I've tried the search button but didn't find an answer.
I am going to start doing taxidermy and wonder how much room do you need. Do you have two seprate(sp) area? caping, salt ect, then a room for the finish mounting ect?
Please give an suggestion you think might be helpful.
Thank you so much for your input
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Hey Leo! @ the moment I'm not working out of a very small shop. It's about 16 feet long and 5 feet wide. It's kind of tight in there but, I do still get my heads pushed out. And things need to be more organized because you can easily lose things when items are cramed together. Just remember the rules to business-START OFF SMALL, BUT ALWAYS THINK BIG!
Dude...you gotta be skinny! 16' x 5" wow! Guess you don't do many Elk! More power to ya! But like everything else I'm sure you've come to appreciate the small narrow space and make the best of it!
Not sure if I could handle being that cramped. As my "nickname" implies I'm not a little fella... 6' and 220 pounds! I'm set up in 1800 square feet. Divided into 5 rooms. But to be honest only about 600 square feet are used regularly. It's mostly storage, freezers and drying.
I could actually get by with the 600 square feet if need be. I prefer not to feel "cramped" though. I like the open space around me while I work. Also however small the area have it well lighted and ventilated or air conditioned. I opt for the AC helps deal with the dang humidity!
Lot of variables... a lot can be done in small spaces!
Best of luck.
FB
Thank you! By the way, can I borrow money to expand?
I did so On my own Land. Realizing that it would always improve the value of the property. If I no longer need it. It can easily be used for other purposes. My shop is 40 X 40 the showroom Is 20 X 20 With a counter In the rear. Giving me A nice area to display my work. The work area is L shaped with a garage door in the front This makes it convenient for large deliveries. Beside the garage door is a small door that has a roller conveyer going out. You Know the kind they use to have at the grocery stores to send out the groceries in crates. (OOPs did I just sate myself.) This makes it nice in the winter as I do Not have to open the big door to take in deer heads. Just have the customer roll them in. The entire 20 By 20 garage area Is where I skin and salt hides. A drain In the floor makes clean up easy. The remaining 20 X 40 is my work and drying area. In one corner I have a spray booth with an exhaust fan to paint in. I like plenty of benches. So the work area is nearly surrounded with them. Makes for easy organization. A few years ago I extended The entire front by six feet, And had it enclosed in glass. Now I have a 6 X 40 display area right out front. What a billboard it makes. Hope this gives you some Ideas
How busy are you? Do you plan on expanding in the near future? How many different species will you be working with?(different machines) First, and foremost,will you have room to work comfortably and be able to present yourself as a professional. Lighting factors are a biggy to but can be remedied. I presently work in rather confined spacing but know exactly what I need for me. Try some stuff. See what works for you. I go for showing a customer my art. Not work in process. Best of luck. Peace- Jeff F.
Mine was a full basement shop that you wouldn't believe...fabulous. Check the early Archives for the first season Taxidermy.Net came online. Check John Ballucci within those five-six months and following year.
John describes in detail exactly how and why he built his shop the way he did...lots of good solid advice and superb suggestions there for anyone...even established pros.
~ ETCC
stick to your prices people will try to jew you down and charge them for everything you do remember time is money thats where I messed up charge freinds just like you would a stranger or they will want it for next to nothing. just some advice before you open shop. charge what you feel your work is worth not to compete with the guy across town. good luck.
But I have been at the same studio almost since he opened. When I first went there I thought it was a huge shop. I have been there 7 years. Over that period the owner has gotten a lot of equipment to make work more productive. We do a considerable amount of large game full body mounts. and even with over 1600 square feet space at times it is standing room only. Plan for success. I am not saying you should put yourself in financial stress. But build a shop that will allow for growth. Plan it out well. and consider appearance. The more professional you look, the better your business will be. wile it is possible to run a successful business from a rather demure shop. Your business will rise to the occasion. even those who may not be world class taxidermist can present themselves as such with a professional, and classy appearance. If people see a neat well organized workplace. they feel it represents your work well. just My 2 cents
At least 5,000 sq. Feet. so you can keep all the junk you never use.