What Business Should I Start?. Rhonda Abrams

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      “The act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)” WordNet^® 1.6, ©1997 Princeton University

      One way to think of those who are “designers” is that they are able to take existing elements and arrange them in a way to achieve something new that has a new purpose.

      Just a few of the business opportunities suited for Designers are: graphic design, interior decorator, art design (e.g., photo layouts or advertising materials), space (office) planner, event designer/decorator, website design, theatrical set design, and many more.

      Being a designer generally seems less risky than being an artist (see below) because what you are selling is your talent, rather than a product. After all, the customer—your client—already knows they have a need to have something designed (a brochure, a home, a computer program). You just have to convince them that you’re the right person to do it for them. Customers don’t necessarily have a need for what artists produce.

      So if you have artistic talent, don’t think your only option is to go out and try to sell your paintings or sculpture. Think of ways you can bring your knowledge and skill to help clients meet a need or solve a problem.

      Artist: There’s a fine line between being an artist and being a designer. Generally, the distinction is that designers have a client with whom they collaboratively develop a creation. On the other hand, artists generally create their work independently, without a specific client (although they may have work commissioned or may consider the marketability of their artwork as they create it).

      When you envision an “artist,” you might picture someone sitting at an easel in their attic, then selling their paintings at a gallery.

      Of course, that is one way to be an artist. But the term “artist” would encompass all non-performing artists, and I’m also using it here to include “artisans.” As such, this category covers painters, sculptors, potters, art photographers, and even those who create unique items of jewelry, clothing, and accessories.

      If you want to be an artist, consider ways to sell your art in places besides art galleries. Consider street fairs, boutiques, gift stores, online sales, too.

      The Trades: Construction categories such as carpentry, masonry, iron-working, tile-laying, and so on, are referred to as the “trades” or skilled trades. (Don’t confuse that with the British term “tradesmen,” which refers to merchants.)

      Actually, everyone who’s inclined to work with their hands to build things—whether they’re a member of a skilled trade or not—qualifies as this E-Type.

      So, if you’re the kind of person who’s always looking for a new home repair project, you might find yourself attracted to business opportunities in the building/construction industry, such as being a carpenter, painter, electrician, and so on.

      But, before you just plunge in, definitely check your state’s licensing requirements. Although it may be necessary to have a license if you want to work as—or with—a general contractor or on major projects, you might be able to start first as a handyman or non-licensed repair person. Just be sure to check you don’t need a license before you pick up a hammer!

      There’s more information about the building trades in the section on Construction on page 163.

       You may be this E-Type if . . .

      1.You like to work with your hands. Most of the businesses for this E-Type involve some manual work—whether it’s drawing sketches, hammering nails, manipulating computer input devices, or the myriad other ways you use your hands (as well as your mind) to create.

      2.You have skills and/or talent. Critical to being able to succeed as a Builder/Creator are the skills necessary to do the work. Whether you’re a carpenter building a cabinet or an interior decorator selecting furniture and fabrics, you’ve got to have enough innate talent and experience so that customers will be satisfied with your work.

      3.You respect details. No doubt about it—many of those in this E-Type are definitely very creative. But one key to being successful in most of Builder/Creator fields is an ability and willingness to take care of the details that someone who was just a hobbyist would overlook. If, for instance, you are a medical textbook illustrator, your illustrations not only have to be accurate and well-executed, but you’ll need to be able to deliver it to your client in the formats they need. It’s not just about the artistic merit of the work—it’s about the professional details as well.

       Obvious (and Not-So-Obvious) Business Choices for This E-Type

      

Textile designer

      

Illustrator

      

Videographer

      

Photo stylist

      

Creative director (Advertising)

      

Carpenter

      

Graphic designer

      

Photographer

      

Fashion designer

      

Tailor/Seamstress

      

Lighting designer

      

Interior decorator

      

General contractor

      

Pottery maker

      

Personal chef

      

House painter

      

Wedding cake baker

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