How to start a business?

phoenicorn

Hi all I am new here so forgive me if this is in the wrong section.

Well I am an amateur illustrator and I want to turn my hobby into a business. I have absolutely no idea where to start other than a website (which I have)

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I know times are tough and people are not spending but I refuse to believe that there is no money out there.

spadoosh

There might be a few illustrators on MSE but i can imagine its a fairly rare job (on about book ilustrations?). I would suggest looking for specific forums related to illustration as you will get advice from the experts and from people who have done it.

A quick look on google brought back this site could be worth looking at?! http://forums.freelanceuk.com/illustrator-forum/

The business side of it should be a doddle and this site would be very good for help and advice on that.

Sorry im not trying to get rid of you or anythin but think your query might be better answered in a specific forum.

phoenicorn

No prob. I was sorta hoping to get help with the business side. I know that it is a hyper competitive market at the moment I was sorta kind of hoping to turn my drawing blog in to a business. I guess I did not explain myself clearly. It is tough when you can't hyperlink till you get a certain amount of posts.

Did not know about that forum Will defo check it out.

phoenicorn

Maybe I should focus on a how to draw blog and make money through affiliates. Thanks for warning me.

TamiBolton

I think a good idea would be to create a course based on your knowledge, then you have an actual product and you can approach people who have a large subscriber base in the arts and crafts niche and you can sell it through their lists and split the profit. A video course would be ideal. The better the quality the better your results to state the obvious.

gothrockchic1

I'm sure your local library will have books on running a business the principle is the same no matter what the profession is. Best of luck x

angelpye

Business link is a government advice agency - I booked an hour consultation and it was brilliant, really useful about tax etc

scotsbob

Go to local library get a copy of "the Writers And Artists Year Book" send copies of your work to every newspaper, magazine and agent.

Do work on spec and see if you can sell it.

If you are not confident about selling get someone to do it for you on commission basis.

Do some "how to" videos and stick them on Youtube and get ad links you can make good money doing that.