How Much Does It Cost To Start A Custom Illustrating Business? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 18th, 2023

Looking to start a custom illustrating business?

But curious about:

how much it costs to start a custom illustrating business?
what are the typical custom illustrating business startup costs?
or the actual cost of starting custom illustrating businesses?

Well, we have the data to prove it, supported by real custom illustrating businesses and how much they actually cost to start.

Let's go over it.

Learn more about starting a custom illustrating business:

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a custom illustrating business

Need inspiration?

-> Other custom illustrating business success stories

Other resources

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting a custom illustrating business may require purchasing some equipment, whether that's for producing the product or packaging the goods, or equipment needed in the back office.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Cleaning Supplies ➜	Optional	$63	$200
First-aid Equipment ➜	Optional	$3	$500

Software Expenses

Your custom illustrating business needs software to run efficiently!

Why spend money on software? Because it can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business, so you can focus on the most important matters. Software and technology can help you grow your business, and save you from expensive personnel costs.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Email marketing tool	Recommended	$0	$100
Accounting & Invoicing Software	Recommended	$0	$50
CRM Software ➜	Recommended	$12	$300
Project Management Software	Recommended	$0	$25
Design Programs & Software	Optional	$0	$50
Social Media Management Tools	Optional	$0	$50

Office Space Expenses

It will be your call to determine if you need office space. It is not a requirement but may be necessary as your custom illustrating business grows.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Rent ➜	Optional	$0	$5,750
Utility Costs For Office Space ➜	Optional	$0	$1,150
WiFi & Internet ➜	Optional	$0	$100

Inventory Expenses

If you sell a physical good, you'll likely have to start with some inventory.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Inventory Storage	Optional	$0	$5,000
Package Design ➜	Optional	$50	$3,000
Shrinkage	Optional	$0	$1,000
Distribution costs	Optional	$0	$750

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Business Cards ➜	Optional	$0	$50
Local fairs and festivals	Optional	$0	$500
Direct Campaigns, Printing and Mailing	Optional	$0	$300
Affiliate Marketing Commission & Fees	Optional	$0	$250
Influencer Marketing	Optional	$0	$750
Press	Optional	$0	$500
Google Ads	Optional	$0	$300
Facebook & Instagram Ads	Optional	$0	$350