I am a hobbyist, and my job will probably never require me to design and print anything for work.

I do really enjoy the process of conceptualizing, designing, and printing, and have done so for myself and some close acquaintances.

I’ve spent many hours/days learning the tools of the trade and was wondering if there was an opportunity to make some money as a side gig. Has anyone been successful doing this, and how did you go about it?

Here are a couple of my early designs, I plan to upload more once I clean things up a bit.

https://www.thingiverse.com/landon8848/designs

  • CmdrShepard@lemmy.oneEnglish
    12·
    1 year ago

    I haven’t sold anything but I’ve been seriously considering it after creating some RGB LED lamps. My main reservation is putting myself at risk by selling something that uses electricity to the general public. I’m sure the first moron who jambs a screwdriver into the powered leads and starts a fire will try to sue me.

    • EmilieEvans@lemmy.mlEnglish
      9·
      1 year ago

      Grey area would be selling the plastic part and let the customer source a broadly available electronics/LED. The next option is design work and let somebody else figure out what is in demand and how to sell it.
      For example, design it with LED strip in mind and have a small storage compartment for the controller and a strain relief in your print for the cable/connector to socket into.

    • tsonfeir@lemm.eeEnglish
      8·
      1 year ago

      If you’re just doing Etsy or eBay, don’t worry. Just put “at your own risk”

      It if you’re going to do a whole branding thing, just get an LLC, or whatever the equivalent is if you’re outside of the US.

    • lando55@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      Wow, yes that’s definitely something to consider. Even if you put language in there like, “DO NOT PUT LEDS IN THIS OR GET IT NEAR ELECTRICITY, ONLY FOR DEMONSTRATION AND TRAINING” there’s no way to prevent someone from suing you for any reason…