Full-time painter with a rented studio and gallery sales

Collectors, galleries, interior designers, restaurants, offices and hotels buying original art or larger commissions.

Sales of originals and larger commissions, either direct or through galleries that keep a share of each sale. Income can be uneven, so many artists add prints or teaching.

• An established style and professional-quality work
• Networking with galleries, designers and buyers
• Pricing, record keeping and managing irregular income

• Rent is a fixed cost while sales are irregular, so keep several months of savings if possible
• Read gallery consignment contracts carefully, including commission split, payment timing and who insures the work
• Check with your state about sales tax registration and with your city or county about any business license
• Consider general liability insurance for the studio and insurance for stored or shown artwork
• Check your lease for rules on paint fumes, solvents and open studio events

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your studio space, materials and how you present your work. Rent is a fixed cost while sales are irregular, so keep several months of savings if possible.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your pricing, your gallery relationships and how many collectors and businesses buy. Income can be irregular, so plan around slower months.

Read gallery consignment contracts carefully, including commission split, payment timing and who insures the work. Check with your state about sales tax registration, your city or county about a business license, and your lease for rules on fumes and open studio events.