Home studio sculptor taking commissions

Private collectors, homeowners, garden designers, interior designers and small businesses wanting a unique piece.

Sale price per piece and deposits on commissions. Smaller works, prints or casts of popular pieces can bring in steadier income.

• Hands-on skill in your chosen material
• Developing a recognisable style
• Quoting and managing commissions
• Photographing your work

• Check with your local council whether a home-based business or workshop needs approval, especially for noise, dust or kilns
• Dust, fumes and heavy lifting: check ventilation, protective gear and safe handling for your materials
• Public liability insurance if you sell at markets or install work at client sites
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
• Use written commission agreements with deposits and clear ownership of copyright

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your chosen material, tools and any equipment such as kilns or ventilation. These are estimates only, so price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $3,000, depending on your materials, pricing and how many commissions and market sales you land. The estimate assumes roughly 8 hours a week or more in the studio.

Check with your local council whether a home-based business or workshop needs approval, especially for noise, dust or kilns. Also check public liability insurance for markets and installs, and when you need an ABN and GST registration.