Starting up - CA specific, but any comments would be helpful

CWSkopec

So, here's where I'm at... I do Graphic Design work for a living and photography as a hobby. I enjoy both and want to suppliment my running my own little business selling photos and doing freelance design work.

My dad and I have already published a book (see the link in my sig) in which I did the design work, I'm hard at work on the second and have a couple photo books planned that I can use as examples of what I can do (plus a number of design works on my site). And I'm working hard on finishing up my SmugMug site so I can upgrade to a Pro account and start selling photos (I know, I could do that now before I'm done, but I would rather have a completely done site before I do).

So here's a couple questions that have come to mind the more I think about it. If you've got any answers I would appreciate it and feel free to add to my list if there are questions I should be thinking but haven't gotten to yet...

1. Registering a business name - I plan on operating as Chris Skopec Photography & Design. From what I understand, using Chris Skopec doesn't require registering the name, because well... it's mine. Does adding "Photography & Design" then make it nesescary to register?
2. Tax Person - I have some questions for a tax professional, namely, I remember a number of years ago my dad was able to claim a part of his rent as a tax deduction becuase the 2nd bedroom was an office that he ran his small business out of. What other sorts of questions should I be thinking of? And how did you folks choose your person? Would a chain such as H&R Block be good? Or do you prefer using individuals?
3. Copyrighting - I have yet to go through the process of submitting my work to the copyright office and am wondering if folks are using a service or just managing on their own. I see that Legal Zoom has a copyright submittal service, anyone use them for such things?
4. Finding an Attorney - I'm not ready for this yet (I know, it should be one of the first steps, right? There's just no way to afford it yet). I'm thinking mostly along the lines of having someone to draft licensing agreements and such. How have you folks managed to find your attorneys? Did you pick at random from the phone book and get lucky? How did you narrow it down from the masses listed in the phone book?

I'm sure there's about a bazillion other questions I should be asking, but those are the ones I've wondered myself and can't seem to locate relevant threads on.

Thanks in advance! :thumb

Cygnus Studios

1. Tax Person
   
2. Copyrighting
   
3. Finding an Attorney

A good accountant and lawyer will handle 90% of your paperwork needs. The accountant can assist in what type of business entity you should file as, and help with the paperwork.

Copyrighting now is pretty easy and can be done directly with the copyright office. No need to pay someone else to do it for you.

I highly suggest that you have a good attorney write your model releases, contracts, and releases.

Lastly, visit a good business insurance agent. Liability insurance and property insurance is money well spent.

CWSkopec

Cygnus Studios wrote:

[/LIST]A good accountant and lawyer will handle 90% of your paperwork needs. The accountant can assist in what type of business entity you should file as, and help with the paperwork.

Copyrighting now is pretty easy and can be done directly with the copyright office. No need to pay someone else to do it for you.

I highly suggest that you have a good attorney write your model releases, contracts, and releases.

Lastly, visit a good business insurance agent. Liability insurance and property insurance is money well spent.

Thanks for the answers, Steve!
Looks like I'll be looking into finding an accountant in the coming days.

Anyone out there able to recommend a reputable office in the San Diego area?

Angelo

Chris

your question about name registration is not California specific it is county specific. You live in San Diego County and their laws regarding Fictitious Business Names may be different than in other counties.

Starting here may be of help: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/arcc/services/fbn_info.aspx

CWSkopec

Angelo wrote:

Chris

your question about name registration is not California specific it is county specific. You live in San Diego County and their laws regarding Fictitious Business Names may be different than in other counties.

Starting here may be of help: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/arcc/services/fbn_info.aspx

Thanks for the info and the link, Angelo!