Startup cost: $200 - $2.5k

Low-end estimate includes: - Design software subscription (e.g., Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer): $20-$50/month - Basic computer/laptop: $0-$500 (assuming you already own one) - Online portfolio website (e.g., Behance, Dribbble): Free - Marketing on social media: Free - Basic online courses or tutorials: Free-$50 High-end estimate includes: - Professional design software (Adobe Creative Cloud): $50/month - High-performance computer/laptop: $1,000-$1,500 - Professional website hosting and domain: $100/year - Paid advertising (e.g., Google Ads, social media ads): $200-$500 - Advanced online courses or certifications: $200-$500 - Graphic tablet: $100-$300 Essential at launch: Design software, computer, online portfolio Optional but recommended: Professional website, paid advertising, advanced courses, graphic tablet Hidden costs: Software updates, potential hardware upgrades, ongoing marketing expenses Online communities often suggest it's low-cost initially, but expenses can increase as you scale and seek higher quality tools and marketing strategies. For serious commitment, budgeting on the higher end ensures access to better tools and resources.