Where to find artists and designers in Estonia - a city guide

Distribution of artists and designers across Estonia

The Websta catalogue for the trade contains 99 profiles created from public and claimed sources. Those profiles are concentrated in a few cities, with the following counts: Tallinn - 51, Tartu - 14, Pärnu - 6, Jõgeva - 4, Põlva - 4, Saue - 3, Paide - 3, Jõhvi - 2, Kärdla - 2, Võru - 2, Tapa - 2, Kuressaare - 1, Keila - 1, Viljandi - 1, Narva - 1, Haapsalu - 1, Põltsamaa - 1.

Those numbers reflect how many profiles in the catalogue are tagged with the registered trade and a town. They are useful for getting a quick sense of where providers are located and where choice is limited.

What to expect in Tallinn versus smaller towns

Tallinn accounts for 51 of the catalogue profiles, so the capital offers the largest pool of artists and designers listed on Websta. That usually means more options for different specialisations and more opportunities to view portfolios in person.

In smaller towns the number of listed providers is much smaller. Tartu has 14, Pärnu has 6, and many towns have only one or two listings. When counts are low, expect fewer narrowly specialised services and longer travel distances for in-person work or meetings.

Small towns and regional realities

Several towns have very small representation: Kuressaare - 1, Keila - 1, Viljandi - 1, Narva - 1, Haapsalu - 1, Põltsamaa - 1, Jõhvi - 2, Kärdla - 2, Võru - 2, Tapa - 2. If you live outside Tallinn or Tartu, you may find only one or two local profiles and will often need to consider providers from nearby larger towns.

A small count does not mean there are no capable local people. It means the Websta catalogue currently lists fewer registered profiles in those places, so plan for outreach beyond your town when you need a specific skill set.

How to check a provider before hiring

Use a combination of checks to judge suitability. Look at the portfolio images on the profile and ask for examples relevant to your project. Confirm the scope of work, timeline and deliverables in writing before work starts.

For profiles that were created from public business registers, the catalogue page will show the registered trade and the town of a sole trader. Treat that as one data point and ask the provider directly about current business activity, location and any team members.

If you plan an in-person meeting, arrange to see work samples in person or visit the studio. For remote projects, request digital samples and clear milestones. Always agree payment terms and a simple written brief.

• Check portfolio images and request relevant samples
• Confirm trade and location shown on the profile with the provider
• Agree deliverables, timeline and payment in writing

How the Websta catalogue for this trade works

Websta profiles look like a small website: they can list services, show photos, include a contact form and offer optional online booking. Part of the catalogue in Estonia was built from the public business register; those register-built profiles show the registered trade and town of a sole trader and carry a notice that the person can claim or remove the page.

A similar register-built pilot exists in Brazil for Curitiba. On Websta you can browse the trade category and view profiles; the marketplace path for this trade is /marketplace/art.

Claiming, contacting and removing a profile

If a profile is based on public register data it will display a notice that the person can claim or remove the page. Claiming typically lets the provider update photos, services and contact details. If you are the provider and want to manage the profile follow the claim instructions shown on the page.

For hiring, use the contact form or the details on the profile to reach out. If a profile lacks recent information, ask the provider to confirm availability and current address before making arrangements.

Search tactics and next steps

Start local and then widen the search. If you are in Tallinn or Tartu you have more listed options; if you are elsewhere, check nearby towns with higher counts or be prepared to engage a provider remotely. Use portfolio relevance and clear briefs to compare candidates.

When contacting several providers, give the same brief so you can compare proposals. Keep communications written, ask for estimated timelines and payment terms, and plan a short trial or a small initial task if the project allows.