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 Imagine calling your boss “client.” Forget the monotony of fluorescent lights, welcome to the orange economy — where creatives like you and me get to call the shots. If you’re a fine artist, graphic designer, film director, animator, photographer, copywriter, music producer, illustrator, voice-over talent, or maybe even a social media influencer, congrats — you’re likely a “Gigger,” and this world is yours to rock.

Here’s some fuel to your fire: in Malaysia, the gig economy just smashed through three million workers by September 2024. Yep, The Malay Mail stated that over three million Malaysians now earn via gigs. And talk about serious cash. In 2024, the digital creative industry made around RM6.3 billion in revenue, supporting over 11,000 jobs, as stated by The Malaysian Reserve. So, what draws us here? Flexibility, yeah. Autonomy, yes. The chance to be your own CEO while doing what you love, double yes. But here’s the twist: most giggers are side hustling. For many, it’s “gig + day job” = survival combo. In fact, 70% of gig workers in Malaysia are part-time and use gigs to pad up income, not to replace full-time roles, as stated in The Star.

For example, in witty London, creative jobs are booming too. A report by City Hall revealed that one in five jobs in London now belongs to the creative economy. We’re talking over 1.1 million Londoners in roles in arts, media, theatres, design, etc. From 2016 to 2021, creative-economy jobs jumped by more than 200,000. That’s not just growth — that’s a creative revolution.

You want perks? No traffic jams on your commute, working in your favourite hoodie, choosing clients that spark joy. But look, it's not always sunshine. Income swings harder than a metronome, payments can be sketchy, and sometimes you’re the boss and the intern. Not exactly glamorous. Still, with more creative studios, gov-initiatives, digital platforms and original IPs coming up (animation, gaming, exports looking at you RM850 million exports! The Orange Gig game is levelling up.

So, are you a gigger in the Orange Economy?  

Here’s your dare: lean in. Dare to freelance, dare to fail (it’s part of the fun!), dare to build your own lane. Because this world? It’s hungry for new voices, fresh stories, and original ideas that only you can bring to life. The truth is that every “gig” starts with one bold step, a leap into the unknown. You might begin with one small project, a passion side job, or a sketch that becomes a full-blown brand. Then suddenly, you’re collaborating across time zones, getting paid in multiple currencies, and realising that your creativity has no borders. That’s the real beauty of this economy: it rewards imagination, courage, and consistency more than seniority or titles ever could.

Sure, it can get messy.  

You’ll face dry months, tricky clients, and creative blocks that make you question everything. But every challenge sharpens your edge. Every gig adds another layer to your story. And one day, you’ll look back and realise you didn’t just survive the gig life; you designed it.  

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of turning your art, design, words, or music into something bigger, this is your time. The Orange Economy isn’t slowing down — it’s expanding, glowing brighter with every creative mind that joins in. The only question left is: will yours be one of them?

Amina Syarfina Abu Bakar
School of Communication and Media Studies
Email: @email 

References

[1]: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/12/29/malaysias-gig-economy-surpasses-three-million-workers-in-2024-spurring-calls-for-better-worker-safeguards-protections/161415?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Malaysia’s gig economy surpasses three million workers in 2024, spurring calls for better worker safeguards, protections | Malay Mail"

[2]: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/10/03/malaysias-digital-creative-industry-thriving-with-over-300-studios-rm6-3b-in-revenue/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Malaysia's digital creative industry thriving with over 300 studios, RM6.3b in revenue"

[3]: https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2024/09/03/how-flexibility-is-turning-gig-workers-into-economic-game-changers?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How flexibility is turning gig workers into economic game changers | The Star"

[4]: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/creative-industry-jobs-london-economy-city-hall-report-b1118830.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "One in five London jobs is now in the creative economy, report reveals | The Standard"