I am considering a career change. I have a friend who is a taxidermist and appears to do quite well and is willing to teach me. I am equally blessed because he has a great studio and a good business. My question is what kind of income can one expect if he/she is dedicated. I am pretty highly motivated and have always succeeded in what I have tried. I know this isn't something that is learned overnight and will do whatever it takes to succeed. Just wondering at what point could it replace my current job/if ever? Thanks for your help. I think it is great how "taxidermist" help each other out in this forum. I am currently a cop and can appreciate those of you that "watch each others back".
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First of all John , it depends on what part of the country you live in . You also have to realise that it would take years of practice before you should even consider starting a business to work on other peoples animals . I dont know too many people that do it full time in my area . Your best bet is to keep your job and just do this on the side ( weekends and after work ). Good luck Rick
If you've got some Income to fall back on I'm sure taxidermy would
be great
A lot of folks get into taxidermy because they love to fish and/or hunt. I fish a heck of a lot less NOW than I did BEFORE I got into taxidermy!
Also, to be good and rise above the competition it not only takes good business skills, but ARTISTIC ABILITY. Many think it's a matter of learning the craft. Which it is to a point. But if you don't possess some natural artistic ability you will be competing with the masses for mediocre wages...
John, For most of us it's tough to make a real living at taxidermy. If my wife did not work I could not support my family in my business. That's not to say it isn't rewarding. I keep very busy and the work just keeps coming but there is just so much I can do as a one man show with quality as my goal. As newbirdman said, your location determines a lot. Some of us combine retail sales with the taxidermy to keep things going and after gaining skills teaching others can be supplemental in some areas. It takes most of us several years of practise to become proficient so the usual approach of parttime is probably best. Best of luck, Aaron H.
nobody has really answered your question so I'll take a shot. If your skill level was good enough to generate the volume and IF you had enough volume to keep you busy all the time, I'd say one person working alone could net $50,000. That's assuming costs for materials and supplies only, not a shop, etc. But those are some big IFs that don't come easy.
Understanding that youre in law enforcement, Ill assume youll be eligible for retirement/pension at an earlier age than the average guy. With the added benefits taken care of, yes, taxidermy may well fit the bill in your case. Too often boredom is the reason for the switch, and taxidermy can get boring too. Others want to be close to the hunting and fishing they love. Sometimes taxidermy can actually take some of us further away from that too.
Many folks really make the most of it all and earn a pretty decent living. Heres hoping you do too!
Well said, I am on the that very same path. Law inforcment untill I retire at 48 in 7 years. And then my part time Taxidermy business will still probably be part time. My goal is to not get burned out at it. But I will need an extra income to support my family.
John good luck to you. I hope you do well and don't forget to learn everything you can from this forum. Its a great place to find alot of small details about the trade. Jack F