Commission sculptor with a rented studio

Businesses and developers, city and state arts programs, schools and universities, private collectors and homeowners.

Fixed-fee commissions paid in stages (deposit, midway, delivery), plus sales of finished work through galleries and direct to collectors.

• Designing and presenting proposals and maquettes
• Large-scale fabrication in your chosen material
• Budgeting and contract basics
• Managing client expectations and deadlines

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and form an LLC if it suits you
• Get general liability insurance, and ask commissioners what coverage they require for installed work
• Use a written contract with staged payments, a clear scope and who owns the design
• Large outdoor or hanging pieces may need engineering sign-off and local permits, so check with the site owner and city
• Public art calls are competitive and can take months to be decided, so plan your cash flow
• Check the lease for rules on welding, noise, hours and heavy deliveries, and get fire safety advice
• Workers' compensation may be required if you hire assistants, so check your state's rules

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your studio rent, equipment and materials. Check the lease for rules on welding, noise, hours and heavy deliveries before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the size and number of commissions you win. Public art calls are competitive and can take months to be decided, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and check your lease for rules on welding, noise and deliveries. Large outdoor or hanging pieces may need engineering sign-off and local permits. Also check insurance requirements and workers' compensation if you hire assistants.