Growthink logo white

Artist Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

artist business plan template

Artist Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their artist businesses and art galleries . We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an artist business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your artist business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start an artist business or grow your existing artist company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your artist business to improve your chances of success. Your artist business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Artist Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an artist business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for artist companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for an artist business.

If you want to start an artist business or expand your current one, you need a business plan in the proper business plan format . The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your artist business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of artist business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an artist business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of artist businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

  • Give a brief overview of the artist industry.
  • Discuss the type of artist business you are operating.
  • Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
  • Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
  • Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of artist business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of artist businesses:

  • Antiques: This type of artist business may include the restoration, curation, and auction of antique furniture and other items.
  • Art Consultant: This type of artist business involves helping clients find and select art pieces for their own collections.
  • Tattoo Artist: Tattoos are a popular way for artists to earn money by tattooing permanent ink art onto their customers.
  • Photography: Photographers may specialize in certain categories like wedding photography or nature photography.
  • Graphic design: This type of business encompasses all kinds of design from creating logos and marketing materials for businesses to creating websites and designing products.
  • Art teacher: This type of artist business involves art instruction and can include anything from teaching an elementary school art class to a recreational painting class, or an online art course.

In addition to explaining the type of artist business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the number of art pieces sold, reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
  • Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the artist industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes. First, researching the artist industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends. The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your artist business plan:

  • How big is the artist industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your artist business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your artist business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of artist business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Artist Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other art businesses. Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This may include other sources of art pieces, auctions, or resellers. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What type of artist business are they?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you make it easier for your customers to engage with your product or service?
  • Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a artist business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of artist company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you sell paintings or sculptures, consult on various art pieces, instruct a painting class, etc?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your artist company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your artist business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your artist marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
  • Reach out to websites
  • Distribute flyers
  • Engage in email marketing
  • Advertise on social media platforms
  • Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your artist business, including answering calls, meeting with clients, billing and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your artist business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your artist business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing artist businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an artist business or successfully running a small curation business.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you meet with 5 clients per day, and will you charge by the hour for art consultation services? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your artist business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a artist business:

  • Cost of equipment and office supplies
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a sample of your artist portfolio.  

Writing a business plan for your artist business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the sample template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert artist business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will understand the artist industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful artist business.  

Artist Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my artist business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your artist business plan.

How Do You Start an Artist Business?

Starting an artist business is easy with these 14 steps:

  • Choose the Name for Your Artist Business
  • Create Your Artist Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Artist Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Artist Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Artist Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Artist Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Artist Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Artist Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Artist Business
  • Open for Business

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Artist business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template For Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

logo with the words art social

Crafting an Artist Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

Jan 24, 2024

Every artist dreams of turning their passion into a successful career, but navigating the business side of the art world can be daunting. Creating a comprehensive artist business plan is the key to transforming your passion into a thriving and sustainable art business .

This step-by-step guide for 2024 will walk you through the process of crafting an effective business plan that will help you achieve your artistic dreams and financial goals. Plus, get instant access to our free guide for creating art that sells so you can grow your business.

This article shows you how to create a business plan for your artist business, including these highlights:

Essentials to include in your artist business plan, such as your artistic vision and goals, your target audience (or ideal collector), and your unique selling proposition (artistic voice)

How to research and analyze the art market to help you price your artwork effectively, and how to manage the financial aspects of your artist business

Marketing and promotion strategies for artists and the value of building an effective team to help you achieve the goals of your artist business plan

The Essentials of an Artist Business Plan

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist writing a business plan in a creative workspace. Photo by Surface on Unsplash

An effective artist business plan is more than just a document outlining your goals and strategies—it’s the foundation of your art business and a roadmap to success. It helps you gain a better understanding of your artist business, identify your target audience (or ideal collector), and establish your unique selling proposition (or artistic voice). A well-crafted art business plan is essential for attracting clients, securing financing, and expanding your art career.

Your artist business plan should include:

Your artistic vision and goals

A description of your target audience or ideal collector

Your unique selling proposition (USP)

Information about trends in the art marketplace and your competitors

A detailed description of your products and services

A marketing plan

A comprehensive financial plan

Key roles to build your artist business team

A business plan is essential for the success of your venture because it's your guide to achieving your artistic and financial goals.

Define Your Artistic Vision and Goals

The first step in creating a business plan is to define your artistic vision and overall objectives. Understanding your artistic vision and goals equips you to steer your art business toward success. Your business plan will serve as the guiding principle for all the decisions you’ll make moving forward.

Your vision statement should outline what you want to be known for, the venues where you’d like to showcase your art, and potential collaborators essential for a successful creative art business. By asking yourself why you chose this path and what you hope to achieve, you can stay on course even during tough times.

Along with a clear vision, detail your goals. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps to make the process less overwhelming and more achievable. When formulating your artist business plan, consider the resources you have at your disposal, such as your skills, connections within the art industry, and the funding required to bring your vision to life.

Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience (or ideal collector) will enable you to customize your marketing strategies and establish a connection with potential customers. To help you identify your ideal collector, ask questions like, “What age group or income level could possibly access your art pieces?” or “Which kind of buyers understand your work?” In your business plan, include demographics, geographic location, and psychographic attributes of the collector in the description of your target market.

Assess Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is a statement that outlines the distinguishing features of your art, including your style, visual appeal, and the benefits of your products and services. The USP can help you stand out from other artists and showcase the distinct qualities of your offerings. Include a well-crafted USP in your art business plan to highlight the uniqueness that will help you leave your mark in the art world.

Market Research and Analysis

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist looking at industry trends and analyzing the art market. Photo by UX Indonesia on Unsplash

Researching and analyzing the art marketplace are fundamental for understanding the art industry, formulating a competitive strategy, making informed decisions, and adjusting your business strategies as needed.

A SWOT analysis evaluates s trengths, w eaknesses, o pportunities, and t hreats so you can develop effective strategies to grow your artist business. This comprehensive evaluation helps you identify opportunities and threats in the market, assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to address those opportunities and threats by capitalizing on your strengths.

Consistently revisiting your SWOT analysis allows you to monitor progress, identify potential improvement areas, and make strategic adjustments as required.

Analyze Industry Trends

Examining industry trends is crucial for staying relevant and adjusting your business strategies accordingly. You can stay informed about industry trends by following or subscribing to art publications, participating in art events, and networking with other art professionals.

Maintaining an awareness of trends and openness to innovative approaches ensures your art business sustains its competitive edge in a swiftly evolving market.

Evaluate Competitors

The knowledge you gain from in-depth market research helps you identify direct and indirect competitors in the art world and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding your competitors is essential for identifying your own strengths and weaknesses and creating a competitive advantage.

In your business plan, provide an overview of your competitors and insight into their strengths and weaknesses. This enhances your market positioning and fosters a unique advantage to help your art business flourish.

Product and Service Offerings

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist diversifying their portfolio with different art pieces. Photo by Antonio Francisco on Unsplash

Diversifying your artist portfolio, offering various products and services, and developing pricing strategies are essential for sustaining profitability and communicating the value of your art business to potential investors and collectors. Your business plan should include a detailed outline of these aspects of your business.

Offering a diverse range of art products and services enables you to accommodate a wider audience, increase your revenue streams, and secure the success and sustainability of your art business. Consider showcasing your artwork in physical galleries, online sales, artist associations, or a combination of these options.

Pricing Strategies

When it comes to pricing, consistency is key. Your strategy should be to increase your artwork's prices and value gradually over time. There are two primary pricing models to consider—one for the established market and another for creating your own market niche.

In the established art market, a common approach is to assign a set price per square inch, with canvas pieces typically starting at $2-$3 per square inch. Works on paper may be priced 20-50% lower to reflect market standards. These figures represent starting prices for emerging artists within gallery spaces. When dealing with dealers, designers, or wholesalers, you must present your retail prices upfront and negotiate from there, ensuring transparency and maintaining value.

Alternatively, crafting your own art market affords greater flexibility. Here, you can opt for lower pricing to sell more pieces rapidly, relying on volume. However, if you aim to position your work at a higher price point, you may sell less frequently but can offer prints as a more accessible option to your audience. You might set prices based on size, the effort involved, or the uniqueness of each piece. Starting at $1 per square inch could be viable, particularly as it allows you to retain most of the earnings, unlike gallery sales, where commissions are involved.

Regardless of the market you choose to engage with, it's crucial to justify your prices and understand their rationale. Consistency in pricing not only helps in building trust with your collectors but also aligns with supply and demand dynamics, considering the financial climate of your target market. Your artist business plan should include a detailed outline of your diverse offerings and a thorough pricing strategy that reflects these considerations, setting the stage for a thriving artistic enterprise.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist building an online presence with social media platforms. Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash

Your business plan must detail your marketing and promotion strategies, which are critical for reaching your ideal collectors and enhancing sales. A well-planned marketing strategy helps you effectively communicate your unique selling proposition to potential customers and establish a connection with them. Use diverse marketing channels, including:

Social media

Email marketing

Content marketing

Building an online presence, networking with art professionals, and participating in art fairs and galleries are essential to a successful art marketing plan. Employing these strategies effectively displays your work, builds connections with potential buyers, and expands your artist brand.

Build an Online Presence

A strong online presence lets you showcase your work, connect with potential buyers, and grow your brand. Creating an artist website featuring a portfolio of your work and a compelling artist statement can help you attract collectors and establish credibility. Design your artist website with care and attention to detail to ensure success in the competitive art world.

Furthermore, leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram, as well as online marketplaces like Etsy, can help you monetize your work and reach a broader audience.

Network and Collaborate

Networking and collaboration are vital for building relationships, gaining exposure, and learning from others in the art industry. Here are some ways to connect with fellow artists and industry professionals:

Attend art events

Join professional organizations

Engage in online forums

Utilize social media

These activities can help you build valuable connections and expand your network. By fostering these relationships, you can gain valuable insights, identify potential collaborators, and stay informed about art industry trends and opportunities.

Participate in Art Fairs and Galleries

Art fairs and galleries offer excellent opportunities for artists to gain exposure, sell their work, and establish credibility in the art world. By participating in art fairs and showcasing your work in galleries, you can reach a wider audience and attract potential buyers.

Researching and connecting with local, national, and international art fairs and galleries can help you identify the best venues for showcasing your work and growing your art business.

Financial Planning and Management

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist creating a budget and financial projections. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Financial planning and management are critical for ensuring the success and sustainability of your art business. Formulating a budget, generating financial projections, and overseeing your financial performance empower you to make informed decisions and proficiently manage your finances. Including a well-structured financial plan in your business plan will also help you attract potential investors and secure financing to grow your art business.

Managing your finances involves tracking your income and expenses, establishing financial goals, and adjusting your expenditures accordingly. Regular reviews of your financial statements and necessary strategy adjustments guarantee your art business sustains its financial health and viability.

Create a Budget

Creating a budget is essential for managing your funds, allocating resources, and planning for growth. It helps you set financial objectives, monitor your income and expenses, and adjust your spending accordingly.

To effectively track and adjust your budget, review it regularly and identify potential areas for cost reduction. For example, can you find a more affordable source for your paints or canvases? Are you wasting art supplies, and can you adjust your techniques to maximize what you have for greater profitability?

A well-managed budget enables you to make better decisions and achieve your financial goals without spending money carelessly.

Establish Financial Projections

Financial projections are estimates of future income and expenses that help you make informed decisions about your business. By gathering data, constructing a budget, establishing a timeline, and predicting future income and expenses, you can create a roadmap for your art business’s financial future. For example, what art pieces do you plan to create over the next few months, what will the supplies cost, and at what price do you plan to sell each piece?

These projections will enable you to plan for growth, manage risks, and ensure the achievement of your short-term and long-term goals for the success of your business.

Monitor Financial Performance

Monitoring financial performance is essential for identifying areas for improvement and adjusting strategies accordingly. To gain a comprehensive understanding of your art business's financial health, review your:

Regularly updating your financials and comparing them to your projections will help you evaluate your progress and make informed decisions.

Building an Effective Team

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist recruiting and retaining talent for their team. Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

All artists need support and encouragement, and a robust team can become the cornerstone of your business, facilitating the achievement of your artistic and financial goals. A team lets you focus on your core competencies (the things you’re best at) and ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Furthermore, a strong team can provide valuable guidance, assistance, and expertise to help you make informed decisions and drive your business forward.

Identify Key Roles

artist business plan sample pdf

A person holding a pen and writing on a notepad, with the words artist business plan written on the top of the page. Original photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Identifying key roles in your art business is crucial for delegating tasks and focusing on your core competencies. Roles to consider in an artist business plan include:

The manager

The accountant

The marketing team

As a hard-working artist, delegating tasks to a team of skilled professionals allows you to concentrate on your strengths—like creating art that changes the world—and ensures that your art business runs smoothly and efficiently.

These roles may not require full-time personnel, but knowing who you can trust to help with various aspects of your art business frees you to focus on the work you enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

artist business plan sample pdf

An artist in an art studio creating a business plan for a successful art career. Photo by Surface on Unsplash

How do I write a business plan for an artist?

To write a business plan for artists, begin by defining a vision statement and setting realistic goals. Define your target customers or ideal collectors, research your competitors, and detail your unique sales proposition—the qualities that make your artist business stand out. Be sure to include marketing strategies, financial plans and projections, and descriptions of your products and services in your business plan.

How can I identify my target audience or ideal collectors?

To identify your target audience or ideal collectors, consider demographics, geographic location, and psychographic attributes of potential buyers, such as age group, income level, and preferences. Doing so will help pinpoint who will most likely be interested in your art and help you connect with potential buyers.

What should be included in my online portfolio?

Your online portfolio should feature a selection of your best work, a professional artist statement, and biographical information to paint a clear picture of your artistic vision. Include testimonials from past customers to add credibility to your work.

How can I effectively price my art?

A consistent pricing strategy is the key to building trust with your collectors and aligning with the financial climate of your target market. When pricing pieces for the established art market, the most common method is to set a price per square inch. To craft your own art market, opt for lower pricing to sell more volume. You might set prices based on size, the effort involved, or the uniqueness of each piece.

A Business Plan for Artists to Change the World

Creating a comprehensive artist business plan is the key to transforming your passion into a thriving and sustainable business. By defining your artistic vision, identifying your ideal collectors, researching the art market, and developing marketing and financial strategies, you can set your art business on the path to success. Building an effective team can provide valuable support and guidance along the way. With dedication, hard work, and a well-crafted business plan, the world of art is yours to conquer.

Download our free guide on How to Create Authentic Art that Sells to learn what’s trending and help you ensure more art sales while staying true to your own artistic voice.

artist business plan sample pdf

Your destiny starts now

No need to wait — get incredible free content to prepare you for The Mastery Program . Join the Mastery Program Waitlist today!

More articles

Brush Cleaning Tips for People who Hate Cleaning Brushes

The last thing you feel like doing after painting is spending time at a sink cleaning out your brushes. Here's how to basically never have to do that...

Non-toxic Oil Painting

Worried about the toxicity of oil paint? We've got you covered! You CAN enjoy non-toxic oil painting...

Goals & Band-Aids

Success comes with consistency in your goals. Think you're not up for the task? Think again. You CAN do this. And you will.

Work in Culture logo

Build your career in the cultural and creative industries

artist business plan sample pdf

Build your career in the arts, culture and creative industries with Work in Culture

Latest jobs and opportunities.

  • Job Listings

Programs and Skills Development

See all programs ▶︎

Bob Johnston Award

Bob Johnston Award

Working in the Arts: Resources and Pathways for Newcomers

Working in the Arts: Resources and Pathways for Newcomers

News and events.

More News and Events ▶︎

FUTURE OF WORK: A New Suite of HR Tools for Canada’s Creative Community

Music Publishers Canada and Work in Culture are proud to present Future of Work, a suite of practical HR tools to help support talent acquisition, retention, and DEI for arts and culture organizations and companies of all sizes.

Announcing a New Partnership with Substrakt on Digital Skills Training for the Arts

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Substrakt, a digital agency who specialize in the arts and culture sector, to bring their digital expertise to the Work in Culture community.

2023 Year in Review and Holiday Hours

Happy holidays from the WIC team! As we approach the end of the year, we’re reflecting on our 2023 highlights and looking ahead to how we’ll serve the creative community in 2024. Plus, a note on our holiday office closure.

What’s New with the Work in Culture Job Board?

As you may have noticed, the Job Board and the Work in Culture website have a new look! But there are also new features and resources to explore. Here are some of our highlights of what’s new — for job seekers, job posters, and those looking to build their careers in arts and culture!

  • Business Plan for Investors
  • Bank/SBA Business Plan
  • Operational/Strategic Planning Services
  • L1 Visa Business Plan
  • E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
  • E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
  • EB-1 Business Plan
  • EB-2 NIW Business Plan
  • EB-5 Business Plan
  • Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
  • Start-Up Visa Business Plan
  • Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
  • Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
  • Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
  • British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
  • Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
  • OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
  • LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
  • ICT Work Permit Business Plan
  • LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
  • USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Plan
  • Landlord business plan
  • Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan
  • USDA Business Plan
  • Cannabis business plan
  • Ecommerce business plan
  • Online boutique business plan
  • Mobile application business plan
  • Daycare business plan
  • Restaurant business plan
  • Food delivery business plan
  • Real estate business plan
  • Business Continuity Plan
  • Pitch Deck Consulting Services
  • Financial Due Diligence Services
  • ICO whitepaper
  • ICO consulting services
  • Confidential Information Memorandum
  • Private Placement Memorandum
  • Feasibility study
  • Fractional CFO
  • How it works
  • Business Plan Examples

Artists Business Plan Template

NOV.10, 2021

artist business plan

Artist business plan for starting your own business

In today’s world, an artist is a creative entrepreneur who is a self-employed business owner and uses his skill to earn a decent living. A professional artist is someone who knows how to make an impact with his work and make a living out of it. In case you want to make a business out of your art, a well-thought artist business plan can make a huge difference towards your success.

Whether you want music festival business plan , internet radio business plan , business plan for music industry , business plan for movie theater , karaoke business plan , or night club business plan , this model of business plan will help you in writing a well thought business plan to start a successful business.

If you want to know how to write a business plan for an artist, or you are looking for business plan for artists, you can continue to read as we will write down all the important points required in a good business plan for investors .

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

In all the business plan examples for artists, the first thing you need to mention is the introduction of your business.

PixelCo will be a registered, licensed and insured art design business based in the Miami, Florida. This business will strive to cultivate meaningful and relevant connections between people and brands through our art designing services and unparalleled visuals.

2.2 Management of Artist Business

The success of any business heavily depends on its management and staff. That is why in your business plans for artists, make sure to plan everything in advance.

The management body of the company will include art artists, sales executives, animation and cartoon specialists, customer representatives and website developers. The team will be managed by the owner who will look into every matter himself.

Like in every artist business plan sample, you need to provide detail about the management. The staff will be hired one month before the launch of the company and will be trained by the owner.

2.3 Customers of Artist Business

At PixelCo, our customers will include following

  • Insurance Companies and banks
  • Sport Organizations
  • Political parties
  • Television Stations
  • Real Estate Owners, Contractors and Developers
  • Advertising agencies
  • Entrepreneurs

Similar to a mobile app business plan , mentioning all the customers are required to make a strong business plan.

2.4 Business Target

Our primary goal is to become the best art design company in Miami within the next 6 years of our startup. We aim to provide the best and reasonable services to our customers. The main business targets that we want to achieve as milestones over the next four years are as follows:

  • To cover the investment by the end of the first year
  • To expand our company and open up two to three company offices by the end of 5th year
  • To raise at least $10 monthly revenue by the end of the first year

Artist Business Plan - 3 Years Profit Forecast

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

PixelCo will be owned by Julie Mark, a renewed art designer. She has completed her Masters of Art in art design from the University of London. After completing her degree, she worked with some leading digital marketing companies as a art designer. After gaining all the knowledge about how to start a small art business, she decided to start her own business.

3.2 Why the Artist Business is being started?

Julie continued to work as a art designer in some of the biggest art designer companies in the US. But soon she realized that she can start her own business and can establish her name in the art designing industry.

That is why she decided to start PixelCo completely by herself. Similar to writing a business plan for makeup artist, it is important to write down why and how the business will be started when writing a business plan for artist.

3.3 How the Artist Business will be started?

In business plan artist, you need to mention all the necessary steps to start a business. To start a art designing business, you do not need much investment as needed in other startups.

Julie has planned everything for her business including the required inventory and personnel.

Office Space

To start an art designing business on a small scale, you need a small set-up, and for that, a small space will be enough.

Office furniture

Next, to set up the space, you will need office furniture including filing cabinets, couches, chairs and work desks. You will also need some decent furniture for meeting rooms and waiting rooms.

The next and important thing is to buy all the art designing and other related software to start the work. These include Freehand, Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark and Microsoft project.

Internet Connection

You will need a strong internet connection to carry out the work without any distortion.

Start-up Expenses

When we talk about the expenses to open a art designing company, these include consultant fees, insurance, rent for the space, laptops and computers for the employees and interior expenses.

Artist Business Plan - Startup Cost

In this business plan for artist management company , you need to mention the services your company will provide. This is an extremely important part of any business plan for artist.

PixelCo will provide art designing services and visual communication services to small as well as established companies. We aim to compete with all the leading art designing companies in the US. As can be seen in our business plan template for artists, we will provide the following services:

Digital Designs

We will provide digital designs including logos, websites, and all kinds of arts to our clients. We will also provide cartoons and animations as per our customer’s requirements.

Hard Decorations

We will also provide hard form decorations, art pieces, and custom-themed paintings.

Print Designs

In addition to digital designs, we will also provide print media designs including books, magazines and newspapers.

Advertisements

We will also provide advertising services and corporate branding that will include infoarts, brochures, product packaging, and posters.

Marketing Analysis of Artist Business

Great service.

Great service. Good turnaround time and quality work. Thanks!

Similar to business plan for music artist, marketing analysis is an important component in abusiness plan for artists pdf. That is why Julie got the services of marketing experts to help her through this important phase. In anny artist development plan, the importance of this part cannot be ignored.

To start a successful business for artists, you need to do an accurate marketing analysis, as the planning and execution of many other components depend on it. It also serves as the basis of your business strategy.

5.1 Market Trends

The trend in the art designing industry is that the market keeps expanding with time. Anything that cannot be done verbally needs to be put into some design to communicate or to send the message. If we look around, we are surrounded by arts.

From your coffee mug to the magazine cover, the ads on the TV all are applications of art designing. These are the reasons why the art designing industry is growing fast and is one of the biggest and fastest-growing companies in the world.

In 2017, around 335,000 art design companies were working all over the world. These include both small and large companies and people working as freelancers. The art design business is popular because all other businesses require their services to appear professional and to reach out to people.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Market segmentation is another important part of the sample regarding how to manage an artist pdf available online. All top performing artist marketing plan example templates include the detail about marketing segmentation for art design business.

The target market for PixelCo will be the corporate sector located in the US. According to research, the US houses more than 500,000 businesses which include both local, multinational and national businesses. These businesses have revenue in millions of dollars each year. It makes it easy for them to spend a lot of money on their art designing needs to promote their brands and to reach out to people.

To develop a good marketing strategy and to run a business seamlessly, it is important to analyze the market segmentation. An efficient and successful marketing strategy can only be developed after knowing the potential customers of any business. The market segmentation for PixelCo will be as follows:

Artist Business Plan - Marketing Segmentation

UK Start-Up Visa Business Plan

Corporate sector

One of the biggest consumers of PixelCo will be the corporate sector located in Florida. These include local, national and multinational businesses that need art designing services to expand their business. These companies include product manufacturers, real estate owners, distributors, developers, banks, hotels, IT firms, software houses and advertising agencies. These companies will need our services to update their brand logos, make advertisements and manage their websites and social media pages.

Institutes and Organizations

Our next target group consists of organizations and institutions located in Florida. These include public and government sectors such as schools, universities and colleges, sports organizations, political parties, non-profit and religious organizations.

Print Companies

Our third and important target group will be digital media and print companies. These will include publication companies, video production companies and television studios. Due to its nature, this target group is one of the biggest consumers of artist and designing services.

5.3 Business Target

Our primary goal is to balance the cost of investment in the first two years of our launch. Our secondary goal is to become the best art design company in Florida within few years.

5.4 Product Pricing

When writing a marketing plan artist, the pricing is extremely crucial. The service and product pricing should be determined with great care. We have considered the market demands, and have priced all our services in a comparable range with other companies. All of our prices are similar to other companies except for logo making prices which are 30 percent less than other companies to promote sales.

Marketing Strategy for Artist Business

PixelCo will make sure that we meet the clients’ expectations and deliver the service as per their requirements. Any good independent artist business plan like this business plan for artist example pdf should have a clearly defined marketing strategy.

Our goal is to achieve a 15% increase in website traffic every month and we will work to turn 70% of the visitors into our consumers. We will also work on increasing the engagement rates. Engagement rates show the frequency at which visitors interact with the post. We aim to increase our social media following so we can reach out to maximum people.

6.1 Competitive Analysis

To survive in artist and design industry, you have to be very creative and should have innovative ideas regarding designs. Only then you can survive and grow.

PixelCo has a team of dedicated and hard-working professionals. All of the staff is highly trained and has excellent qualifications. Our biggest competitive advantage is the leadership of our owner Julie, who has worked in world-renowned companies.

6.2 Sales Strategy

Julie has carried out a detailed analysis and along with her team, and came up with excellent ideas to advertise her company.

  • We will reach out to people by advertising our company by using social media platforms, newspapers, magazines and TV stations.
  • In the first three months of our launch, we will offer a 20% discount on our all services
  • We will offer a 30% discount on all of our services on customer’s referral.
  • We will send introductory letters and brochures to other organizations.

6.3 Sales Monthly

Artist Business Plan - Sales Monthly

6.4 Sales Yearly

Artist Business Plan - Sales Yearly

6.5 Sales Forecast

Artist Business Plan - Unit Sales

Personnel plan

In an artist business plan or artist development plan, personnel plan is important as it provides an idea of personnel cost. If the staff is not loyal to the company, the company cannot make progress. It is difficult to estimate the type and number of staff needed to start a business until a business is launched. So to get through this step, it is important to take the advice of HR experts.

7.1  Company Staff

The following people will be needed to run PixelCo. Also, note that Julie Mark will be the owner and CEO of PixelCo business. The list of staff is as follows

  • 1 operation manager
  • 1 social media marketing manager
  • 3 sales executive
  • 2 animation and cartoon specialists
  • 5 website developers
  • 3 customer representatives
  • 1 reception clerk
  • 1 accountant

7.2  Average Salary of Employees

Financial plan.

When writing a business plan for artist, a financial plan is the next important thing after personnel plan. Any good business plan for artists clearly lists all costs, such as the cost of startup, payroll, inventory, utilities and equipment.

The major expense/ costs include:

  • The interior design of the office
  • Office space rent
  • Cost of inventory – furniture, chairs, tables and laptops
  • Salary of employees
  • Bonds, securities, registration costs, and insurance
  • Cost of buying software

8.1 Important Assumptions

8.2 break-even analysis.

Artist Business Plan - Break-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

Artist Business Plan - Profit Monthly

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

Artist Business Plan - Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

Artist Business Plan - Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

Artist Business Plan - Gross Margin Yearly

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

Artist Business Plan - Project Cash Flow

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

8.6 business ratios.

  • How can I start my own business as an artist?

To start a business as an artist, you need to use your skill. Make a business plan for artist and work on it to start your own business. You can easily start it once you have made a good business plan for makeup artist. After that, just follow the steps to start a successful business.

  • How do I write a business plan for an artist?

You can use this business plan template for artist to write your own plan.

  • Is an artist a business?

Not all entrepreneurs are artists but it is the fact that all artists are entrepreneurs. Being an artist you can polish your skill and then use it to make a living out of it. The business for artists is their skill through which they can earn money.

  • How much does an art business make?

The amount of money that an art business can make depends upon the type of art you are selling. For example, if you are a graphic artist, you can make a lot of money as compared to an artist who is just a painter.

Download Artist Business Plan Template in pdf

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

artist business plan sample pdf

Add comment

E-mail is already registered on the site. Please use the Login form or enter another .

You entered an incorrect username or password

Comments (0)

mentioned in the press:

Search the site:

artist business plan sample pdf

OGScapital website is not supported for your current browser. Please use:

artist business plan sample pdf

Record Label Mavericks Logo Design

How To Write a Winning Music Artist Business Plan + Template

Record Label Business Plan Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for music artist businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every music artist company should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Music Artist Business Plan?

A music artist business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Music Artist Business Plan?

A music artist business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Music Artist Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful music artist business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a music artist business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  • Start with a one-line description of your music artist company
  • Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your music artist business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your music artist firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen music artist business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a music artist business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

  • What part of the music artist industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the clients of a music artist business may include booking agents, music venues, and festivals.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or music artist services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your music artist business may have:

  • Unique music artist style
  • Strong industry presence
  • Extensive music artist repertoire
  • Innovative music artist techniques
  • Highly experienced management team

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your music artist business via word-of-mouth, referrals, or by exhibiting at trade shows.

Operations Plan

This part of your music artist business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a music artist business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include:

  • Signing a major artist
  • Opening a new location
  • Hiring key personnel

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific music artist industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Music Artist Firm

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Music Artist Firm

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

  • Cash Flow From Operations
  • Cash Flow From Investments
  • Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup music artist business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Music Artist Firm

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your music artist company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

Remember to keep your business plan updated as your company grows and changes. Review it at least once a year to make sure it is still relevant and accurate.  

Finish Your Music Artist Business Plan in 1 Day!

ARTIST BUSINESS PLAN: Template & Simple Steps to Write One

  • by Kenechukwu Muoghalu
  • August 12, 2023
  • No comments
  • 7 minute read

artist business plan

Table of Contents Hide

What is an artist business plan, why do you need a business plan, #1. executive summary, #2. company overview, #3. industry analysis, #4. customer analysis, #5. competitive analysis, #6. marketing plan, #7. operation plan, #8. management team, #9. financial plan, #10. appendix, artist business plan template, not ready to write a business plan yourself, conclusion , how do i write a business plan for an artist, is being an artist a business, how much can an art business make.

It is heart-throbbing to know that you have finally decided to leap without much consideration into starting an artist business. Figuring out what to do next should be the next milestone to cross. Well, as an artist, you need to have a business plan before you get to experience any development in your new business. As a starter, you will be faced with multiple new experiences that might seem tough to handle, which is understandable because you are in a new field. So, to make your artist business journey easier, a development plan is needed. To avoid stressing this further, this article will provide a template that can help you write an artist business plan. As a bonus, this template can also be used when writing a music, graphic, or makeup artist business plan. 

If you want an easy way out of this, you can opt-in for our pre-made artist business plan instead of writing one for yourself. 

A business plan or development plan simply lays out the who, what, when, where, why, and how an artist operates their business. Why won’t you run a smooth business when you have a clear description of these questions? Business plans are about setting goals, taking actionable steps to meet business objectives, and creating milestones to measure success along the way. When you want to create your artist business development plan, you should be clear about what you want and commit to going after it. 

Although the curriculum of your art school doesn’t include learning how to write a business plan, a business plan is what makes your business creative. An artist’s business plan makes it possible for you to build a profitable career. Have you thought about selling your work at art fairs? With a business plan, you won’t be seen thriving hard to pull it through. Instead, you will spend time preparing your artwork and striking deals with potential customers. Without laying more emphasis on this, let’s get down to writing an artist business plan for yourself. 

How to Write an Artist Business Plan

To compose a successful artist business plan, you need to remember that it’s the planning that matters and not just the plan. This will allow you to devote more time to making your plan professional and presentable. To write a business plan, there are some outlines that you will need to follow to better understand your art business and develop a step-by-step strategy for success. 

Your executive summary should be an introduction to the business. It is more like a summary of the general section of a business plan. It is the first to appear and the last to be written down because you will need information from other sections. While writing this section of your business plan, you should keep your language clear to attract and engage your readers. In summary, you will need to give a brief overview of the artist industry. You can also mention your competitors and provide a marketing plan as well as your financial plan. 

This section is mainly about your business venture. You will get to give some basic knowledge of your business. While writing this section of your business plan using this template, you will need to specify the type of art business you will specialize in, which can either be a makeup, graphic, or music artist.

An artist can be a broad range of related things, from fine art and commercial art, to design, writing, acting, or even live art. Specifying your art genre will help you narrow down your niche and focus on your target audience and their needs. In addition to this, you will also explain when and why you started the business and the business goals you tend to achieve.

Still in the industry, but this time we are going deep into it. To efficiently write this section, you will need to have thorough research on the music industry. The essence of this is to convince your reader that you have all the necessary knowledge about your new industry and that you also know what it takes to scale through. To complete this section, you will also need to talk about the market, who your competitors are, your market trends, the market size, and your potential customers. 

What type of customer do you render your services to? Are they private individuals, schools, families, or corporations? This customer will also depend on the type of art services you offer. If you have a target market, you should also run a basic check on them to understand who they are and what their needs are. 

This section should be about your competitors , which can be either direct or indirect competitors. The direct ones are your fellow artists and the indirect ones are other options your customers can look up to. Mention all competitors you have and state their strengths and weaknesses. You can also include the type of customers they serve and the prices they sell their art products. To round off this section, you will need to mention your areas of advantage. You can state how your products are more unique and better than that of your competitors. Will you provide better customer service? Also, state if your prices will attract more customers to you. 

Read Also: Makeup Artist Insurance: Liability Insurance And Coverage For Makeup Artist

What will be your marketing and sales strategy ? How do you intend on attracting customers and making sales? These are the basic questions that you will need to be explaining in this section. You will also need to talk about your marketing and promotion strategy. Will you advertise in local papers, make flyers, use social media platforms, create websites or engage in email marketing? These are information that your readers will need to know about your marketing plans because, without constant sales, a business can’t grow. 

Just like the name implies, you will have to explain how your business goals will be carried out. You will also need to clearly define how you will carry out basic operations in your artist business. Your operation plan should cover how you will manage your everyday tasks, which involve answering calls, meeting with clients, billing, and collecting payments. You should also include how you will meet your long-term goals. Indicate the milestones you need to achieve, what it will take you to achieve them and when you plan on achieving them. 

The management team section should entail your workforce. You can also explain how your team is liable to grow the business. You can mention their skills and responsibilities in the company. 

A proper financial statement should include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Your income statement consists of your profit and loss information. A balance sheet is what shows your assets and liabilities, while a cash flow statement will determine how much money you need to start or grow your business. 

Finally, this section should have your full financial projections and any supporting documents that can make your plan more presentable. It can be in the form of a license or a sample of your artist portfolio. 

Before starting up an artist business, either as a makeup, graphic, or music artist, you will need a template to kick off that plan. The essence of a template is to ensure that you start on the right foot while planning on how to set up your business. This template checklist will serve as a guide to clarify all necessary steps to take before kicking off that idea of yours. Also remember that this artist business plan template can accommodate other art genres like music, graphic, and makeup artists. 

  • Choose a business name
  • Create a professional business plan
  • Secure start-up fund
  • Get a location for your business
  • Get required permits and licenses
  • Get the legal documents you need
  • Have an insurance 
  • Buy artist equipment
  • Develop a marketing plan
  • Open for business 

Creating a business plan can be overwhelming to compose, especially when it’s your first time creating one. If you want to escape the stress of figuring out what each section should entail, then it’s best to seek professional help. 

Wouldn’t you wish to get your hands on a professional artist’s business plan in seconds? Then try this winning pre-made artist business plan . 

At BusinessYield Consult, we help entrepreneurs like you create a business plan that can improve the success of any business. To achieve your art biz goals, get this plan now .

As an artist, it is natural to be exposed to numerous responsibilities. That means inventory details, showing or selling your work, exhibition dates, invoices, call-for-entry application deadlines, sales records, and a host of other schedules that need to be handled. A good business plan is all you need to escape being disorganized. By getting a plan and keeping track of your activities, you can curb those excesses. When it seems so overwhelming to create one, you can go for a pre-made 

To write a business plan, you can make use of the template in this article to compose your artist’s business plan.

As an artist, you can choose to turn your talent into a business and make it profitable. Indeed, all entrepreneurs are not artists but all artists are entrepreneurs. What matters is how well you polish your skills and make a living out of them. 

Artists do not have a specific amount of money they make. Most times it depends on the type of art services you render to clients. For example, if you are a graphic artist you can make more money compared to an artist who is just a painter. 

Related Articles

  • FINE ART INSURANCE: Coverages, Policies and Best Practices
  • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF A BUSINESS PLAN: How To Write an Effective Executive Summary
  • Tattoo Apprenticeships: Career Guide & How To Get One

' src=

Kenechukwu Muoghalu

Kenny, an accomplished business writer with a decade of experience, excels in translating intricate industry insights into engaging articles. Her passion revolves around distilling the latest trends, offering actionable advice, and nurturing a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape. With a proven track record of delivering insightful content, Kenny is dedicated to empowering her readers with the knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of business.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Bell Car Insurance | Everything You Need to Know

Sales negotiator: trainee job description and salary (updated).

We noticed you're visiting from Netherlands. We've updated our prices to Euro for your shopping convenience. Use Pound sterling instead. Dismiss

How to Sell Art Online | Online Marketing for Artists

Helping artists sell their art online since 2009. Blog, guides, courses, and coaching for artists.

The Beginner’s One-Page Art Business Plan

Do you have a plan for your art business?

A business plan can help you strengthen your focus , identify your strengths and weaknesses, figure out how to get where you want to be, and understand what other artists are doing. (Check out our interview with artist Ann Rea on how to start your art business with a bang .)

Figure out how to get where you want to be

We received some feedback that the business plan shared in the original post linked above felt too overwhelming for artists just beginning to think about turning their passion into a business.

The last thing we want is for anyone to be scared away from following their dream of selling their art, fearing perhaps that they must have an MBA to successfully craft a coherent business plan.

So let’s take a step back! We’ve broken the business plan down to its most essential parts. Rather than four pages, it’s a single page with the key elements you need when just starting out to give your art business a strong foundation and a competitive edge.

You can fill the form out and then save it to your computer, or print and fill it out the old-fashioned way. Let us know what you think!

Download the One-Page Art Business Plan

' src=

January 25, 2018 at 12:43 PM

Thank you. This helps “step it down” from the four pages (which mightily steps it down from 40 pages!); this makes a smaller *first* step in trying to get one’s head wrapped around a business plan as an artist, especially for artists who may not necessarily see themselves being sponsored by another’s gallery anytime soon, or ever. There is already too much head-game-playeth as a struggling/starving/naive artist to get mixed up in a gallery where everyone else certainly seems a “whole lot more talented” than one currently arts upon. Oh, such criticality from one’s own head!

' src=

July 6, 2019 at 3:11 PM

This will make a great single page, rough draft, for my business plan. One that I can expand into the larger format. thank you for the resource!

' src=

April 10, 2020 at 11:31 PM

Thanks for this plan style

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

artist business plan sample pdf

Art Meets Strategy: Your Business Plan Guide

Dancers, painters, sculptors - your art needs a plan! Our free business plan template covers market analysis, financial planning, and more. Get your PDF and pirouette your way to success!

artist business plan sample pdf

Business Plan Artist (Free PDF)

An Artist's Guide to Crafting a Business Plan

Business Plan Artist: What You Get

  • How to write a business plan for your art business step by step
  • How to open an art studio incl. funding and estimated costs
  • Tips for self-marketing as a freelance artist

This Business Plan Template is Suitable For:

  • Art Business Plan
  • Independent Artist Business Plan
  • Art Gallery Business Plan
  • Art Studio Business Plan
  • Art Business Model Canvas
  • Art Portfolio Strategy
  • Art Exhibition Planning

Your Benefits:

  • Free of cost: Download the business plan template for free!
  • Time-saving: Save time and open your business faster!
  • Correct data: Avoid unnecessary mistakes!

Get Your Business Up and Running

ZANDURA is the all-in-one desk to get your business up and running. Realize your dream of running an independent and self-directed art business and get regular input on how to move forward. Why are we doing this? – Because small businesses are the backbone of the American economy.

Check out for more

Business Plan Fashion: Unlock the Runway to Success

Unlock the runway to success for your fashion business! This guide is your ticket to a carefully crafted business plan. Just download it for free and fulfill your dream of running your own clothing line.

How Do I Start Freelancing Legally in the U.S.?

Get started on your freelancing journey with our comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide! Embrace the freedom of being your own boss and turning passion into profit. Learn the ropes, find clients, and how to thrive in the freelance world.

The Best Free Resources For Thriving Small Businesses

Discover the top 10 free resources that can help your small business thrive in the United States. From business mentoring to access to capital, these valuable partners and institutions will give your business the boost it needs to succeed. Read on to learn more!

photo credit: iStock.com/CarlosDavid.org

Fine Art & Crafts Business Plans

Art supply business plans.

  • Art Supply Store and Gallery Business Plan
  • Stained Glass Gallery Business Plan

Crafts Business Plans

  • Custom Pottery Business Plan
  • Custom Quilt Artist Business Plan
  • Decorative Pottery Business Plan
  • Pottery Studio Business Plan
  • Scrapbooking Store Business Plan

Design Business Plans

  • Bicycle Art Business Plan
  • Drapery Fabricator Business Plan
  • Florist Business Plan
  • Graphic Design Business Plan

Fine Art Business Plans

  • Art Film Theater Business Plan
  • Art Packaging Installation Business Plan
  • Art Sales Custom Framing Business Plan
  • Art School Gallery Business Plan
  • Art School Museum Business Plan
  • Custom Jewelry Business Plan
  • Tattoo Parlor Business Plan

Gifts Business Plans

  • Gift Basket Business Plan
  • Gifts and Collectibles Retail Shop Business Plan
  • Home Accessories and Gifts Business Plan
  • Specialty Gifts Business Plan

Home Decor Business Plans

  • Home Interior Design Business Plan
  • Interior Design Business Plan

Music Business Plans

  • Music Recording Distribution Business Plan
  • Music Recording Producer Business Plan
  • Music Theater Business Plan
  • Musical Instrument Store Business Plan
  • Nonprofit Recording Co-op Business Plan
  • Theatrical Music Producers Business Plan

Photography Business Plans

  • Commercial Photography Business Plan
  • Pet Photography Business Plan
  • Photography Studio Business Plan

Everyone dreams of turning their hobby into a business. Find a sample business plan for scrapbooking, art supply, gallery, fabric, stained glass supply, or other arts and craft supplies related business, and start writing a business plan to make your dream a reality.

LivePlan logo

Tax Season Savings

Get 40% off LivePlan

The #1 rated business plan software

Transform Tax Season into Growth Season

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

Laptop displaying LivePlan

IMAGES

  1. The Visual Business Plan Template for Artists in 2023

    artist business plan sample pdf

  2. The Business Plan for Your Art Gallery

    artist business plan sample pdf

  3. Artist Business Plan Template

    artist business plan sample pdf

  4. Free Printable Business Plan Sample Form (GENERIC)

    artist business plan sample pdf

  5. FREE 10+ Art Gallery Business Plan Samples in MS Word

    artist business plan sample pdf

  6. artist business plan sample

    artist business plan sample pdf

VIDEO

  1. 🔥Smartsheet Business Plan Software Review 2023

  2. TOLD HIM I'M BIPOLAR AND STILL GOT FEATURED

  3. Creating a Business Plan for your SMALL ART BUSINESS

  4. Business Audiobook

  5. Business Audiobook

  6. Business Audiobook

COMMENTS

  1. Artist Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Writing a business plan for your artist business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the sample template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert artist business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will understand the artist industry, your competition, and your customers.

  2. PDF Creating a Successful Business Plan (for the Artist)

    The business plan might be included in applications for FACTOR or SRIA's new funding programs. Preparation for Writing the Business Plan: • Consider the reader and objectives. • Research all elements of the business plan. • Write the business plan yourself. • Develop an outline of key sections. • Use realistic financial projections.

  3. A Guide to Crafting an Impressive Artist Business Plan

    A solid artist business plan provides an accurate assessment of your creative product (your artwork) and market research to show the demand for your services or artwork. The plan should also address your financial requirements, identifying various forms of revenue, anticipated expenses, and ways you can secure money upfront if needed.

  4. Crafting an Artist Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024

    Creating a comprehensive artist business plan is the key to transforming your passion into a thriving and sustainable art business. This step-by-step guide for 2024 will walk you through the process of crafting an effective business plan that will help you achieve your artistic dreams and financial goals. Plus, get instant access to our free ...

  5. PDF Business Plan for Creative People

    The real value lies in the process of thinking about your creative business in a systematic way. • Brainstorm your ideas and research into a practical plan. It typically takes at least a week to complete a good plan. Most of that time is spent in research and re-thinking your ideas and assumptions.

  6. Business Plans for Artists: Here, I Did It for You!

    Example Business Plan for Artists (pdf) Example Business Plan for Artists (Word doc) The first thing I ask every artist when we start working together is if they have a business plan. Most of the time the answer is no. Why do you need a business plan, you ask? Great question. You will become focused.

  7. PDF Example Business Plan for Artists

    decline. Artists with an independent streak can position themselves to build their own fan base and leave middlemen out. My business needs to diversify its product and broaden its market. Artists are in drastically different places in their business timeline, and I must grow my offerings to accommodate artists wherever they are in that timeline.

  8. Business Plans for Artists: What Every Artist Should Know

    5. Create A Marketing Plan. You could have the best business plan for artists in New York City, but if no one knows about you and your artwork it's not serving you! Draw out a marketing plan so you can spread the word about your work and put yourself out there. Create a website.

  9. A Guide to Creating an Artist Business Plan

    Step 6: Build an Action Plan. The steps covered thus far have focused on big-picture vision and goals, finances, and marketing. Each step requires smaller action plans, but once you have each of these smaller steps worked out, it's time to create an overarching action plan. This will be the crux of your artist business plan.

  10. The One-Page Guide To Creating An Art Business Plan

    Create An Action Plan. After making goal identification for your artist business, write and define your actionable steps. Include everything you want to do and itemize it. Remember your intentions, branding and marketing strategy, your goals. Let the greater picture help guide you as you shape your plan.

  11. PDF Business Plan Sample Visual Artist

    Business Plan Sample Visual Artist - WorkInCulture

  12. Business Plan Template for Artist [UPD 2024]

    The main business targets that we want to achieve as milestones over the next four years are as follows: To cover the investment by the end of the first year. To expand our company and open up two to three company offices by the end of 5th year. To raise at least $10 monthly revenue by the end of the first year.

  13. How To Write a Winning Music Artist Business Plan + Template

    Writing an Effective Music Artist Business Plan. The following are the key components of a successful music artist business plan:. Executive Summary. The executive summary of a music artist business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  14. How To Write An Artist Business Plan That Works

    A business plan is an executive summary that encapsulates the resources, objectives, risks, and opportunities associated with an artist's work. It typically outlines actions that need to be taken to reach the desired outcomes and guides their professional choices. Artists can use their business plans to stay focused on their objectives ...

  15. How to Write a Business Plan for an Artist Business

    The point of the business plan for most artists isn't just having the plan; it's using it to optimize your business. Expect your plan to change often. It's a cycle that starts with the first plan and continues from then on, as long as you are in business. I call it P-R-R-R, as in the illustration here on the right.

  16. PDF UNIT 12 BUSINESS PLAN ESSENTIALS

    TRADITIONAL BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE Every business plan is unique. Don't struggle with trying to make your plan "fit" into a generic mold—customize your plan to your specific business objectives. Be clear, concise, and detailed. Focus on the quality of the content, rather than the quantity of pages. This business plan outline serves as ...

  17. ARTIST BUSINESS PLAN: Template & Simple Steps to Write One

    To write a business plan, there are some outlines that you will need to follow to better understand your art business and develop a step-by-step strategy for success. #1. Executive Summary. Your executive summary should be an introduction to the business. It is more like a summary of the general section of a business plan.

  18. The Beginner's One-Page Art Business Plan

    We've broken the business plan down to its most essential parts. Rather than four pages, it's a single page with the key elements you need when just starting out to give your art business a strong foundation and a competitive edge. You can fill the form out and then save it to your computer, or print and fill it out the old-fashioned way.

  19. Artist Business Plan Example Template

    Artist Business Plan Example Template - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Embark on your artistic journey with our Pro Artist Business Plan—a friend in your creative corner. Meticulously crafted for brilliance and financial triumph, it's your dynamic and unique roadmap to elevate your artistry! ?

  20. Business Plan Art Business: Blueprint to Success!

    From business mentoring to access to capital, these valuable partners and institutions will give your business the boost it needs to succeed. Read on to learn more! Transform your art into a thriving business. Our free business plan artist walks you through key steps: branding, competitive analysis, and funding. Get your PDF here!

  21. Fine Art & Crafts Business Plan Examples

    Photography Studio Business Plan. Everyone dreams of turning their hobby into a business. Find a sample business plan for scrapbooking, art supply, gallery, fabric, stained glass supply, or other arts and craft supplies related business, and start writing a business plan to make your dream a reality.