Easy paths from game idea to first $1?

I've been studying game development for about a year now and I'm starting to see that it's not easy to become profitable in this industry.

I spent about 4 months making a small RPG game. The game I made was with purely creative and artistic intent. I wasn't thinking about money when making it.

However now I'm not interested in making the most creative game. I want to make a simple game that can make some money. Just $1 to start is my goal.

It doesn't have to be a huge hit, just something to prove that it's possible.

I would like to hear your thoughts on how someone can make that first $1 as a game developer. What would you recommend?