How Much Does Equipment Cost?

As a freelancer, having the newest technology and software is a requirement.  But how much does all of that cost?  An article titled, “Freelancing 101: What Does It Cost to Be a Freelancer?” on Design Shack, a popular design website,  as well as a quick search of prices gives the answers.

SOURCE: designshack.net

1. Computer - A computer is the workstation of a freelance designer.  As such, it needs to be reliable and stable as well as being able to handle the programs and software that you are going to use.  A computer should not hinder workflow by making you have to wait while a process gets completed or while you are rendering a project.  The design industry standard for computers are Macs.  The prices for a mac can range from $1,000 to $3,000.  It is essential that you weigh the power of the computer versus the power that you need.
2. Software - Software is the next essential tool of a freelance designer.  Having the near latest editions of programs is essential for a designers credibility.  Some programs come as a subscription, some come as a box.  Software can range anywhere from the moderate to expensive.  Some examples would be: Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription, $49.99/month; Cinema 4D Studio, $999.
3. High Speed Internet - High Speed Internet is also essential due to the fact that having slow internet can cause an excessive amount of wasted time.  A designer uses the internet to check emails, send files to clients, obtain stock images, and a variety of other tasks.  If one has slow internet, all the times that is spent waiting for a page to load or waiting for a file to send adds up.  High Speed Internet Service can cost anywhere from $39.99/month to $129.99/month depending on what speeds you get and which service provider you use.
4. Web Hosting - A website is what a freelance designer uses to attract new clients.  It serves as a place for potential clients to view past work as well as providing contact info.  Depending on which hosting service you use as well as other components such as bandwidth and storage, web hosting can range from $3.99/month to $7.99/month.
5. Resource Accounts - Stock images, templates, and design components are available on the internet and are a needed resource for a designer.  In order to ensure that no copyright is broken, many stock resource sites require a subscription.  Depending on the site, you might be paying by picture, which can be from $2.99/picture to $19.99/picture.  Other sites run on a monthly subscription which can range from $99/month to $399/month.
6. Printer/Scanner/Copier - These are essential as they allow you to print out proofs, scan in ideas that you have sketched out, and copy a paper from a client, among other tasks.  One could buy each of these separately or there are also all-in-one options.  These products can range in price from $50 to $500.
7. General Supplies - This includes anything from pens and pencils, paper, or even a desk.

Future Research - In the next couple of posts, I hope to find the answers to the following questions:

• How much does the necessary insurance cost?
• How much are taxes for running your own business?
• How do you figure out what you are going to charge?