hobbyist
Pursues interests recreationally
A hobbyist pursues an activity for pleasure rather than profit or profession.
The term often appears in contexts where amateurs and professionals coexist: hobbyist photographers, hobbyist programmers.
It can carry a slight dismissiveness when contrasted with serious practitioners: He's just a hobbyist, not a real woodworker.
Inexperienced newcomer to field
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- dabblerOne who skims surfaces
- enthusiastArdent admirer of something
- aficionadoKnowledgeable, passionate follower
buff · dilettante · tinkerer · weekender · nonprofessional · self-taught · casual · recreational
Casual, unskilled adjusting
- homebrewingDomestic alcohol production
- solderingLow-temp metal fusion
- roboticsAutomaton design field
- electronicsStudy of circuits
restoration · upcycling · woodworking · metalworking · workshop · garage · tools · modification
Loop-based textile making
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- potteryFired clay objects
- sewingCraft with needle and thread
- quiltingLayered fabric stitching
crocheting · embroidery · beading · calligraphy · origami · macrame · weaving · felting
Observing wild avians recreationally
- fishingCatching aquatic creatures
- photographyCreating images from light
- gardeningTending plants recreationally
- hikingRecreational trail walking
camping · kayaking · painting · drawing · puzzles · astronomy · geocaching · trainspotting
Postal payment adhesives
- coinsMetal money units
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
- comicsSequential art medium
- antiquesValuable old items
miniatures · memorabilia · autographs · postcards · butterflies · ceramics · watches · books
Intense eager enjoyment
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
interest · curiosity · immersion · engagement · commitment · zeal · fervor · love
novice
Inexperienced newcomer to field
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- dabblerOne who skims surfaces
- enthusiastArdent admirer of something
aficionado · buff · dilettante · tinkerer · weekender · nonprofessional · self-taught · casual · recreational · part-time
tinkering
Casual, unskilled adjusting
- homebrewingDomestic alcohol production
- solderingLow-temp metal fusion
- roboticsAutomaton design field
electronics · restoration · upcycling · woodworking · metalworking · workshop · garage · tools · modification · customization
knitting
Loop-based textile making
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- potteryFired clay objects
- sewingCraft with needle and thread
quilting · crocheting · embroidery · beading · calligraphy · origami · macrame · weaving · felting · glassblowing
birdwatching
Observing wild avians recreationally
- fishingCatching aquatic creatures
- photographyCreating images from light
- gardeningTending plants recreationally
hiking · camping · kayaking · painting · drawing · puzzles · astronomy · geocaching · trainspotting · planespotting
stamps
Postal payment adhesives
antiques · miniatures · memorabilia · autographs · postcards · butterflies · ceramics · watches · books · sneakers
enthusiasm
Intense eager enjoyment
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
devotion · interest · curiosity · immersion · engagement · commitment · zeal · fervor · love · drive
- amateuramateur, dilettante, nonprofessional, amateur league, novice
- art peopleartist, painter, sculptor, illustrator, ceramicist
- hobbyistsenthusiasts, crafters, collectors, amateurs, gardener
- photographersAnnie Leibovitz, documentary photographers, Gordon Parks, portrait photographer, event photographers
- hobbiesknitting circles, skateboarding, model trains, write, writing
- amateursamateur, nonprofessional, dabbler, novice, beginner
hobbyistprofessional
Credentialed in one's field
pro · practitioner · tradesperson · full-timer · careerist