Hello I'm looking for advice on moving to Germany. As an artist trying to live in America I've had to wear many hats so I am a Graphic Designer with a great deal of experience in print design and I also owned my own sign company for 5 years. I also teach printmaking and have run my own print studio for several years. I am looking for a way to support myself either freelancing or working parttime for a company or setting up my own studio and working as an artist. I could set up another sign company but I only have a basic understanding of German but not conversational by any means and certainly not enough to do business effectively.

Ideally I'd like to figure out a way to meet the requirements for work permits and still create my art and survive. Anyone have a similar experience or any advice on how I need to proceed? I have friends in Hamburg but it's much more expensive to live there compared to Berlin.

I plan on moving to Germany in the Summer and would like to have somethings worked out beforehand. Any advice greatly appreciated.