work. And I loved the video, thanks a lot for the tips.
You are welcome. I don’t think the humor comes to the video as much.
i want to especially thank you for this video. It answered all my questions i had regarding what to do as side hustles as i was really lost. Hats off to you, Very inspirational ... :)
You're so welcome!
Omg i can so relate, the expectation vs reality did slap me to horror of real life work. Especially the pay! 😮💨 Been practicing for years already and i’m thinking of shifting to a new career since I don’t really have any fulfillment yet on the job unlike the one that i’d imagine to be leading or managing lol and the pay! Yes the pay is a major letdown too, since we’re a thinking workforce yet the pay doesn’t match the stress we have. And maybe because I keep moving to different countries that I really hate starting from scratch again but oh well.. now i’m thinking of staying when I stumbled upon this… so maybe it’s the sidelines that will make it work instead of the main job 😐🤐🤭
Hopefully I can inspire you to take on side hustles while maintaining a positive outlook in architecture.
the only thing I dont agree on, is the render service part. There are literally entire companies doing great revenues in that field. Just because someone is doing it from Pakistan for peanuts doesnt mean the industry is destroyed
True! Just a very competitive landscape nowadays, especially in the U.S
@@HenryGao you are right about that without question. I was lucky enough to get a visualization project in US (I am based in Europe) and the firm had about 2 offers per day for the same job. Mind-blowing
So inspiring , been running around trying to find time to do other things till u point out that maybe my work life for 48/week making it hard to do other side things i take interest in.
It's tough to do anything when you have a 48 hr/week schedule! Sometimes keeping your sanity is more important. But I believe if there's a will, there's a way.
Great video topic. Years ago I worked as a director of leasing in a luxury high rise in NYC. Three young ladies rented a 1BR there and put up temp walls to make it accommodate three. All three were recent graduates of Cornell architecture school, and all three subsequently left the profession for more money in other fields. I saw it essentially as an artistic field, which like other artistic fields has a high barrier to entry, and initially low pay with few making it to the top. Seems unfair for such a rigorous academic endeavor.
I guess they were smart to all leave.
Awesome. I need this. Im running around like a headless chicken. I do this for a hobby at the moment and looking to make it a revenue stream. What are the best places to market my designs?
Yes. 30 is still young!
Food for thought! Loving the channel. Almost went the Architect route but ended up in structural engineering. Love the content nonetheless.
Thanks Cory! Why change of thought?
@@HenryGao I was indecisive for a long time. I think the 5-7 years studying put me off a lot too, I guess I can just enjoy Architecture now.
From one architect to another thank you for this video. I'm at a point where an architectural job is not sufficient to support me
Lucky for us. There are far more ways to make money today than compared to 10 years ago.
This is such a thoughtfully presented video. Really inspiring for others on a similar journey. Thanks for sharing your story!
I appreciate that! Great to see your own TH-cam channel too.
Thanks for producing that online piece. It was well put together, and has made me think that it was about time I made more of an effort to earn online. Not sure how as yet, but it was inspiring. Thanks!
Glad I inspired you a little :-)
@@HenryGao I always liked the idea of architecture as a kid. I studied 'Visual Arts & Culture' at university, but still haven't managed to turn those efforts into what I could call a 'Creative Career'.
I'm still trying, and I've just moved back to London as there are better opportunities here, but the game has changed so much in favour of the internet, I really don't know where to start. Not your problem. And yes, you did inspire me some! Good luck to you
Mmm kay, you're just a phenomenal artist. ❤
The only two ways to make money as an architect, become a principal in a large firm, start your own business. the worst job as an architect is to be a project manager in a large firm.
You're an inspiration! You've given me lots to think about this weekend...
Haha! Thank you Ariel.
Thanks for the motivation to start my side hustle. Also GO BIG RED AAP!!
What printer do you use to print your linework drawings?
Canon ix6820 awesome dude!
This is a gem, and this is one of several new paths forward for us. Thank you man.
Eric at 30X40 is a good model.
@@HenryGao He’s super great!
Hi Henry, Its a bless stumbling upon your channel! We met at one point in naoshima, good to see you are still in the architecture discipline Bay Area. We should reconnect some time!
Oh wow really! I am so sorry I can't put your name on a face. Perhaps we can connect on Instagram?
I really really want to be like you, Thanks for shearing.
Would have been good to hear your rates, as that transparency would help other designers/architects!
Thanks for the feedback, I can certainly talk about that in a future video.
Hey Henry! Thanks for the video! I’ve been toying with different side hustles on the side like yourself and you’ve encouraged me to try new things.
Great video man and awesome drawings! 👍
Thanks for the kind words! Since I published this video, I've found more ways to leverage my architectural skillset, which I will post as a follow-up video to this one at some point in the future.
Great video - appreciated mate 👍🏼
I am an odd case where I work almost full time at a firm and do part-time uni because I have support myself. This can get tough financially and it’s easy to get discouraged and want to move away from architecture because of all the lucrative web based stuff and side hustle propaganda, but this video has really helped with my mind set! No need to chuck poor architecture down the drain.
Lauren, many creative ways to make architecture work!
I really enjoy watching this video and reading the comments given by others who have side hustles and are doing well for themselves. I am interested and just started out on Etsy.
It has been a fulfilling journey for me and I hope for you as well.
Thank you brother for that good information may GOD BLESS YOU..Which softwares must a proffessional architect learn at least. I want to architecture as my career
Honestly your hobbies paid you off
would be really great to see the percentage breakdown of all your side hustles! so we know what has been major for you
Good idea for a future video! Thanks Jordan.
@@HenryGao keep it up!
Americans are so wild, imagine calling "working a second job in the evenings" after five years of university a "stream of income". You're being tricked into a society where you work 80+ hours, friends. You're not entrepeneurs, you're not turning your passions into streams of income, you're not diversifying your revenue trickles, or whatever your self help books call it. You're working 2-3 full time jobs, when you should only be working ½ time for what you produce in value and commodities for society. You're being scammed, friends. Please resist.
I disagree, for many of us, this is one of the ways to leaving a 9-5. But requires work at the beginning.
@@HenryGaothat’s what he is saying tho, other countries are way more chill with their work hours and that money actually supports family life in those countries. I’m an architectural designer for 3+ years and can’t afford my own place to live.
Stunning drawings 😍
Thank you
Very nice. Thanks you for sharing!
This is a great idea it gives me something to think about. Thanks 😊
I am an architectural designer who got layoff recently and I have the photograph and free hand skills but I really don’t know how to start!! And after my first time getting layoff I feel the corporate companies don’t deserve my hard work because at the end they don’t appreciate it and once they run over budget they will let you go. Right now I feel disappointed and lost and I really don’t know who to start or even considering changing career especially with the job market nowadays it’s awful!
You have a lot more to offer than you realize
This is great!
Also your renders are amazing! If you made render tutorial video’s I would definitely watch those.
Thanks William! I probably won’t, but who knows? There are plenty of other folks teach visualization on TH-cam.
I'm about to enter my first year of studying Architecture this September! I'm curious to see how demands for different services will have changed by the time I'm finished 🤔
Don't expect drastic change in 4/5 years, but I am curious.
Great video! Thank you Henry!
Thank you Henry, thanks for sharing. How do you market to find new clients?
Try direct emailing!
I am in similar situation. But I choose to focus in architecture for side hustle as well. simply because there are so much to learn in architecture. I would rather spending the spare time perfecting the craft. True about the low income, I am in Australia, most of my friends working in other professional jobs earns at least double. They have all the spare times after working hours to themselves. They progress much faster in the hobbies such as tennis, surfing etc because they get to practice more while I have to work in the second job.
Hi Alex, glad to hear your opinion and experience here. There's no right or wrong answer here, everyone has a different journey as an architect...I am merely sharing my own in hopes it can positively help others.
This is super inspiring! Thanks for sharing your talents
Hi Henry, thank you for this helpful content, I got a lot of value from it. I would love to know more about your Etsy store, how you set it up, how you marketed it, printing and fulfilling.
I hope to talk more about it in future. In the meantime, check out my other video on this topic in my channel.
Thank you brother! Your insight is super helpful and encouraging. Praying extra prosperity for you and your family!
Thanks so much, same to you as well!
Wonderful, important video! Thank you’
The last few mins are the most important 🙌 👌
Glad you think so!
You sealed the deal for me to get an iPad. Love your work
Sweet! You can use one of my affiliate links to support my work.
This is such valuable information and i’m so glad you’re sharing this. What editing software do you use and what are good resources for learning more about photography/cinematography/editing. Thank you in advance!
Hi there! Thanks for the kind words. I use Final Cut Pro on Mac. There’s a great course on Skillshare by Ali Abdaal if you are considering learning.
Curious - What kinds of help did you end up hiring for to help make some of these incomes more passive than active? Particularly for what you mentioned of your selling hand drawings? Love the video, couldn't agree more across the board!
Mainly fulfillment: printing, packaging, shipping, and dealing with customer inquires.
Dear Henry! I’m an architecture student and I just wanted to ask.. what program do you use for your sketches?? It looks great!
Procreate on the iPad! Just check out my other tutorial based videos.
living in san fran or other bif city you need side hustle to just survive - it is not nice to have option - you should start your own company now that you basically know industry - my 2c
So true, architects are incredibly underpaid. I have a degree in architecture and didn't realise how low salaries were until after I graduated. If I could go back in time I'd study something like tech lol
Not fair when you compare it to tech
I love your freehand drawings. I also do them as well but haven't done them digitally yet. are you using an ipad and if so, are there specific programs you use for them?
I use Procreate on the iPad when I do my art digitally.
Well done Henry. I wish I did when I was a young architect.
Thank you. It’s never to old to tried some of these!
Hi Henry! Thanks for sharing this with us, very insightful! I have a question, what were some of the platforms you used for these? (Like in your video at 07:06 , 08:16 , 08:18 , 11:28 ? Would love to know to better productivity. Thank you!
Could you be more specific because I am not sure what time stamps are referring to?
My definition of passive income might be different, but not a single side hustle described in this video is "passive" income.
Very well presented. I appreciate you sharing your experience. I am seeking work as a passive house designer architect and have found it difficult finding clients. Any thoughts?
Hi Thomas, sorry I don't have any tips on this.
nice video Henry! felt identified lol
Glad you resonated with my content!
Hi Henry! Love your work and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Would you mind telling me what model Cannon printer you use in the video? Thanks so much!
Hey Terrill! Thanks for leaving me a message and sorry for the late reply. The one I use for Etsy is called Canon Pixma iX6820.
amzn.to/3j0dStA
Thank you so much, this video was exactly what i needed as an architecture student
Glad it was helpful Yosun!
Hi Henry. Very enlighting. Makes me so eager to start sketching too. Very new to this digital arts on etsy etc. Is it okay to just sell the softcopy of our art ? Without the need for printing it on canvas ?
Hello! Absolutely, selling digital prints (soft copy) is a big niche on Etsy.
Super talented dude