What do i need to start my own art business?

i'm sick and tired of working for people. i've just turned 26 few days ago and i realize that i need a drastic change from all this stress. i'm basically working so hard in order for others to indulge in profits. stripping me of my time, it's no joke working from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. its a total drain of your life for someone elses needs. i wanna start something that i like, i have a flare of doing things on impulse, everything from shopping to art. throw me a box of paints and a board and ill just let my imagination take over. but i dont have years of practice, but the best part about me is i'm able to learn reasonably fast. so i was thinking of starting a small mini business on ebay or something, but before i do that, as i have no relevant experience and knowledge, what do i do? where do i start, and what should i do thereafter?? please, kind public, help me out here.....an advanced thankyou and a *hug* to all who answers kindly..

Start on e-bay and see where it takes you, if you want to become an artist they say you have to paint about 500 serious paintings before you are any good, so good luck.

The first thing you should do is maybe start on Ebay, you can find a drop shipper, that way you do not have to buy and store, and stock the products you actually sell. Instead you sell products for other companies, then place your order and they will ship it for you. Anything you get above the price you pay is yours to keep minus the fee at Ebay and Paypal. You do not need to register as business, but you will need to state any income earned this way on your tax return. You can also sell on smaller sites like www.auctsell.com
that take very little commission from the profit.. besure to calculate Ebay's fees as they can be high, before setting your prices.

Good LUCK!

Most imp is a great idea which is yet to be explore & finance

Well, I have my own business and I talk and network to alot of people. I would (and this takes guts) go around to some shops and talk to people. Ask if they are interested in having their windows rearranged. Ask what is missing in their business. Find out what business owners are looking for. Think of some creative things you can do for businesses. Do it for FREE. Make up some business cards. The thing is, you have to do something in order to find out what you like to do and to get some experience doing it. Take a weekend or two and talk to people. Tell them you are looking to start a new business and that you are trying to find out what the needs are. I like business to business (I am a publisher of an advertising publication) I think business owners like to hear themselves talk and will talk to you about what is missing in their business.

Here are some ideas of what businesses may need. Business cards, brochures, window dressing and design, interior designing (displays),

You can also start by getting a new job, going down to part time in your old one. Do this new job in an area where you can learn something new. The ebay sell it shops are good because you can get involved with learning about how to photograph items, how to write about them to make them more enticing, etc.

Even if you don't want to do any of this now, keep it in the back of your head when you go about your daily business and some ideas will eventually surface. Good Luck!

1. check out the art businesses on ebay and get started.

2. sell one item on ebay-test the waters

3. check the message boards and contact shop owners and ask them.

4. do something to get started NOW; and at least one thing everyday.

What you need is......luck, lots of luck. ;)
You could try making a page on deviantart.com. You can get a print account there, so people can buy your art.
Entering competitions would be good for getting your name out there, no matter if they're small or large.
oh yeah, good luck!