Designer

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Designer? (In 2024)

Pat Walls

•

Updated: January 18th, 2023

Looking to start a designer?

But curious about:

how much it costs to start a designer?
what are the typical designer startup costs?
or the actual cost of starting designers?

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

Let's go over it.

Learn more about starting a designer:

Where to start?

-> Pros and cons of a designer

Need inspiration?

-> Other designer success stories
-> Marketing ideas for a designer

Other resources

Equipment & Supply Expenses

Starting a designer 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 designer 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 designer 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