Freelance product design studio from home

Startups, inventors, small consumer brands and local manufacturers that need a new or improved product but have no in-house designer.

Fixed project fees or day rates for concept design, CAD modeling and prototype-ready files. Some designers also take a small retainer for ongoing support.

• Sketching and 3D CAD modeling
• Understanding materials and manufacturing methods
• Clear communication with clients and factories

• Contracts should state who owns the intellectual property, and check with an attorney on this
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, plus general liability
• Check city or county business license rules and any home occupation permit or HOA/lease limits
• Design software subscriptions can be a steady cost, so check licensing terms for commercial use

Estimates are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your computer, tools and software. Design software subscriptions can be a steady cost, so check licensing terms for commercial use.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you put in. Starting from about 10 hours a week is possible.

Check city or county business license rules and any home occupation permit or HOA or lease limits. Contracts should state who owns the intellectual property, so check with an attorney, and consider professional liability insurance.