My cookie cutter rule of thumb.
If I need less than 10 of a shape I will make a cardboard template (cereal boxes work great) and hand-cut it.
10-24 cookies I will make a plastic template (dollar tree cutting board mats are a perfect plastic for this) and hand-cut it.
24 + cookies I want a cutter. If it is more of a simple shape I will hand-make the cutter. I always keep several extra 6" round tin cookie cutters on hand just for this purpose. I snip and reshape them with my "Make your own cookie cutter kit"(link below) $19
(https://www.amazon.com/Interna...=cookie+cutter+maker)
Using the premade circle cutters is a good source for the metal because the top edge will already be rolled. This will give your finished cutter a smooth edge for your hand to press down on. You can actually make a shape you need in less than an hour.
24+ Cookies - When I want something super exact and just a certain size I have used 3D printing. I worked out my image in Microsoft word (or any program you can put an image in) as an outline then uploaded it to cookie caster which created the digital file I needed. Finally, I sent the file to a 3D printing source. They are popping up all over the place. Check out your local college, they might just have a 3D lab that will print it for you. I pay $0.20 /gram. This makes it comparable to a tin cutter in cost. (This way you still get to design your own cutters)
You can have a lot of cutters made for $450+. and then you need to invest in supplies.
Try making some designs and having them printed by someone else BEFORE you invest. Taking a class would be a super idea for this. Either way, you will need to learn how to manage the designing end of the process. You might love all the time it takes to design the cutters on the computer OR you might realize that the process takes up more time outside of the kitchen than you want to invest. You might have to add the time it takes to make a cutter into your cookie cost if you are selling.
Finally, you will need to have space for a 3D printer.
So much to consider given that you will be spending a lot on a very cool tool to make something that costs very little!