How Much Does It Cost To Start A Graphic Design Business? (In 2023)

Pat Walls

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Updated: January 18th, 2023

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Graphic Design Business? (In 2023)

Start A Graphic Design 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.

Wondering how much it costs to start a graphic design business?

The minimum startup costs for a graphic design business: $62
The maximum startup costs for a graphic design business: $39,111
The average startup costs for a graphic design business: $22,698

Here's a detailed list of a graphic design business startup costs:

Learn more about starting a graphic design business:

Where to start?

-> How to start a graphic design business?
-> Pros and cons of a graphic design business

Need inspiration?

-> Other graphic design business success stories
-> Examples of established graphic design business
-> Marketing ideas for a graphic design business
-> Graphic design business slogans
-> Graphic design business names
-> Graphic design business Instagram bios

Other resources

-> Graphic design business tips
-> Blog post ideas for a graphic design business
-> Graphic design business quotes
-> Graphic design business hashtags

Business Formation Fees

There are a few key costs associated with forming your business entity, such as setting up an LLC and getting trademarks, copyrights, and patents sorted.

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Set up business: LLC & Corporations	Required	$50	$500
Small Business Insurance	Recommended	$500	$2,000
Permit and License Fees	Optional	$50	$700
Trademark	Optional	$0	$700
Lawyer Fees	Optional	$0	$1,500
A Patent ➜	Optional	$5,000	$15,000

Software Expenses

Your graphic design 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
File Hosting Service	Recommended	$0	$299
Email marketing tool	Recommended	$0	$100
Accounting & Invoicing Software	Recommended	$0	$50
CRM Software ➜	Recommended	$12	$300
Project Management Software	Recommended	$0	$25
Internal Communication Tool	Recommended	$0	$20
IT Support ➜	Optional	$150	$2,000
Design Programs & Software	Optional	$0	$50
Social Media Management Tools	Optional	$0	$50
Payroll Software	Optional	$0	$200

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 graphic design 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

Employee & Freelancer Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Payroll Costs & Fees ➜	Optional	$150	$250
Employee Hiring Expenses	Optional	$1	$2
Employee Rewards ➜	Optional	$0	$100

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
Website Hosting Costs ➜	Required	$0	$300
Website Builder ➜	Recommended	$10	$500
Business Email Hosting Service ➜	Recommended	$1	$15
Website & Live Chat Tool	Recommended	$0	$200
Web Designer ➜	Optional	$200	$6,000

Training & Education Expenses

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Online Learning Sites	Optional	$0	$1,000

Advertising & Marketing Costs

Cost	Required?	Min Cost	Max Cost
Business Cards ➜	Optional	$0	$50

Part of

Starting A Graphic Design Business: Everything You Need To Know

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Pat Walls, Founder of Starter Story

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