How to Start an Art Lessons Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Hey there! Starting your own art lessons business sounds like an amazing idea. As a fellow art lover myself, I totally get the appeal of sharing your passion with others and guiding them as they pick up new creative skills. It’s incredibly rewarding! But a project like this does take some strategic planning and effort to get off the ground. Here’s my advice on launching your own successful art teaching business.
Picking a Business Structure
One of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is what legal structure to form your business under. The main options here are sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
Sole proprietorships are the simplest route, but just know that you’ll be personally liable for any debts or lawsuits. With partnerships, you split ownership with partners, but each of you also takes on that personal liability. LLCs and corporations better protect your personal assets, but you’ll need to deal with more paperwork and fees upfront.
I’d suggest considering your vision for the biz, potential liability, taxes, and costs when deciding on a structure. Chatting with a lawyer or accountant to get input is smart too.
Getting Licenses and Permits
Most cities and states require special licenses and permits to legally operate an art teaching business from a physical location. Look into the specific requirements where you’ll be located, and apply for a business license, sales tax permit, zoning permits, and any other necessary credentials. This step is crucial for operating above board!
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Securing Your Studio Space
Finding an appropriately sized, furnished, and styled studio space is so key for art lessons. Look for a commercial-zoned spot with adequate parking that’s convenient for students to access. It should have great lighting, room to display student work, and space to accommodate the class sizes and art mediums you want to offer — painting, drawing, pottery etc.
Renting a studio also means signing a lease. Have a lawyer review it to negotiate the most favorable terms for you.
Getting Art Supplies and Equipment
Be sure to stock up on all the art supplies and equipment you’ll need for lessons ahead of time — easels, drawing boards, canvases, paints, brushes, clay, pottery wheels, craft materials, and anything else that applies. Invest in quality supplies for all skill levels and in a variety of mediums. Neatly organize and arrange everything for easy access during classes.
Developing Your Curriculum
Take time to map out detailed lesson plans tailored to beginning, intermediate and advanced students. Cover art fundamentals like drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, or specialized mediums — whatever you want to teach. Build a structured, progressive curriculum that starts students as beginners and develops their skills over multiple classes and milestones. Well-planned lessons will keep classes focused and students engaged from start to finish.
Setting Your Prices
When pricing classes, factor in your overhead expenses, what competitors charge, and materials costs. Typically pricing is either per hour or per multi-class session. You may want to offer discounted packages for purchasing multiple upfront classes together too. Price private lessons higher than small groups. Find a balance between affordability to attract signups and adequate pricing for profitability.
Marketing Your Business
Get the word out about your fabulous new art school before doors even open! Build a website showcasing your studio space, curriculum and credentials. Design flyers and brochures to distribute locally. Promote class enrollment openings on social media and classifieds sites. Contact local schools, art shops and galleries about partnering up.
Hiring Employees
If teaching all classes solo feels like too much, consider bringing on other art instructors to help out, especially for peak schedule times. Carefully vet instructors based on their education, experience and artistic skills. Thoroughly check references. Offer competitive pay, and make sure instructors complement your own teaching style and vision.
Getting Ready for Opening Day!
In the weeks leading up to opening your doors: Confirm all licenses, permits and legal stuff are good to go, stock up on art supplies, put finishing touches on your studio space decor, refine lesson plans, hire staff if needed, ramp up marketing, and announce your grand opening date. Make a plan to warmly welcome your first students and get pumped to start sharing your passion for art with others!
The Bottom Line
Launching an art lessons business definitely takes big upfront preparation — but the reward of getting to teach others creative skills is so worth all the effort. Use this step-by-step guide as you get your new art teaching endeavor up and running. With passion, determination, and careful planning, you’ll be ready to start changing lives through the power of art in no time! Wishing you great success!
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Art Lessons Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
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Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of insurance should I get for an art lessons business?
A: You should look into getting general liability insurance to protect against property damage, injuries, or other incidents that may happen in your studio. Also consider business property insurance to cover equipment and inventory. Workers compensation insurance is required if you have employees.
Q: Do I need a background check on instructors?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to run background checks on any instructors you hire for children’s classes. This helps ensure you don’t hire anyone with a criminal history that could put students at risk.
Q: How much should I invest upfront in starting an art lessons business?
A: Plan on several thousand dollars at minimum to cover costs like licensing and permits, art supplies and studio equipment, website development, marketing materials, insurance, rent, and operating expenses for the first few months. Have savings to cover operating at a loss initially.
Q: What qualifications do I need to teach art lessons?
A: No specific qualifications are legally required, but any education or experience you have in art like formal training, an art degree, teaching certificate, or prior instruction will give you credibility. Highlight your skills and background when marketing.
Q: How long should an art lesson session last?
A: Lessons typically range from 1–3 hours depending on the type of class. Beginner sessions focusing on fundamentals can be shorter. Longer workshops are better for more advanced techniques. Also offer flexibility — some students may prefer longer or shorter lessons.
Q: Should I allow students to just drop in for classes or require advanced enrollment?
A: Requiring enrollment in a full course or series of classes is best to have committed students. However, also consider offering shorter workshops for drop-ins — this provides more flexibility for interested new students to try your lessons out.
Q: What techniques can I use to advertise an art lessons business?
A: Start with grassroots marketing by handing out flyers, speaking at schools and community centers, contacting local media, and leveraging word-of-mouth. Create a robust online presence with a website, social media, ads, and local business listings. Partner with related businesses to cross-promote.
