Sculptor selling works and taking commissions

Private collectors, homeowners, garden designers, interior designers, small businesses, cafes and local councils or community groups.

Sale of finished works, usually through your own website, markets, exhibitions and galleries (which often take a commission). Custom commissions are priced per piece, often with a deposit upfront.

• Skill in at least one sculpting material
• Creative design and finishing
• Quoting and pricing your time and materials
• Photographing and promoting your work

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a studio from home, especially if you have noise, dust or visitors
• Public liability insurance if you exhibit, sell at markets or install works for clients
• Safe use of tools and materials: dust, fumes, welding and heavy lifting. Check workplace safety guidance for your state or territory
• Register an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
• Use written agreements for commissions covering price, deposit, timeline and who owns the copyright
• Large outdoor or public works may need engineering advice or council approval, so check before quoting

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your materials, tools and workspace. Check whether you need public liability insurance if you exhibit, sell at markets or install works for clients.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many pieces you sell and how many commissions you take. These are estimates, and income can vary from month to month.

Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a studio from home, especially with noise, dust or visitors. Also check workplace safety guidance for your state, when to register for GST, and whether large works need council approval.