Drawing classes in a hired local venue

Adults looking for a creative evening or weekend activity, and parents booking after-school or holiday sessions for children.

Per-person fees for each class or a termly block booking, minus venue hire. Holiday workshops and themed sessions can add extra income.

• Drawing and teaching skills
• Managing a group of mixed abilities
• Local marketing
• Organising bookings and payments

• Public liability insurance (many venues ask to see it)
• If you teach under-18s, check what DBS check and safeguarding arrangements are appropriate
• Venue costs are fixed, so low attendance can wipe out your profit
• Keep a record of bookings and payments for your tax return

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on materials, venue deposits and how much you spend on promotion. These are estimates, so check local hall hire prices before you set your fees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on class size, how many sessions you run and your prices. These are estimates, and venue costs are fixed, so low attendance can wipe out your profit.

Check public liability insurance, as many venues ask to see it. If you teach under-18s, check what DBS check and safeguarding arrangements are appropriate. Also keep a record of bookings and payments for your tax return, and check how venue costs affect your profit.