Starting a Creative Business on a Budget

As a new tattoo artist, I spent many hours researching the best way to start a small creative business on a budget. When I took the leap from hobby artist to professional, I took a slow, cost-effective approach, keeping my full-time job while gradually building my art business on the side. I didn't want to risk going into debt for something I wasn't sure would succeed, so I started with free versions of apps and software before slowly upgrading. While all the different advice and options out there can be overwhelming, I'm here to share the gems I've discovered for those looking to start an art business on a budget. These tips apply to any small artist,  tattooer, crafter, or maker wanting to lay the foundation for their creative business. 

Check out the links I’ve inserted for freebies, credits, and discounts on software for starting your art business. 

Basic Check List for Starting Your Small Art Business

1. Build a Website - Wix

2. Develop Branding - Canva

3. Open a Bank Account for Business Only - Novo Bank

4. Keep Track of Books - Intuit Quickbooks

5. Payment Processing - Square

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Website: The Foundation of Your Online Presence

When it comes to building a professional online presence, I've found Wix to be an exceptional choice. Its user-friendly interface, many design options, and scalability make it the perfect platform to grow your business. They utilize AI to help you improve SEO, so your site can get the traction and views it deserves - which is great for someone like me who was very unfamiliar with how to actually achieve SEO. I love the option to have a blog, book appointments, and create newsletters all from Wix. My website has been able to easily change with me as I figured out exactly what I wanted to do. I started with the free plan, moved to the "Light" plan, and am now using the "Core" plan as I expand into e-commerce. The seamless domain management and integration of print-on-demand services like Printful have been a game-changer.

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Branding and Social Media: Crafting Your Visual Identity

I struggled with brand identity and have changed it probably every year at least once since starting my journey to becoming a full-time artist. Pro tip: you don't need Adobe Creative Suite to build your brand. Canva works great, and if you're a digital artist, Procreate can supplement any gaps that Canva has if you need. Canva even has a way to save your brand colors, import fonts, and save your templates for easier and quicker post creation (yes, in the free version!). I still use the unpaid version of Canva, but do eventually want to upgrade to the paid version to more easily create social media content without running into the paywall of premium templates and elements.

Print-on-Demand: Expanding into Ecommerce

Printful has been a game-changer for me in the print-on-demand (POD) space. I chose Printful over other POD platforms because of its user-friendly design tools, white-label branding options, and the ability to easily customize my storefront. This ensures a more polished and professional experience for my customers when they receive their art pieces. I have my store connected to my website, so it's all self-contained. If you're interested in trying out Printful, use this link for a free $5 discount on your first order. 

Banking: Figuring out Financial Management

Choosing a bank was one of the most stressful points for me. I wasn't ready to invest a large sum into a traditional business account required by some large brick-and-mortar banks. I knew maintaining a separate business account is crucial, and I found Novo, an online bank catered to freelancers, to be the perfect solution. Novo provides a hassle-free banking experience and allows me to set up "reserves" that automatically allocate a percentage of my income to essential savings, such as taxes and retirement. I set it and forget it, which is especially helpful now that I make a living wage and have to set aside my retirement and tax funds. Sign up for Novo using this link and get a credit of $40 to put towards those startup business expenses. 

Bookkeeping and Expense Tracking

Staying on top of your finances is key, and I recommend keeping a detailed log of your expenses and income. Whether you use a simple Excel spreadsheet, Google Sheets or an accounting service like Intuit Quickbooks, having a clear understanding of your expenditures and income will be invaluable come tax season and for making sure that you are operating within a smart business model. I keep a PDF or JPEG of every receipt for business purchases, named like this "date_product_retailer" so that it corresponds with my expenses sheet. This may seem tedious, but it's worth it to be prepared in case of an audit.

Tattooer Tip: My mentor - an old school tattooer - drilled it into to me to always keep a handwritten ledger of income (well two actually) one that shows your true income and another that the IRS gets in case you are audited and want to live that pirate life if you catch my drift. 

Payment Processing: Streamlining the Client ExperienceWhen it comes to credit card processing, I've found Square to be a reliable and cost-effective solution. As a tattooer, I offer a variety of payment options for my clients, including Cash, Venmo, Zelle, and Square, providing a convenient experience for my clients. The platform does take a small percentage from each transaction, but there is no monthly subscription fee. Plus, with the special offer to process $1,000 without fees when you activate a Square account through my link, you can get started on the right foot.

Setting up a successful creative business on a budget is an endeavor, but with the right tools and strategies, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. By leveraging the power of technology, streamlining your financial management, and providing a top-notch client experience, you can position your business for long-term growth and success. Remember, this is an ever-evolving process, and I'll be sure to update this guide as I continue to refine and improve my own practices. Here's to your entrepreneurial adventure!