Image via Unsplash+ | Licensed for professional use.

Budgeting for Creatives

For makers who want a realistic cash flow plan that reflects how creative income actually works.

Generic templates don’t account for the seasonal ebbs and flows of an art business. This service focuses on understanding your expense patterns, planning for taxes, and determining exactly how much you can safely pay yourself.

What this service includes

  • Review of current income sources and expense patterns

  • Cash flow planning for uneven or seasonal income

  • Owner’s Draw Planning: Determining a sustainable "paycheck" for the artist

  • Tax reserve planning and estimated tax considerations

  • Creation of a practical monthly or quarterly budget framework

  • Guidance on tracking actual results against your plan

Best fit if:

  • Your income is seasonal or fluctuates monthly.

  • You want to stop guessing how much you can safely spend.

  • You need a plan for "slow months" that doesn't feel like a crisis.

  • You want to see the path toward financial sustainability and growth.

Software & Records

Budgeting services can be provided using your existing accounting software or spreadsheets. Because budgeting is most effective when paired with accurate data, I recommend that your bookkeeping be current before we begin.

Typical time commitment

Approximately 1–3 hours, depending on the complexity of your income streams and the condition of your records.

Billing structure

Services are billed at $160 per hour, with a 1-hour minimum and 10-minute increments thereafter. An initial one-hour retainer is required to secure your place on my schedule and is applied to your first invoice.

Contact me

Ready to take control of your cash flow? Please email me at katie@katiecpa.com with a brief note on your primary income streams (e.g., Etsy, wholesale, workshops) so I can understand your business model before our session.