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

Updated: January 18th, 2023
Start A Custom Illustrating Business

Please note that the data provided in this article are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, and should not be considered as perfect or definitive.

The cost of opening a a custom illustrating business can vary based on several factors. However for a a custom illustrating business you can expect to spend $12 to $21,740 with an average cost of $11,015.

  • The minimum startup costs for a custom illustrating business: $12
  • The maximum startup costs for a custom illustrating business: $21,740
  • The average startup costs for a custom illustrating business: $11,015

Here's a detailed list of a custom illustrating business startup costs:

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
-> Examples of established custom illustrating business

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

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