Art Tutoring - A Bright and Colorful Teacher Career Direction

So what exactly is an art tutor?

An art tutor is someone who teaches children and / or adults in the subject area of art. They don't work in a regular school setting. Instead, they work either at their own home or in a studio. Their customers (students) come to them, which has the built in benefit of therefore not requiring the tutor to travel anywhere.

An art tutor might do one or more of the following:

• teach beginner's art classes in general topic areas such as painting, drawing, pottery or screen printing
• teach more advanced students in a one to one or small group situation
• teach workshops on specific areas of expertise
• offer 'artist in residence' experiences to schools and colleges in the local area on a formal or informal basis

Parents often like to build their children's artistic skills with out of school activities. Art classes for children is the perfect topic to use as a vehicle for establishing a home based business. From the student perspective, there is an enjoyable and satisfying activity in which to participate. From the parent perspective, there is the chance to chat with other parents (try offering free coffee and biscuits and watch the parents bubble with enthusiasm!) and enjoy seeing a finished art product at the end of each series of classes.

Art classes for children are great fun to teach too! Children who are motivated enough to seek out art classes outside school are likely to be either talented at art, or simply love the experience of particiating in art classes for children.You can teach in specific areas that you know well, without the drag of constant assessments, marking, staff meetings and reporting requirements that plague many classroom teachers.

So is there a business opportunity in art for children classes?

Most definitely!

As a private art tutor, you can charge what you think your market will afford and willingly pay. Remember you need to allow for the cost of:

• your preparation time
• your art supplies
• renting or hiring of a room if needed
• heating, cooling and electricity costs (particularly important if you are running a pottery kiln)
• deterioration of key pieces of equipment over time (you will eventually need to replace larger items like work benches, drying racks and screens)

On the other hand, you can perhaps claim some of your expenses in your tax return (depending on the requirements of your own country's tax system). You may be able to claim depreciation of larger items, or consumables that you buy to use in your class.

Another benefit of business opportunities in art is the chance to cross promote yourself and your work. For every customer (student) who walks through your door there is the chance to sell your own artwork and promote your artistic activities. For example, you could plan an exhibition in a local town and place flyers about it in the area where your parents wait to collect their students.