You get booked for funerals, weddings, recordings. Use a rate card, a kit list, and a cancellation policy.
This is booked performance or making. People hire you for funerals, weddings, recordings. Income is a stack of gigs, teaching, and commissions — rarely a single patron. Ask for the paid slot, not exposure. A normal week is rehearsal or studio time, a booking email, and showing up early with a one-page price list. Keep a non-art cash stream until the calendar repeats for a year. Social media is a flyer, not the studio.
The instrument or a repertoire book you already have. First gig often 1–4 weeks of asking (BLS musicians).
Each required material has a matching shop listing — photo, price, and a way to add it to the cart.
Your instrument or kit
Portable instrument or craft kit
Portable instrument or craft kit. A gig bag and the first-night extras for the instrument or craft you already play: strings or leads, a stand, a small amp or palette. You bring the instrument; this is the kit around it.
Transport
Local transit pass
A month of local transit (or a rideshare float of the same size) so a route job can move. This is fare, not a vehicle.
A one-page rider or price list
One-page rider or price list
A one-page rider/price list template you print or pin. Digital file; print locally.
A decent recording of the work
Handheld audio recorder
A stereo handheld recorder for interviews and a decent recording of the work. SD card included. Not a phone app and not a studio booth.
Public examples matched to this path by what they actually publish — not endorsements, and not a claim they run this exact shop. Handles change. Verify before you write to anyone.
Eric Whitacre
Ran a virtual choir from home singers learning parts without a conservatory.
Platforms on this card: YouTube.
Mira Chen left salaried work and now coaches this craft. Book a slot for a tailored plan, a starter kit list, and follow-up support.
Inventory-on-White
Photograph catalog work for one boutique
Inventory-on-White
Photograph catalog work for one boutique
You photograph catalog work for one boutique and deliver a gallery on a named date. The package price includes editing time.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital None
House-Concert Series
A living-room season with tickets
House-Concert Series
A living-room season with tickets
You get booked for a living-room season with tickets. Use a rate card, a kit list, and a cancellation policy.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital $200
Storybooth at Fairs
Record two-minute stories
Storybooth at Fairs
Record two-minute stories
You record two-minute stories, sell the file and a print still. Clients pay a posted rate, ticket, dues, or commission.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital $400
