Expert: Sue Lewis - 6/22/2005

Question
Hi Sue!
I am an artist and want to open an at home business drawing pastels of animals.  It would be only part time since I have an executive full time position.
I have been drawing for years but never charged so I want to start charging, start a website...
However, I don't know where to start........
Should I register first? Unsure of the steps...
Any direction would be helpful.......
Thank you!
Tricia

Answer
Hi,

One of the best sources of business start-up information online is the Small Business Administration: http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html

You should find answers to all of your basic questions there.

One thing to think about: Is there a market for your drawings?
You said that you didn't charge before. It will be difficult to get someone to pay you for something that you gave away before so you'll probably need to move beyond that group in order to sell your work. Shouldn't be too hard to do online, but is this more of a local market?

Good luck