Do I need an ABN to take payments as a tattoo artist in Australia?

If you carry on an enterprise you will usually register for an Australian Business Number. Check the Australian Business Register for the registration process and ask the Australian Taxation Office whether you need an ABN for your situation.

When do I have to register for GST?

Ask the Australian Taxation Office about GST. The ATO requires businesses to register for GST when their GST turnover reaches the current threshold - contact them to confirm the threshold and how to register.

Can I tattoo minors in Australia?

Age and consent rules for tattooing vary by state and territory. Check your local health department or council for minimum age requirements and any documentation they require before tattooing minors.

How should I handle deposits and no-shows?

Use a clear, written deposit and cancellation policy. Require a deposit to confirm booking, state how cancellations are handled and document agreed terms in messages or a booking page. A deposit reduces no-shows and gives you a reference in disputes.

How to make money as a tattoo artist in Australia - practical guide

Updated October 21, 2026

Where paying customers come from

Customers arrive in several consistent ways. Neighbours and friends often make up the first bookings - people in your social circle who like your style. Workmates and people from your trade or industry come next, especially if you work alongside a daytime job. Schools, TAFE and university students can be a source in college towns, though check local age rules first. Online search and social media are major channels - people searching for a style or a local artist will click through to profiles, galleries and booking pages. Word of mouth still matters: a single clear photo and a reliable appointment routine will generate referrals over time.

You can also get walk-ins if you tattoo at a market, pop-up, or a visible studio location. On Websta the category is "tattoo artists" and the marketplace path is /marketplace/tattoo - that is one place prospective customers might find you alongside your own links and social channels.

Personal network - friends, neighbours, colleagues
Students and local communities where you spend time
Online search and social profiles
Word of mouth and referrals
Walk-ins at events or visible premises

How to set a first price and talk about money

Set a first price that reflects your time, consumables, travel and liability. Think hourly or by-piece pricing and write down what is included - design time, stencil, touch-up policy, aftercare advice. If you are starting, you may decide on a lower rate to build a portfolio, but keep the drop deliberate - do not underprice every job or you will struggle to raise rates later.

When talking to a client, be transparent. Give a written quote or price range, explain what affects cost - size, placement, colour, level of detail and session count - and state your deposit and cancellation policy. A deposit reduces no-shows and clarifies commitment. Put the payment terms in writing before you start work.

Choose hourly or fixed pricing and list inclusions
Explain factors that change price: size, detail, colour, time
Require a deposit and have a clear cancellation policy
Provide a written quote or message thread that you can refer to

What the first ten customers usually look like

Your first ten customers will often be low-complexity jobs and people who already know you. Expect small pieces, flash designs, cover-ups or repeat business from friends. Some will want portfolio-friendly shapes - wrists, forearms and ankles. You may take a few longer sessions if a client trusts you or wants a custom piece. Use these early jobs to refine your consent process, aftercare notes and pace - they are as much about learning how to run appointments as they are about the art itself.

Do not expect a steady stream from day one. Early bookings can be irregular and require follow-up, flexible scheduling and clear communication about healing and touch-ups.

Mostly friends, acquaintances and local referrals at first
Smaller, quicker designs to build a photo portfolio
A few repeat clients or trusted custom pieces
Learning appointments for your booking and aftercare routine

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person

There are a few administrative items to get in order. If you carry on a business you will generally register for an Australian Business Number - check the Australian Business Register for details. The Australian Taxation Office is the place to confirm tax rules - ask about reporting income, claiming expenses and GST registration. If your annual turnover is $75,000 or more you must register for GST - confirm current thresholds and obligations with the ATO.

Decide whether you trade as a sole trader, partnership or company and get appropriate insurance - public liability and professional indemnity are commonly recommended. Check your state or territory health department and local council for any registration or premises rules for tattooing. If you hire staff, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to confirm pay and entitlements. Keep careful records of invoices, receipts and client consent forms for tax and risk management.

Check ABR for ABN registration
Ask the Australian Taxation Office about income tax, GST and record-keeping
Check state or territory health department and local council rules for tattoo premises
Consider public liability insurance and, if hiring, check Fair Work obligations

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Common problems are underpricing, inconsistent booking systems, weak communication about aftercare and no-shows. Underpricing makes it hard to cover real costs; inconsistent booking leads to double-bookings or gaps; unclear aftercare increases the risk of unhappy clients. Hygiene or local compliance mistakes can lead to fines or closures - always follow local health advice.

Another early issue is relying on one source of clients. If you depend entirely on friends or a single social channel, a slowdown there will reduce bookings. Track where clients come from and invest time in at least two channels - local referrals plus an online presence or marketplace listing.

Underpricing that ignores consumables and time
No deposit or cancellation policy leading to lost income
Insufficient client communication about aftercare
Ignoring local hygiene and registration rules

How a Websta profile fits into this

A Websta profile acts like a simple website you can send to people and list in searches. It can show services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe and you set your own prices. Use the page as a stable landing link in messages, social posts and marketplace listings - it reduces back-and-forth and centralises booking details.

Do not expect a profile alone to bring instant bookings. Treat it as one tool in a mix: keep photos current, state your prices and deposit terms clearly, and link it from your social media and marketplace entries.

A single, shareable page with services, photos and booking
Payments routed to your bank account via Stripe
You control prices and the information you publish
Use it as part of a broader client acquisition plan

Practical next steps

Start by doing small, quality jobs for people you know and ask permission to photograph healed work. Set a clear price structure, a deposit policy and a consent form you use every time. Register for an ABN if you plan to trade, and check the ATO about GST and record-keeping. Open a separate bank account for business receipts and organise insurance. Create a Websta profile with your services, photos, prices and online booking link, and use that page when you respond to enquiries.

Be realistic about timelines - building a steady client flow takes time, reliable delivery and consistent promotion. Keep notes on what works and where clients find you, then adjust your approach.

Take small jobs, photograph healed work, build a portfolio
Set prices, deposits and written consent procedures
Register ABN if trading and check ATO for tax and GST questions
Create a Websta profile and link it across your channels

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an ABN to take payments as a tattoo artist in Australia?: If you carry on an enterprise you will usually register for an Australian Business Number. Check the Australian Business Register for the registration process and ask the Australian Taxation Office whether you need an ABN for your situation.
When do I have to register for GST?: Ask the Australian Taxation Office about GST. The ATO requires businesses to register for GST when their GST turnover reaches the current threshold - contact them to confirm the threshold and how to register.
Can I tattoo minors in Australia?: Age and consent rules for tattooing vary by state and territory. Check your local health department or council for minimum age requirements and any documentation they require before tattooing minors.
How should I handle deposits and no-shows?: Use a clear, written deposit and cancellation policy. Require a deposit to confirm booking, state how cancellations are handled and document agreed terms in messages or a booking page. A deposit reduces no-shows and gives you a reference in disputes.
How does Websta handle payments?: Websta pages can include online booking and card payments. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. You set your own prices and use the profile to centralise bookings and client details.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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