The accidental artist: How a Sydney man's '$14 Kmart hack' sparked a debate about creativity and cash

When Josh McCann decided to try his hand at a quick money-making scheme, he probably didn't expect to become the centre of an art world debate.

The Sydney buyer's agent thought he was being cleverly 'unethical' when he started buying cheap prints from Kmart, slapping on some joint compound, and selling them as textured artwork for hundreds of dollars.

What he didn't realise was that he'd accidentally stumbled into one of the oldest conversations in the art world: what exactly makes something art?

His online video, cheekily titled as an 'unethical' money-making hack, went viral with over 1.3 million views. But instead of outrage, most viewers had a different message: 'Mate, you're just making art.'

The method behind the 'madness'

Josh's approach is refreshingly simple. He buys prints from Kmart for around $14, covers them in joint compound from Bunnings (a $64 tub that can make about 20 pieces), and creates textured patterns using whatever tools he has handy—even his fingers. The whole process takes about 10 minutes per piece, and he's been selling them for $250 to $300 each on Facebook Marketplace.

The key supplies are minimal: discounted Kmart prints and Gyprock CSR Jointmaster Topping Compound from Bunnings. The technique? Pure improvisation. 'There's no rhyme or rhythm to this. Trust me, I would even use my fingers to just smear this stuff all around the canvas,' Josh explains in his video.

After the compound dries, he photographs each piece carefully staged on a wall to make it look desirable, then lists it on Facebook Marketplace. Within days, pieces start selling.

The ethics question: scam or legitimate art?

The irony wasn't lost on social media users. Comments flooded in with variations of: 'Sorry bro that's just regular art you made art I know it feels like bullshit but you're actually just making art rn.' One particularly pointed response noted: 'That guy with the urinal is laughing his ass off at you rn' - a cheeky reference to Marcel Duchamp's famous 'Fountain' that revolutionised concepts of art over a century ago.

The reality is that Josh is engaging in a time-honoured tradition of taking existing materials and transforming them into something new with artistic intent. Whether it takes 10 minutes or 10 hours doesn't determine the legitimacy of the creative process.

Facebook Marketplace: a goldmine for senior sellers

For Australian seniors looking at Josh's success and wondering if they could try something similar, Facebook Marketplace offers genuine opportunities. With more than one billion active users, Facebook Marketplace provides unprecedented access to a broad audience of potential customers seeking everything from used furniture to baby supplies.

The platform has several advantages that make it particularly senior-friendly:

Zero listing fees and minimal transaction friction mean you keep more money in your pocket. Facebook Marketplace removes the usual friction of online selling. There are no listings fees, no courier stress, and no waiting for algorithms to warm up. It connects buyers and sellers based on location, intent, and urgency. That means more action, less waiting.

The broader picture: side hustles for Australian seniors

Josh's art venture fits into a much larger trend. The changing nature of the economy and the job market in Australia means that side hustles are no longer just a quick way to make extra cash. The gig economy has become an important part of how Australians are navigating rising costs of living, but also to find the right work/life balance. In fact, online interest in the space is booming, with 179,000 searches for 'how to make money online,' 93,000 for 'side hustle,' and 75,700 for 'passive income' in the past year alone.

For Australian seniors specifically, flexible side hustles like Etsy selling, rideshare driving, and pet sitting offer retirees extra income on their own schedule. Staying active through part-time work or hobbies can boost mental health and overall wellbeing in retirement.

If you're crafty or creative, selling handmade items can be one of the best side hustles for retirees. Platforms like Etsy make it simple to reach customers who appreciate unique, handmade goods.

Creative alternatives worth exploring

If textured wall art isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other creative income streams that might suit your interests and abilities:

Photography ventures: By this point in your life, you've probably developed a unique appreciation for the world's beauty. Share your perspective with others through a photography side hustle. You can photograph people, places, or things, and sell them in person or online. Photography has a ton of flexibility, so you can personalize your hustle to fit your needs.

Teaching and tutoring: This isn't just a side hustle for the retired teachers out there. Even if you haven't set foot in a classroom since you (or your children) were in school, you can earn money teaching online. You can teach classes in school subjects you have a knack for, provide music lessons, teach English as a second language, or even create your own course about a favorite hobby you've picked up over the years. Online teaching is flexible and gives you a great opportunity to interact with the world from the comfort of your home while sharing your knowledge with the next generation.

The reality check: what to expect

While Josh's success is impressive, it's important to have realistic expectations. Not every textured artwork will sell for $250-300, and building a regular customer base takes time. Always price your item above what you are prepared to sell and work down from there. It is important to note that if you are just going to donate the item otherwise, then $5 is better than $0! If the items are going to be unused and collect dust otherwise then something is better than clutter!

The key considerations include:

• Storage space for unsold items
• Time investment in creating, photographing, and managing listings
• Learning curve for online selling platforms
• Competition from other sellers
• Seasonal fluctuations in demand

Getting started safely and smartly

If you're inspired to try creative selling, start small and build gradually:

• Test the waters: Create a few pieces first to see if there's local interest
• Research pricing: Take a look around the marketplace to see what other sellers are selling. This will give you an idea of what your pricing may need to look like, your description, and the pictures you need to take.
• Perfect your photography: Ninety-three percent of people say that the way a product looks is the most important thing to consider when making a purchase.
• Write clear descriptions: Include materials used, dimensions, and pickup location
• Set boundaries: Decide your lowest acceptable price beforehand

The bigger picture

Josh McCann's accidental art career highlights something important about creativity and commerce in modern Australia. The second-hand economy is vital in reducing waste and giving items a second lease on life! Whether you're adding texture to a $14 print or transforming old furniture, there's value in the act of creative transformation.

For seniors facing cost-of-living pressures, side hustles offer more than just extra income. The best side hustles in retirement not only boost your income, but they also offer a sense of purpose, keep you active, and help you stay socially connected.

The beauty of Josh's approach—and similar creative ventures—is that it proves you don't need decades of training or expensive equipment to create something people want to buy. Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to experiment, a bit of joint compound, and the confidence to call yourself an artist.

What creative projects have you been putting off? Have you tried selling handmade items or repurposed goods online? Share your experiences with side hustles—successful or otherwise—in the comments below. Your story might just inspire another accidental entrepreneur!