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Your not just a artist you are a Business

Ready to Be a Business?

Stop treating your art like a hobby. This simple guide will walk you through the essential first step to building a serious, professional career.

Download the free PDF or read below

Your creativity is your product. Your career is your business. But before you can build an empire, you need a strong foundation. Most artists skip this step, putting their entire future at risk.

 

This guide isn't about boring paperwork. It's about protecting your assets, looking professional, and building a business that lasts. We'll show you exactly how to set up your business, including:

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  • Why an LLC is the smart, safe choice for any serious artist.

  • A simple, step-by-step checklist of what you'll need.

  • Direct, clickable links to the official business registration page for every state.

  • Crucial next steps like getting an EIN and opening a business bank account.

  • A bonus list of common tax deductions for musicians.

 

This is the first move a professional makes. It's a statement that you're in it to win.

Dizruptors' Artist Business Guide:
A Path to Professionalism

Introduction

 

Hey, you're not just a creator—you're a CEO.

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The art you make is the product. The performances, the merch, the social media presence—that’s your business. And if you're serious about building a career that lasts, you have to start treating it like one.

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Most artists focus only on the art. They spend hours perfecting their sound, but ignore the foundation of their career. That's a mistake. The most successful artists know their business as well as they know their craft.

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This guide isn't about making a boring spreadsheet. It's about protecting your future, creating a professional brand, and giving your art the platform it deserves. It all starts with one simple, critical step: choosing the right business structure.

Section 1: The First Step—Choosing Your Business Structure

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When you start earning money from your music, the government sees you as a business owner. But what kind of business owner are you? You have two main options: a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC.

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Sole Proprietorship

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This is the default option. If you haven't done anything to formalize your business, you're a Sole Proprietor. It's easy to set up—there's no paperwork or cost involved. You just file your business income and expenses with your personal tax return.

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Sounds simple, right? It is, but it's also risky. As a Sole Proprietor, there is no legal separation between you and your business. If your business gets sued or goes into debt, your personal assets—like your savings, car, and even your house—could be at risk. This is a hobbyist move, not a professional one.

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LLC (Limited Liability Company)

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This is the best option for a serious artist. An LLC creates a legal separation between you and your business. It protects your personal assets from business debts and legal issues. If you get into a dispute over a contract or a debt, the LLC structure can shield you.

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An LLC also makes you look professional. When you're dealing with venues, booking agents, or collaborators, having an LLC shows you're serious. It's a statement that you're building a real career, not just dabbling.

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Our Recommendation:

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A Sole Proprietorship might be simple, but an LLC is the smart, professional, and safe choice for any artist ready to build a career. Don't risk your future to save a little time. The small amount of effort it takes to form an LLC is one of the most important investments you can make in your business.

Section 2: Your LLC Checklist—What You'll Need
 
Ready to get started? This isn’t as complicated as it seems. Just follow this simple checklist to get your business set up the right way.


Step 1: Choose Your Business Name Your business needs a name.

This could be your artist name, your band name, or something new. Do a quick search on your state's business registry (you'll find the link below) to make sure the name isn't already in use. A good name is memorable, unique, and clearly represents your brand.


Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent Every LLC is required to have a Registered Agent.

This is the person or company that officially receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can be your own Registered Agent, but it requires you to list a physical address (not a P.O. box) and be available during business hours. Many artists use a professional registered agent service for privacy and convenience.


Step 3: File Your Formation Documents

This is the big one. It's often called the "Articles of Organization" or "Certificate of Formation," and you'll file it with your state's Secretary of State office. You'll need to provide your business name, address, and Registered Agent information. Most states allow you to do this online and the process is straightforward.


Step 4: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Think of this as the Social Security number for your business. An EIN is a unique nine-digit number issued by the IRS. You'll need it to open a business bank account and file taxes. The best part? It's completely free to get directly from the IRS website.


Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

This is non-negotiable. To protect your personal assets, you must keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. Once your LLC is formed and you have your EIN, head to a bank to open a dedicated business checking account.

Section 3: State-Specific Resources
 
The rules for forming an LLC are different in every state. To make it easy, we've compiled a list of direct, clickable links for all 50 states. Find your state below and click the link to go directly to your official business registration page.
 

How to get you EIN: The process is simple and, most importantly, free.

Go directly to the official IRS EIN Application Page and use their online application.

You'll receive your EIN instantly. Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee for this service.

Section 4: What's Next?
 
Congratulations! You're on your way to becoming a business. Once your LLC is officially formed, there are two crucial next steps you need to take to ensure your business is fully protected and operating professionally.
 
1. Get Your EIN
 
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS, essentially the Social Security number for your business. It's not optional for an LLC. You'll need it to open your business bank account, hire employees, and file your business taxes.

  • How to get it: The process is simple and, most importantly, free. Go directly to the official IRS EIN Application Page and use their online application. You'll receive your EIN instantly. Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee for this service.

 
2. Open a Business Bank Account
 
To maintain the limited liability protection of your LLC, you must keep your business finances completely separate from your personal finances. This is called "piercing the corporate veil," and it can put your personal assets at risk.

  • What you'll need: To open the account, you'll need your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization) and your new EIN.

  • Why it's essential: A separate account makes accounting and tax filing much easier and provides a clear separation that protects your personal savings and property.

 
Bonus Content: Common Tax Deductions for Musicians
 
Now that you're a business, you can start deducting business expenses, which can significantly lower your tax bill. (Note: This is not legal or tax advice. Always consult a professional tax advisor.)
Keep a detailed record of these common deductions:

  • Equipment & Instruments: The cost of instruments, microphones, speakers, cables, and other gear.

  • Recording & Studio Time: Fees for booking recording studios, mixing and mastering services, and even audio editing software.

  • Travel: Expenses for travel to gigs, recording sessions, and rehearsals, including mileage, tolls, parking, and lodging.

  • Promotional Expenses: Costs for website hosting, social media ads, photos, and demo recordings.

  • Education: Any workshops, lessons, or seminars that improve your professional skills.

  • Professional Services: Fees for lawyers, accountants, managers, and agents.

Build Your Career as a Business

Treat Your Music Career Like a Business Your music is more than art—it’s a business, and every successful business needs a solid foundation. At Dizruptors, we’re here to guide you through the process of setting up your career for long-term growth, profit, and sustainability. From forming your own LLC to building business credit and creating a strategic plan, we’ve got you covered.

Register: Form Your Business (LLC or Corp)

Why Form a Business Entity?

  • Legal Protection: Shield your personal assets from liability.

  • Tax Advantages: Deduct business expenses like equipment, studio time, and travel.

  • Professionalism: Build credibility with investors, venues, and collaborators.

Steps to Form an LLC:

  1. Choose Your Business Name – Pick something memorable and check for availability.

  2. File Articles of Organization – Register your business with your state.

  3. Obtain an EIN – Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.

  4. Open a Business Bank Account – Separate personal and business finances.

Helpful Links:

Build Your Business Credit

Why Business Credit Matters

  • Secure loans or credit lines to fund your career.

  • Improve your purchasing power for big expenses like tours or merch production.

Steps to Build Business Credit:

  1. Get a D-U-N-S Number – Register with Dun & Bradstreet to establish your business credit profile. (Apply Here)

  2. Open Accounts with Vendors – Work with companies that report to credit bureaus (e.g., office supplies, merch suppliers).

  3. Apply for a Business Credit Card – Use it responsibly to build a positive credit history.

  4. Pay Bills on Time – Timely payments boost your credit score.

Helpful Tools:

Plan Your Career (Business Plan Basics)

Why You Need a Business Plan
A business plan acts as your roadmap, helping you set goals, focus your efforts, and attract investors or funding.
Simple Business Plan Template:

  1. Executive Summary – Your mission, vision, and goals as an artist.

  2. Market Analysis – Identify your audience and competitors.

  3. Revenue Streams – List all ways you plan to make money (e.g., streaming, merch, live shows).

  4. Marketing Plan – How you’ll promote your music (e.g., social media, email campaigns).

  5. Budget – Outline your costs and income projections.

Dizruptors Free Business Plan Template:

Ready to Build Your Career?

Follow these steps to establish your music career as a thriving business. Take control of your financial future and unlock opportunities that only a professional setup can provide.
Need help getting started? Join Dizruptors today and access all the resources and guidance you need to succeed!

Sign Up Now

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