Artist selling originals at fairs and galleries

Art buyers and collectors, visitors to fairs and open studios, and people buying gifts or decorating their homes.

Sales of originals, plus prints and cards. Galleries usually take a commission on each sale, so price with that in mind.

• A consistent, recognisable style
• Pricing and selling your own work
• Basic photography and framing knowledge

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you are trading
• Check stall fees, gallery commission rates and who is responsible for unsold or damaged work
• Public liability insurance is often required by fairs and markets
• Selling online may need a few basic checks on consumer rights, such as returns for distance sales
• Income can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer and another income source at first

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on your materials, framing, display equipment and stall fees. These are estimates, so budget for your own mix of events, galleries and online selling.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £150 to £2,500, depending on your prices, how much work you produce and how often you sell. Income can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer and another income source at first.

Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you are trading. Check stall fees, gallery commission rates and who is responsible for unsold or damaged work. Fairs often require public liability insurance, and online sales may need consumer rights checks, such as returns.