Home studio sculptor selling small works

Art buyers at fairs and markets, online shoppers, local galleries and gift shops, and people who want a custom piece for their home or garden.

You sell finished pieces at fixed prices, either directly or through a gallery or shop that takes a commission. You also take paid custom orders, usually with a deposit up front.

• Hands-on sculpting in your chosen material
• Basic photography to show your work online
• Pricing your work and talking to buyers
• Patience with slow, uneven income early on

• Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit, and read any HOA or lease rules
• Check your state's sales tax registration rules for selling art, and get an EIN if you want one separate from your SSN
• Dust, fumes and noise from welding, stone, resin or kilns: check ventilation, fire safety and protective gear
• General liability insurance may be needed for fairs, and check your homeowner's policy for studio equipment and stock
• Shipping fragile or heavy work is costly and risky, so price in packing and insurance
• Income can be uneven, so keep this as a side project until sales are steady

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your chosen material, tools, safety gear and how much space you need to set up. Shipping fragile or heavy work adds packing and insurance costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on your pieces, pricing and where you sell. Income can be uneven, so keep this as a side project until sales are steady.

Check whether your city or county requires a home occupation permit, and read any HOA or lease rules. Check your state's sales tax registration rules for art. Also check ventilation, fire safety and protective gear for dust, fumes and noise, plus insurance for fairs and equipment.