How do I start my own multimedia business?

[hwistlere31]

I'll start out mainly doing digital art, commissions, illustrations, and blog, but I also plan to include my own music and stories later. I've gotten in over my head, I think. I'm hearing all this about how I need to get an agent, lawyer, manager, that I don't need a business license but I do need to trademark/copyright my business name and work. I'm so confused.
What would be a good start?
Has anybody else gone down a similar path?
Could someone recommend a book/website or something to get me started?
What would you do or what have you done?
Should I trademark my business name first?
What if I want to work under a pseudonym? Is it legal? Is it possible?
I don't want to do anything illegal or wrong, I just want to have my own business. I don't know where/how to start. I don't know what I'm doing! Help!

[alleyne]

Below given steps will help you.

1. Develop a detailed business plan for your multimedia business idea. Research the market, your competition and write a carefully thought-out plan. Consider if you will focus on producing multimedia for the Internet. Include a mission statement, an overview of your business, analysis of the market, analysis of the competition, a marketing plan, current financial records and projected financial outlook, and any contracts, forms, or other documents that will be necessary for the formation of your business.
2. Establish your business as a legal entity. File all of the necessary forms on the local, state, and federal level. Consult your local small business administration or a lawyer for assistance. Establish a bookkeeping system. File the necessary tax forms with local, state, and federal authorities. Consult an accountant if you need help or guidance or use your local resources such as the small business administration office.
3. Determine exactly what you will do as a multimedia business. There are many outlets for your work, including weddings, concerts, sporting events, business seminars and public speaking events. Refer to your business plan and research to determine where you can be competitive. Multimedia content for the Internet is a fast growing segment of the market.
4. Research and acquire the necessary equipment to produce your multimedia content. Purchase digital camera and video camera equipment, audio recording equipment and lighting equipment. Take a few classes or read extensively about the field if you are not proficient in producing multimedia content. Purchase a professional-grade editing software to allow you to produce polished professional multimedia content in a wide variety of formats such as CD, DVD and streaming online.
5. Design an interactive multimedia-rich website. Work with a web designer to construct a website that features your work and allows it to be spread via social media networks. Integrate social media networks into your site seamlessly. Take advantage of the power of these networks to to show off your work. Build a community on your website through frequent blogging and creating an interactive forum.