Home studio artist taking commissions

Private buyers, gift shoppers, local businesses wanting wall art, and people marking a wedding, new home or memorial.

A fixed price per piece or a quote per commission, often with a deposit upfront. Prints and cards of your best work add smaller, repeat sales.

• Strong drawing, painting or other art skills
• A consistent style people recognize
• Clear communication with clients about timelines and revisions

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit
• Check HOA or lease rules before working from home or having clients visit
• Register for sales tax with your state if you sell finished work directly, and keep records of all income for the IRS
• Be clear in writing about who owns the copyright and how many revisions a commission includes

Startup costs are typically around $200 to $1,500, depending on your materials, framing, equipment and how you present and promote your work.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $2,500, depending on how many pieces and commissions you sell and your pricing. These are revenue estimates, before materials and other costs.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license or home occupation permit, and any HOA or lease rules. Register for state sales tax if you sell finished work directly, keep income records for the IRS, and put copyright and revision terms in writing.