Baltimore Business Journal 2003

Tip of the Week: Artists can create companies


Many artists are self-employed, but many have to keep another job to survive. Zoë Cohen is a Columbia-based artist who launched her own company and didn’t starve. Cohen started her graphic design company, ZLC Design, Inc. (www.zlcdesign.com), two years ago. Though she worked 70-hour weeks this past year, she has created a successful business. Here are her tips on making it as a full-time artist/entrepreneur:

  • Prepare. Don’t quit your day job hastily. Have money saved so you can survive for months without income. Build business through freelance work first. Purchase software and equipment you will need and learn how to use them.
  • Network. Business is about selling yourself not just your skills. Ninety percent of my work comes from networking. Have a good business card and brochure. And dress professionally. Just because you’re an artist doesn’t mean you have to dress like one.
  • Build a strong portfolio. Doing pro-bono work can get you started, not to mention the good will it creates.
  • Define your style. Is it abstract, playful, corporate? Also find your niche. Do you enjoy working with smaller companies on a wide range of projects or as a subcontractor on specialized projects.
  • Take care of paperwork. Hiring an accountant and a prepaid legal service will save you time and money. Your accounts need to balance and you need the legalese in all contracts.
  • Decide what can be negotiated in your contract. I recommend holding firm on payment. When someone will not agree to pay legal fees if the account is “referred for collection,” it’s a warning.
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