Home studio artist taking commissions

Private buyers, people wanting a personal gift or portrait, interior decorators and small businesses such as cafes and offices looking for wall art.

Sale of originals, limited edition prints and paid commissions. Commissions are often priced by size and detail, with a deposit upfront.

• Strong drawing, painting or other art skills
• A consistent style and portfolio
• Talking with clients about what they want
• Basic social media and photography to show your work

• You will need an ABN to trade, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, so check with the ATO
• Running a business from home may need council approval, check with your local council
• Consider public liability insurance if you sell at markets or display in other venues
• Income can be uneven, so keep records and set money aside for tax
• Be careful not to copy other artists' work or use copyrighted images in commissions

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your materials, equipment and how you photograph and present your work. This is an estimate and varies with your medium.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $2,500, depending on your prices, style and how many pieces and commissions you sell. Income can be uneven, so keep records and set money aside for tax.

Check that you have an ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold, with the ATO. Also check council approval for running a business from home, and avoid copying other artists' work or copyrighted images in commissions.