Weekly Creative Biz Note #1

Getting the Studio Started

When my brother and I first started PixelBoy Studio all we had were two PC's, one Mac(loaded with software) and a b&w printer. All of it was set-up on the dining room table. I had read and heard from friends that it typically took four years to get an illustration business rolling and it's true. In the beginning, we had no logo, website or blog. We did have an evolving 3D style and I had an additional cartoon style narrowed down. My 15 years as an art director gave me the experience, organizational skills and knowledge that one might need to manage a studio. While Lee brought years of print production experience and 3D software knowledge to the table. But we had plenty to learn by a long shot!

We spent approximately $15,000 to get the (at home) studio situated. We updated hardware and software; bought a color printer; got a lawyer to help get the studio incorporated; and purchased some office furniture and lighting. Also, we found a good accountant through a referral ($800 annually). A good chair is a must (AllSteel or Herman Miller) and a decent keyboard tray for ergonomics (www.humanscale.com). Can you get by without all expensive stuff? Yes...

As for advertising, I believe our budget was too robust for a start-up and I'm not sure it helped. At first, postcards and free/inexpensive promotional sites would have sufficed for the studio. Our advice--don't even think about trying out the national resource books as a newbie illustrator! Your style may change. I'll touch more on advertising options and costs in a later Biz Note.

Next Friday--Weekly Creative Biz Note #2---A Website that Works
(Feel free to comment, give your experiences or even disagree!)