James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

GA3110:04

Small Business for Freelance Artists

Townsville HECS Band 2

13 hours lectures, 26 hours tutorials. Semester 1.

Available to Bachelor of Communication Design students.

This subject supplies some essential background into the process of establishing a freelance studio/consultancy, particularly from a home based studio. It examines a number of key issues which impact on the establishment of a freelance studio environment including: assessing your strengths and weaknesses as a freelance artist; developing a business strategy in a creative environment; building professional folios; targeting specific markets; marketing your freelance operation and generating new business; designer/client contracts; business registration, taxation and deductibles; doing business with printers, stock photography suppliers and printers.

Learning Objectives:

  1. typical overheads incurred in the freelance studio environment;
  2. registration requirements for small business;
  3. business transaction documentation including job quoting and invoicing systems;
  4. typical variations which occur druing creative production;
  5. credit arrangements with bureaux and suppliers art materials;
  6. the processes for subcontracting extra creative staff, i.e. illustrators.

Assessment by two written research projects (50%); one tutorial/seminar (15%); end-of-semester examination (20%); attendance/participation (15%). Attendance of 80% at lectures and tutorials is required to pass this subejct unless prior arrangement has been made with the lecturer and academic adviser or Head of College of Music, Visual Arts and Theatre.