Home Business Ideas
Start a Greeting Card Artist Business
If you are an
artistic person, and can
take a verse and translate
that into an image, then the
job of a greeting card
artist may be for you. While
many cards are illustrated
by those who write them,
this isn't always the case.
If you can partner with a
greeting card writer, then
you are sure to have lots of
work.
The Concept
The work of a greeting
card artist is to provide a
visual image that
illustrates the written
sentiment inside the card.
If you can read words and
interpret that into an image
you are well on your way.
The next step is to take the
image that you have and
create it on paper. For
those of us who are less
than artistically inclined,
that could be tough. But if
you are a good artist in a
medium such as painting,
drawing or photography then
you could find success as a
greeting card artist.
Startup Costs
Start up costs for a
greeting card artist can be
minimal. You'll need basic
office supplies such as a
computer, internet
connection, printer, phone
and such. You'll also need
art supplies in whatever
medium or mediums you choose
to work in. This could
include charcoals, oil
pastels, paints, canvas
brushes and so on. If
photography is your medium,
then you'll need a digital
camera and photo editing
software such as Photoshop.
The cost can vary greatly
based on a number of
factors. For instance, if
you paint or draw the costs
will be less initially than
that of digital photography,
but over time you will have
to replenish supplies such
as paper or paints,
photography is a larger
investment up front, but
there is less to replenish
over time. Costs can range
from a few hundred dollars
to several thousand.
The good news is that for
many people who are
artistically inclined, they
already have their supplies
and are just looking for a
way to make an income with
their skills. This can help
keep start up costs low. You
can write off the purchase
of equipment on your taxes
as well. Your accountant or
tax professional can advise
you on what can be deducted
and what can't.
How to Market It
Marketing will take a
little bit of leg work, but
you can do it while you
refine your art. The first
thing to do is to do an
internet search for greeting
card companies, as well as
e-card companies. Most of
the time e-card companies
don't pay for submissions,
but they are great for
exposure and many will even
provide a link back to the
artist's website if they
have one. Once you find out
who the different greeting
card companies are, you can
find out there submissions
guidelines. Then the only
thing left to do is wait.
Unfortunately, once you
submit your work, there is
little else to be done.
Other marketing avenues may
include creating a line
yourself and selling them on
your own website, or
appealing directly to small
retailers (the mom and pop
stores) to carry your line.
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