Updated October 21, 2026
Where customers in Copenhagen actually come from
People who want a tattoo find artists through several routes. Online search - Google Maps, Instagram, tattoo-specific sites - is how most new customers find tattoo artists in Copenhagen now. Word of mouth from friends who have used your work matters more than many people expect, especially once you have five or ten pieces to show. Some customers come from tattoo events and conventions held in and around Copenhagen, which attract both locals and tourists.
Tourist and international visitors make up a portion of demand in Copenhagen, especially during summer months and around weekends. Neighbourhoods with younger populations and higher foot traffic - like Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and central areas near Strøget - have more walk-in interest, though booking ahead is more common now than drop-ins.
Word of mouth works slowly at first. Your first few customers matter because they may refer others. Social media, particularly Instagram, is where many Copenhagen tattoo artists show their work and attract bookings. A portfolio online is not optional if you want to compete in this city.
Setting a first price
Copenhagen is expensive for living costs and services. Most tattoo artists here charge by the hour, by the piece, or by complexity - not a single flat rate. Research what other established artists in Copenhagen charge: hourly rates typically fall in a range you can discover by looking at studio websites and portfolios. Your first price should account for your skill level and the time you need to complete work safely and well.
Many artists in Copenhagen price lower when starting to build a portfolio and gain reputation, then raise prices as demand grows and they work faster. This is normal. You set your own prices on a Websta profile - there is no fixed rate. The important thing is pricing honestly: charge enough that the work is worth your time and materials, but not so high that you attract no one while learning the market.
Talk about money directly with customers. Agree on the price and the scope of work before you start. Get a deposit if that is your policy - some artists ask for 25-50 percent upfront. This protects you both. Write down what you are agreeing to do so there is no confusion later.
What to sort out as a self-employed person in Denmark
If you work as a tattoo artist in Copenhagen as a self-employed person (freelancer or sole trader), you have obligations to the Danish tax authorities. Register with SKAT (Skatteforvaltningen), Denmark's tax administration, if you earn above a small threshold. Keep records of income and expenses. You must report your income to SKAT and pay the tax that applies to your earnings.
If you work from home or rent a small studio space, some costs may be deductible - materials, equipment, rent - but confirm the rules with SKAT or an accountant. Many tattoo artists in Copenhagen work through their own sole proprietorships (enkeltmandsforetagende) or register as limited companies, but the choice depends on your income level and situation. Get advice from a Danish accountant or SKAT directly about what structure makes sense for you.
You will also need liability insurance if you work with needles and ink. Check with Danish insurance companies about what coverage tattoo artists need in Copenhagen. This is not optional if you want to protect yourself and your customers. Payment handling through platforms like Stripe - which Websta uses - means you get paid to your own bank account, and you report that income to SKAT like any other earnings.
What your first ten customers usually look like
Your first customers are often friends, friends of friends, or people brave enough to choose a newer artist because they like your style or your price is lower. They are usually younger (teens to early 30s, though not always), have some tattoo experience already, and want smaller to medium pieces rather than large complex work. Some will be locals; some will be tourists passing through Copenhagen.
Early customers teach you about communication and the reality of working with different skin types, pain thresholds, and expectations. You will learn what takes longer than you thought, where your technique needs work, and how to manage a customer's anxiety. This is normal and expected. Keep doing the work well, and ask customers if they will refer you.
Do not expect all early customers to book through one channel. You might get referrals, walk-ins if you work in a visible place, messages from Instagram, and bookings through a profile on a local services site like Websta. Cast a wide net while you build.
Common problems in the first months
Many tattoo artists in Copenhagen underestimate how long appointments take, especially consultations. Leave more buffer time than you think you need between bookings. Customers also often change their minds about design or timing - have a cancellation policy and communicate it clearly upfront.
Pricing too low is a trap. It is easier to raise prices later if you are busy than to lower them if you priced poorly and now work for little return. You can always adjust after your first month or two based on demand and how long things actually take.
Not having a system for booking and payment causes chaos fast. You end up chasing customers for money, struggling to remember who booked when, and losing time to admin. A profile with online booking, a calendar, and payment handled through a secure system like Stripe - paid to your own bank account - removes these headaches.
How a Websta profile helps
A Websta profile in Copenhagen gives you a professional page that works like a small website. You list your services, set your own prices, upload photos of your work, and include a contact form. Customers can book appointments online and pay by card, and the payment goes straight to your own bank account. You do not pay Websta a percentage of earnings - you set the price, you keep the money.
The platform also has a marketplace where people in Copenhagen can search for tattoo artists by service and location, and post tasks for providers to make offers on. This means customers looking for tattoo work can find you through search, and you can also find potential customers looking for what you do.
A Websta profile is a page you can send to anyone - friends, people who ask for your details in person, or anyone who finds you online. It centralises your booking, your portfolio, and your payment in one place. For a tattoo artist in Copenhagen building a client base, having a professional online presence you control is not a luxury - it is how most customers expect to find and book you now.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can I earn as a tattoo artist in Copenhagen?
- Your earnings depend on how many customers you attract, how much you charge per piece, and how efficiently you work. A realistic start is slower than many hope - earning takes work and time. Some artists build a side income while working another job; others make tattoo their main income. Neither happens overnight. Research what established artists in Copenhagen charge and do the maths based on realistic booking numbers for your first months.
- Do I need a tattoo license or specific qualifications to work in Copenhagen?
- Denmark has health and safety rules for tattoo studios and artists. Check with the relevant local authorities - your municipality (kommune) or the Danish health authorities - about what training, certification or registration you need before you start offering tattoo services in Copenhagen. This is not something to guess about.
- Should I rent studio space in Copenhagen or work from home?
- This depends on your budget, your living situation, and local rules. Some tattoo artists rent a chair in an existing studio (cheaper, shared costs); others rent their own small studio space; some work from home if it is legal and practical where they live. Check if your lease or housing agreement allows a home-based business. Studio rent in Copenhagen is expensive, so many new artists start small - a shared space, part-time hours, or both.
- How do I handle payments safely from customers?
- Use a secure payment processor that customers trust. Stripe - which Websta uses - handles card payments and sends the money to your own bank account. Never ask customers to pay cash upfront unless you have no choice. A professional payment system protects you both, creates a record for tax purposes, and looks more professional than asking for bank transfers or cash.
- What if a customer is unhappy with their tattoo?
- This happens. Agree on exactly what you will do - design changes before you start, touchups if needed after healing, or corrections - and discuss it before the appointment. Some artists offer free touchups within a set time; others charge. Be clear about your policy upfront. Keep good communication with the customer and document what you agreed to do. Problem customers are rare, but have a plan.
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.