How Much Does It Cost To Become A Designer? (In 2024)
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 |
Website Costs
Every business should have a website, and it's worth spending a bit of money to set it up right.
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Domain Name ➜ |
Required |
$12 |
$200 |
Business Email Hosting Service ➜ |
Recommended |
$1 |
$15 |
Specific Industry Expenses
Cost | Required? | Min Cost | Max Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Handyman Tools |
Optional |
$0 |
$500 |
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.