Painting studio with classes and workshops

Adults looking for a creative hobby, friends and work teams booking group sessions, parents booking kids' classes and holiday workshops, and local artists renting space.

Fees per class or per term, ticketed workshops, private group bookings, and hourly or monthly studio rental. Art supplies can be included in the price or sold separately.

• Painting and teaching confidence
• Organising bookings and timetables
• Friendly and patient with beginners
• Local marketing and social media

• Check with your local council about zoning and change of use for the premises
• Public liability insurance, plus contents cover for supplies and equipment
• A Working with Children Check may be needed if you teach under-18s, check your state's rules
• If you serve drinks at paint nights, check your state's liquor licensing rules
• Lease commitments and rent are fixed costs even in slow months
• Ventilation and safe storage and disposal of paints and solvents

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the space, fit-out, easels and supplies. These are estimates, so price your own lease, equipment and insurance before you commit to a premises.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on class numbers, your pricing, group bookings and any space you rent to artists. Treat this as an estimate, and remember rent is a fixed cost in slow months.

Check zoning and change of use with your council, and public liability and contents insurance. Also check whether a Working with Children Check applies if you teach under-18s, liquor licensing if you serve drinks, and ventilation and safe paint storage.