Painting classes from a home studio

Adult hobbyists, retired people looking for a social activity, and parents booking for teenagers.

A fee per person per session or per course of 4 to 8 weeks. Some teachers add a materials charge or sell starter kits.

• Confident painting ability in at least one medium
• Patient, clear teaching
• Friendly manner with beginners
• Basic organising and booking

• Check whether your lease, mortgage or home insurance allows visitors paying to attend
• Check with your council about planning permission or business rates if lots of people visit
• Public liability insurance, and think about spills, fumes and ventilation, especially with oils and solvents
• Safeguarding checks (such as DBS) if you teach under 18s or vulnerable adults
• Register as self-employed with HMRC

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £300 to £1,500, depending on your space, easels, materials, insurance and marketing. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own setup based on the medium you teach and your group size.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on how many classes you run, your group sizes and whether you offer courses or drop-in sessions. This is revenue, before materials, insurance and other costs.

Check whether your lease, mortgage or home insurance allows paying visitors, and ask your council about planning permission or business rates. Also check public liability insurance, ventilation for fumes and solvents, DBS checks if teaching under 18s or vulnerable adults, and HMRC self-employed registration.