Earn as a tattoo artist in Malta - realistic steps for side income

Where paying customers in Malta come from

Paying customers in Malta usually arrive through a mix of local, social and online channels. Neighbours and friends are often the first source because people book someone they trust. Word of mouth is strong in small communities and across the islands - a well‑done tattoo can bring follow-up bookings and referrals.

Workplaces and social groups are useful places to meet clients. Colleagues, people at the gym, and members of clubs or artist communities will sometimes ask for small designs or refer others. Schools and universities can be a source of younger clients, but check age and consent rules before offering work.

Online search and social media matter for new clients who don’t already know you. People search for artists by town, style and portfolio. Local marketplaces and platforms where people post tasks can generate leads from people outside your immediate network.

• Neighbours, friends and family referrals
• Colleagues and workplace connections
• Students and social groups - check age rules
• Online search, social media and task marketplaces

How to set a first price and talk about money

Start by calculating your costs - ink, needles, sterilisation materials, machine wear and studio overheads - and estimate how long a job takes. Price must cover materials, your time and a margin that makes the work worthwhile for you. Don’t invent a number based on hope; base it on costs and time.

When you quote a client, be clear whether the price is per hour, per small flash piece, or per custom design. Offer a written estimate for larger pieces and require a deposit for bookings you need to protect. Communicate what the deposit covers and whether it is refundable.

Be direct about additional charges - touch-ups, cover-ups, travel or aftercare supplies. Clear, simple language reduces misunderstandings and makes money conversations routine rather than awkward.

What the first ten customers usually look like

The first ten customers tend to be a mix of people who already know you and people who found you through a recommendation or online portfolio. Expect friends and family, a few colleagues, and perhaps a couple of local walk-ins or social media contacts who liked your work.

Early clients often want small pieces, text, simple linework or touch-ups rather than large custom sleeves. These jobs are useful for building a portfolio, refining your process and collecting before-and-after photos you can show to future clients.

Treat these first customers as experiments in service delivery. Record how long each job takes, note aftercare questions, and ask for permission to photograph healed results for your portfolio.

What to sort out when taking money as an independent person in Malta

For legal and tax questions, check with the Malta Business Registry and the Commissioner for Revenue. Ask the Malta Business Registry whether you should register a sole proprietorship or a company and what documentation is required. Ask the Commissioner for Revenue about income tax registration, how to declare self-employed income, and VAT registration thresholds.

For health, hygiene and age rules, check with the Environmental Health Directorate or the relevant department at the Ministry for Health. Ask what rules apply to premises, sterilisation, waste disposal and consent forms, and what age limits apply to tattooing in Malta.

If you accept card payments online or in person, understand the payment provider’s requirements for identity verification and payouts. Websta pays card payments out to the provider’s own bank account through Stripe, and the provider sets their own prices. Confirm with Stripe and your bank what documentation they require.

What tends to go wrong in the first months

Undercharging is common - inexperienced artists often set prices too low and then work long hours for little return. Track your actual time and costs for each job before changing prices.

Poor communication and no deposit policy lead to cancellations and lost time. Not having a simple booking and deposit routine increases no-shows and last-minute changes.

Hygiene lapses or unclear aftercare instructions can cause complaints or worse. Keep records, use standard consent forms, and follow recommended sterilisation procedures - check local health guidance for specifics.

• Underpricing and inconsistent quotes
• No deposit or weak booking policy
• Inadequate record keeping or bookkeeping
• Hygiene or consent oversights

How a Websta profile fits into your plan

A Websta profile provides a page you can send to anyone and that can be found by people searching nearby for tattoo services. The page displays services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking, so it works as a simple public portfolio and booking tool.

On Websta you set your own prices. Card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe. Use the profile link on social posts, in messages, on business cards and in replies to local enquiries to avoid repeating the same information.

Treat the Websta page as your single, consistent source of truth - keep photos up to date, list clear service descriptions and state your deposit and cancellation terms. That reduces questions and creates a professional, repeatable process without promising any number of clients.