Make Money as a Tattoo Artist in Mons, Belgium

Where tattoo customers in Mons come from

Mons is a city of around 90,000 people. Tattoo demand exists, but it is smaller than in larger cities like Brussels or Antwerp. Your customers will come from a mix of sources.

Word of mouth is still the strongest driver for tattoo artists in a city this size. A customer who likes your work tells friends, family and colleagues. Those people then seek you out. This takes time to build but is reliable.

Online search matters more than it used to. People in Mons searching for a tattoo artist will look on Google, social media and local service platforms. A profile where they can see your portfolio, prices and booking options makes it easier for them to find and contact you.

Customers also come from other towns and smaller cities in Hainaut and nearby regions. Some people will travel to Mons for a tattoo artist they trust or want to work with, especially if you have a strong portfolio or specialisation.

Walk-ins and footfall depend on your location. If you work from a studio in a busy area, you may get casual enquiries. If you work from home or a quieter location, you will rely more on people who have already decided to contact you.

Setting your first prices in Mons

Pricing tattoo work is personal to your skill, experience, design complexity and studio costs. There is no single 'right' price for Mons, but you can research what is realistic.

Look at what other tattoo artists in Mons and nearby cities charge. Visit their profiles, studios and social media. Note the range for different types of work - small black and grey pieces, larger colour work, custom designs. You will see a spectrum.

Your first prices should reflect your experience level honestly. If you are new to working independently but have solid skills from apprenticeship or employment, price accordingly - not as low as possible, but not at the top of the market either. Underpricing leads to burnout and attracts customers who do not value the work.

Talk to other tattoo artists in person if you can. Many are willing to give practical advice about pricing in your region. They understand that a healthy market helps everyone.

Remember that your price must cover your time, materials, studio costs (if applicable), taxes and your own income. A simple calculation helps: add up your monthly fixed costs, divide by the number of customers you expect to see, and build that into your rates.

Handling money and taxes as an independent tattoo artist in Belgium

If you work as a self-employed person in Belgium, you must register with the authorities and handle your own taxes and social contributions. This is a legal requirement, not optional.

Start by contacting your local SPF Finance (Service Public Fédéral Finances) office or a tax advisor to understand what you need to register. You will likely need to register as self-employed with the appropriate body in the Walloon Region.

You must keep records of all income and business expenses. This includes materials, studio rent, equipment, travel and professional insurance. Good record-keeping makes tax time simpler and proves your income if needed.

Social contributions for self-employed people in Belgium are significant and non-negotiable. These are separate from income tax. Speak to a tax advisor or your regional office about the current rates and how they apply to you.

Websta handles customer payments through Stripe, a payment processor. Money goes directly to your own bank account - you receive it, not Websta. You are responsible for declaring this income to Belgian tax authorities.

What your first ten customers usually look like

Your first customers will rarely come from nowhere. Most will come through personal networks: friends, family, people who follow you on social media, or colleagues who know you work as a tattoo artist.

Early customers are often willing to give you a chance if they know you personally or trust a referral. They may be less concerned with your exact portfolio than later customers, but they still expect professional, clean work.

A few will be customers who found you through search or a service platform like Websta. These are people actively looking for a tattoo artist in Mons and willing to contact someone new if your portfolio and approach appeal to them.

Expect that not every enquiry becomes a booking. Some people will ask about prices and not return. Some will ask questions but decide to wait. This is normal and not a reflection of your work quality.

Your first customers are important for two reasons: they help you build a portfolio of finished work to show others, and word of mouth from them can lead to the next wave of customers.

Common problems in the first months

Irregular income is the biggest challenge. Your first month may bring two customers, the second month eight, the third month three. This makes budgeting and planning difficult. Keep personal savings as a buffer if you can.

Underestimating time and overcommitting is common. New independent workers often say yes to every enquiry and end up working unsustainable hours for the rates they set. Be realistic about how many customers you can take per week and protect your own time.

Forgetting about taxes and planning is a serious mistake. Money that comes in must have room for taxes and contributions removed before you spend it. Set aside a percentage of each payment as soon as you receive it.

Poor communication with customers creates friction. Respond to enquiries promptly, clarify what you will and will not do, confirm details in writing, and be clear about your cancellation and deposit policies.

Not having a visible portfolio or way for strangers to find you limits growth. If people can only reach you through personal connections, you stay small. A profile with photos, services and a booking link changes this.

How a Websta profile helps you earn as a tattoo artist

A Websta profile gives you a professional page that works like a website. It shows your services, prices, photos of your work, and a contact form. People in Mons searching for a tattoo artist can find you through the Websta marketplace when they search by service and location.

You set your own prices and decide which services to list - whether you offer custom designs, specific styles, cover-ups or other specialisms. The profile is yours to control.

Websta includes online booking, so customers can see your availability and book a time slot without emailing back and forth. You manage your calendar, and bookings appear in your account.

When a customer pays through Websta, the payment goes to your own bank account via Stripe. You receive the money - Websta does not hold it or take a cut before paying you out. This means you have full control of your income.

Having a clear, findable profile with your work and prices is especially valuable in a smaller city like Mons. It makes you visible to people outside your personal network who are actively looking for a tattoo artist. It also gives you a professional link to share when you talk to potential customers in person or on social media.

Building a realistic earning path

Earning money as a tattoo artist in Mons is possible, but it requires patience and consistent work. The city has a market, but it is not large enough to guarantee rapid growth.

Start by establishing yourself locally through word of mouth and personal networks. Build a portfolio of good work. Use a professional profile where people can find you, see your prices and book with you.

Growth comes from repeat customers, referrals, and your profile becoming easier to find through search. This typically takes months, not weeks. A tattoo artist who has been building their reputation in Mons for a year is in a very different position than one in their first month.

Whether you do this as a side income alongside another job, or as a full-time business, depends on your situation and how quickly you can build a customer base. Be honest about your expenses and how many bookings you need per month to make the income you want.