Start & Run an Art Teaching Business. Tanya Freedman

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СКАЧАТЬ the beginning. (The period it takes to build up a client base and awareness and trust from your neighborhood and community can be between one to three years, depending on the activity and profile of the school and the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.)

      Your hours can be flexible according to your schedule or other responsibilities, such as a part-time job in the mornings. You could concentrate on teaching art classes in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. On the other hand, if you rented a studio space, your hours might possibly be dictated by the owner of the building or the district in which your studio is located.

      The best part of having a home-based studio is that you will not have to commute to work nor will you have the additional expenses of gas and car maintenance.

      However, before you leap into transforming a space in your home into a studio, you should consider the disadvantages. First of all be aware that having a studio in your home gives it a “hobby” and “passion for the arts” feel, rather than seeming like a dynamic business that is constantly looking for more students. As well, some people find it harder to stop working for the day when their work is in their own home. It becomes tricky to set boundaries between personal life and business life. Your family may become upset when dinner or family time is interrupted by phone calls or when your attempt to accommodate your students’ busy schedules for classes and other programs interferes. It may also cause problems when students show up unexpectedly to discuss a project or drop off a late assignment.

      You must also consider the fact that your neighbors may not like having their parking spaces used, even for quick pickups and drop-offs of students. In fact, zoning restrictions may not allow you to have a home-based business (discussed in more detail later in this chapter).

      You may also need to do some renovations to provide for adequate ventilation and lighting. This could be costly, but you may decide that the costs for redesigning a space are cheaper than renting.

      When making any major decisions about my business I start by creating a “SCOT analysis” to understand all my strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats.

      Renting studio space

      You may feel that your home is not a suitable place for your business because of space constraints or family concerns. If this is the case, you will need to look for a suitable place outside of your home, in an area that will encourage clients to come to your business.

      There are benefits to leasing a space for your studio and the location can be one of them. You may be able to acquire a space in an area that attracts lots of students from surrounding schools and colleges, or a busy retail area that attracts walk-by traffic. There may also be more parking spaces for your clients.

      Another great advantage to renting is that when you leave your studio at the end of the day, your workday is done. No one will interrupt you at home in regard to business, because your business telephone number and address are different from that of your home. And this business address can go on all of your promotional material, such as your business cards and website. With a home-based studio, you wouldn’t freely give out your personal contact information, as you would want to protect your family and neighbors from strangers making surprise visits to your home to see the studio.

      The studio may already be set up with appropriate lighting and ventilation for your business, and you may have fewer costs when it comes to designing the space than you would in a home-based studio. However, you will have to consider whether or not your landlord will allow you to make any significant improvements to the studio; for example, painting the walls or adding appropriate flooring. You may also have restrictions in your lease regarding the size and placement of your advertising signs. (Always seek legal advice before signing a lease agreement.)

      There are other disadvantages to renting. Safety can be an issue for you and your clients. Is the area safe at night? Are the parking area and bus stop well lit?

      You will need to consider transportation as well. Since many of your students may be younger and unable drive, you will need to make sure there is a bus stop close by.

      The biggest disadvantage of a rented studio is the costs, which include rent and utilities. You may also have to lock into a year’s lease or longer, which can be a problem when you are just starting out and you realize after a few months that you are not making enough money to pay for the space.

      Zoning

      Various rules apply in the different regions of the US and Canada when it comes to home-based businesses. Before going further and doing any in-depth research for the proposed business, check the zoning bylaws with your municipality. In some areas you may not be allowed to undertake a home-based business at all — especially in a congested city or neighborhood in which parking is a significant issue. Do not tempt trouble by overlooking this important point at the beginning. Stay on the safe side to eliminate unnecessary stress.

      Because zoning laws differ from city to city, contact your local municipality for exact rules and restrictions for your type of business. If you are renting a studio, get the relevant information and find out about regulations before committing to or signing a contract. Telephone or go to your local municipal office or visit its website for specific zoning laws.

      If, in the beginning, you have not taken proper measures and researched the potential area, and if a neighbor complains to the authorities, you may incur fines and be closed down. Do not take any chances; confirm everything at the outset. Also confirm matters regarding signage on or around your rented space. Make sure you have up-to-date details from your zoning and regulations office about the types of signs you are allowed to display for promotion.

      Contact your local city hall or your county clerk for the specific requirements regarding your business, as well as your local Chamber of Commerce for any legal advice on permits or licenses.

      Consider your neighbors

      If you respect your neighbors, then they should respect you, and you should feel confident in letting them know what your services are, and even what these services can do for their children and the community. I did not encounter any problems with my neighbors. I was lucky to have a large driveway in which small groups of students could be dropped off and picked up by their parents.

      Make the outside of your home as appealing as you can: Trim the lawn and get rid of weeds in your garden beds. For a minimum amount of money and effort I planted annuals in pots, which brightened up the pathways and made the front and foyer of my home look inviting. First impressions count to your clients, and your neighbors will appreciate your effort as well.

      With a rented studio you must consider what retail neighbors you have. You don’t want to set up your business in an area with lots of bars or big warehouses. You want to be in an area in which your clients and your retail neighbors will respect your business.

      Your Business Name

      I came up with the name “Jolly Good Art” when I was thinking about what set me apart from the rest of the local art establishments. People remembered me because of my British accent, so I wanted my name to be associated with England. The business name is a powerful marketing tool, and at this point I was already branding both myself and my art studio.

      When I asked the students in one of my regular classes what they thought of the slogan “Love of Art Is a Very Good Start,” Rashad, a studious nine-year-old artist, suggested I change it to “Love of Art Is a Jolly Good Start” — to echo the name of the school. СКАЧАТЬ