Brand and marketing design studio

Growing small and mid-sized businesses, startups, agencies, nonprofits and local organizations that need consistent branding and regular marketing materials.

Larger project fees for brand identities plus monthly retainers for ongoing design work, with extra income from print management or referrals.

• Strong portfolio and brand strategy thinking
• Professional design software
• Pricing, proposals and client management
• Basic bookkeeping and self-marketing

• Check city or county business license rules and any home occupation permit or HOA or lease limits
• Consider general liability and professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
• Check your state's rules on sales tax for design services, as they vary
• Income can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer and avoid relying on one or two clients
• Use written contracts covering scope, revisions, deposits and copyright ownership

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your software, computer, portfolio site, insurance and any shared workspace. These are estimates only. Working from home usually keeps costs toward the lower end of that range.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your rates, how many retainer clients you have and the projects you take on. These are estimates, not guarantees. Income can be uneven, so keep a cash buffer.

Check city or county business license rules, any home occupation permit, and HOA or lease limits. Also check your state's sales tax rules for design services, consider general and professional liability insurance, and use written contracts covering scope, revisions and copyright.