The art industry is a vibrant and ever-growing sector, with global sales of art and antiques reaching a staggering $50.1 billion in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the online art market has thrived, with sales surging to $12.4 billion in the same year. It seems that even in the face of adversity, people still crave the beauty and inspiration that art provides. Who says you can't put a price on creativity?
To operate your independent art business, you'll need to obtain certain licenses and permits. These may include:
It's important to research the specific requirements for your area to ensure you're operating legally. After all, you wouldn't want to be caught red-handed (or should we say, paint-handed?) without the proper paperwork.
Registering your business name and choosing a legal structure, such as an LLC or S-corp, can provide various benefits, including:
However, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. It's wise to consult with a legal professional or accountant to determine the best path forward for your artistic endeavors.
Starting an independent art business requires some initial capital and equipment. You'll need to invest in:
The amount of capital required will vary depending on the scale of your operations and the materials you use. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can keep startup costs relatively low. Just remember, you're investing in your passion – and that's priceless!
From sole propr., KY LLC, KY partneship or KY Corp.: Each requires an entity certificate filing.
All Retail Trade businesses/entities need a business license and an EIN.
Selling/Buying wholesale or retail requires a KY seller's permit.
Before you can legally operate your green-thumb-meets-paintbrush operation, you'll need to tackle some essential business foundations. Think of these as your business's birth certificate and social security card all rolled into one delightful package.
The landscaping world has its own special requirements that vary wildly by state. Some states treat lawn care like brain surgery, others barely care if you can tell grass from concrete.
Painting licensing ranges from "paint whatever you want" to "show us four years of proof you can hold a brush properly." The requirements change faster than paint colors go in and out of style.
Because apparently having skills isn't enough - you also need to prove you can pay when things go sideways (which they inevitably will).
The government has opinions about what you can do to the earth and where you can do it. Who knew making things prettier could be so complicated?