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What is involved with running your own business? Is it the right option for me?

I'm a 12th grader looking to choose between the arts and sciences for her career, and one option I've been introduced to is freelance work as an artist, or being a small business owner. Is it really as glamorous as it sounds? How long does it take? Is it worth the potential risk? #career-counseling #art #smallbuisiness #freelance

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Tricia’s Answer

Running your own business definitely has it's advantages (you're in charge), but also has risks (you're in charge). :) The best piece of advice I can offer is for you to engage resources that help people get their business off the grand. Doing a quick Google search I found the following in OH, which may be useful: https://development.ohio.gov/bs/bs_entrepreneurship.htm. Writing your business plan, what you will charge for your services, how many jobs can you take on at once, how much do you need to make to be sustainable, etc. They can help you with this. If you already have clients, they can be good resource for you to understand they're buying process -- what the market is willing to pay for your services, how they decide who they select for the services you are providing, and why they selected you. As you grow your clientele you should have an opportunity to increase your rates (over time). So think about what a successful business model looks like for not only year one, but beyond. I think it is amazing when people know what they want and go after it. Best of luck to you!

Tricia recommends the following next steps:

Engage resources set-up to help a small business owner get off the ground
Make sure you have a clear business plan that shows how you can be sustainable
Get input from existing clients -- what they are willing to pay, what went into their buying decision, why did they go with you -- to help you build your business plan
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Leahanne’s Answer

All answers about work come down to who would you serve. So, who do you want to serve with your small business? Who is your work for and what is it for (who, how and what would you change by being there). If you can answer those questions and the best way to do that is through the vehicle of your own business, then yes, open it and you'll do great. And any job is glamorous if you're changing people as a result of your work.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! This is definitely very helpful as I choose what path is right for me, so I appreciate it! Morgan
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Judi’s Answer

Over the years I have needed to purchase the services of freelance artists, incorporating their art into printed materials and online communications. I hired based on the type of work they delivered and their reputation to deliver on time and high quality.

Owning a small business that provides freelance art to commercial businesses is a good option for going into business because it can have a low cost of entry (depending on the type of art you produce). However take note - it is highly competitive and it is not as glamorous as you think because you have to deliver art to meet the job’s specifications - not necessarily what you want to produce. And is very deadline driven.

Before you can make money as a freelance artist you need to make sure the type of art you produce is marketable and that you have the contacts and reputation to land the jobs. Building a good reputation can take years.

With all that said I have met many artists that were very happy working freelance. But they definitely had to be flexible with working job to job. Sometimes no work and sometimes too much.





Thank you comment icon Thank you for your honesty! I will be sure to consider these factors as I make these big decisions! Morgan
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Addi’s Answer

Being a freelance illustrator has a lot benefits: you set your own prices and policies, you set your work hours, and if you're thoughtful about how you market your work, you can attract projects that bring you joy. Some challenges you may see are: an inconsistency in clients (and therefore income), having to take on projects that you're not very excited about, and maintaining strong communication and negotiation skills. If you chose to freelance for full-time, then you also need to plan for health insurance.

Things to consider: Make sure you're familiar with any taxes/permits in your county/state (most small businesses need to file taxes quarterly). If finance stuff seems overwhelming, it's ok (me too!) - there are a lot of apps and software to help you stay organized and track your income and expenses.

I want to stress that it does not need to be one or the other. Many people find balance and stability with a non-artistic job to cover bills and insurance, while doing freelance work on the side. The best part of this scenario is you can be extra picky about what projects you accept and only do the ones that you're excited for.

Addi recommends the following next steps:

Take a look at Fiverr and Etsy - a lot of freelance artists offer their services on these platforms. When looking at their pricing, take into consideration their location.
Build a portfolio (friends and family can be your first clients!), and put it on a website or social media like Facebook or Instagram.
Get familiar with what permits/taxes are needed for your area, and practice organizing your personal finances now to get in the habit of tracking them.
Social media can be a great way to connect with a network of fellow freelancers who can answer questions, share tips, or direct clients your way if they think your work would be a good fit.
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