Risk: Moderate

I’d rate the risk a 2 out of 5 because starting a side hustle as a cartoonist can be risky, especially for beginners who can't afford to lose money. The primary risks include losing money on materials, software, or marketing efforts that don't yield returns. Time and energy are also significant investments, and without proper guidance or market understanding, these can be wasted. Confidence can be affected if initial efforts don't succeed. Many beginners spend money on tools or courses and see little to no financial return. Startup costs like drawing tablets, software subscriptions, or website hosting might not pay off if the work doesn't attract clients or sales. Online discussions often highlight the challenges of breaking into the industry and the potential for financial loss if not managed carefully.