How to Start a Graphic Art Business
Graphic artists create illustrations, prints and graphic designs, usually for commercial purposes (including artwork for logos, signs, posters, greeting cards, advertising and websites). As a freelance graphic artist, you will work on a contractual basis with media publishers or advertising agencies. Starting a graphic art business takes time and effort, but can be a fulfilling way to get paid to use your artistic talents.
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Instructions
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Planning
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Assess your business abilities. Running your own graphic arts business takes dedication and self-motivation. You need to be able to keep records, sell your art services and deliver your services in a timely manner. If you lack some of these business skills, take courses in small business ownership before proceeding.
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Analyze your graphic skills. While it might be tempting to simply buy the software and art products you need to start an art business, check to make sure you have marketable skills. You should have knowledge of commercial art and design theories, along with a familiarity of marketing and branding. If you do not have graphic art skills but are artistically inclined, take courses in commercial art before you start your business.
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Develop a business plan. This includes identifying your business objectives, target market, marketing plan, and choosing your business structure. Objectives would include your financial and growth goals (i.e. staying small vs. hiring employees). Your target market is the type of business to which you will sell your services. The marketing plan includes ideas for the types of media that reach your target market and what your message to this market will be. Working as a solo artist, you can structure your business as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability corporation (LLC).
Set-Up
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Create your workspace. This includes purchasing the necessary computer, software and printing equipment for your type of graphic art. Your studio and office can be a space in your home or a room in a separate building. See if your community has a business incubator that rents commercial space on a discounted basis to start-up businesses.
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Set your prices. Start by adding up all your annual expenses, including the salary you would like to receive. Divide this by the number of billable hours you will work each week to come up with an hourly rate. Billable hours include all time you spend directly working for a client. They do not include time spent filling out paperwork, marketing your business or other activities associated with running your business.
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Write a contract for services. This agreement should describe who is bound by it, what goods or services will take place, when the job will be completed, how much it will cost and what rights are transferred upon completion. Although plenty of boilerplate contract examples are available, have an attorney examine yours to check its legality.
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Create marketing material. Design your logo and a business card. Create a portfolio, which can be physical (for print designers) or electronic (for electronic designers). A website is helpful for clearly displaying your services, prices and portfolio. Blogs and other social marketing can help you keep in touch with established clients.
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Market your services. You can now start selling your services by implementing your marketing plan. Focus your marketing money on media that reaches your target market. If you plan to create art for a certain industry (publishing companies, for example), advertise your services in trade journals or other industry-specific media.
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Tips & Warnings
Join professional organizations. They offer business support, including discounted group health insurance.
Consult with an accountant and an attorney. You should have a working relationship with both individuals, who can also answer questions about business structure, tax liability and financial planning.
Check for local and state business regulations. You may be required to get permits, licenses and file paperwork as part of starting your graphic art business.
