How to set up your artist or designer profile in Australia

What to put on your artist or designer profile

Your Websta profile is your storefront. The core elements are a profile photo, a description of who you are and what you do, your service offerings, photos of your work, and a way for potential clients to contact you or request a quote.

Start with a clear description. Say what kind of art or design you make - for example, 'custom logo design for small businesses', 'watercolour portraits', or 'freelance web design'. Tell people what you are good at and what you have done before. Clients want to know whether you have experience with their type of project.

Photos matter more than words. Add at least five to ten images of your finished work or projects. If you work with clients who want their work kept private, ask permission to show it or create sample pieces to display. A designer can show before-and-after examples; a fine artist can photograph their work against a neutral background.

List the services you offer as separate items. Instead of one broad 'design services' entry, break it down: 'Logo design', 'Social media graphics', 'Website mockups' or whatever applies to your work. This helps people searching for a specific task find you.

Add a contact form and quote request option. Many clients prefer to describe their project in writing rather than calling. On Websta, customers can submit a quote request through your profile, and you can respond with your rate and timeline.

Which language to publish in

Publish your profile in English. This is the working language across Australia's creative industries and the language used by the vast majority of people searching for local services.

If you work in a community where another language is common - for example, if you are based in an area with many speakers of Mandarin, Vietnamese, or another language - you may consider adding a second language version. Websta profiles can support multiple languages, but start with English to reach the widest audience first.

How people in Australia search for artists and designers

In Australia, people search for artists and designers by service type and location. On Websta's marketplace, a customer looking for a logo designer in Melbourne can search by both what they need and where they are. They may browse by service category - such as graphic design or illustration - and then narrow by suburb or postcode.

Many searches are specific. Someone might search for 'website design Sydney', 'portrait artist Brisbane', or 'freelance copywriter Perth'. Your profile should describe what you do in simple, direct terms so the search function can match you with relevant queries.

Word of mouth and repeat business matter in Australia's creative sector. A good profile with clear photos of your work encourages people to contact you directly or recommend you to others. Some clients will see your work on Websta and ask you to bid on their task in the marketplace.

What to check with your local authority

Australia has no national registration requirement for freelance artists or designers. However, you should check the specific rules in your state or territory, as tax and business registration rules can differ.

If you earn income from your art or design work, you are required to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) once your turnover reaches the threshold. As of 2026, this threshold is AUD 75,000 per financial year. You should check the current threshold on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

You may also need to register your business with your state or territory depending on the structure you choose - sole trader, partnership, or company. Many individual artists and designers operate as sole traders and do not need to register with a business regulator, but this varies by state. Check with your state's business registry or local council.

Insurance is worth considering. Professional indemnity insurance can protect you if a client disputes your work or claims losses related to your design or service. This is not compulsory but is common in the design industry.

What to set up in your first hour

Start by creating your profile with a clear, professional photo of yourself and a one-sentence description of what you do. You do not need a long biography - keep it to two or three sentences.

Upload three to five images of your best work. These do not have to be perfect portfolio photographs; clear, well-lit images of finished projects are enough. If you are just starting out and do not have client work to show, create sample pieces or photograph your process.

Add three to five service offerings based on what you actually do. Use simple titles like 'Logo Design', 'Illustration', or 'Graphic Design' rather than vague names.

Write a short description for each service. For example: 'Custom logo design for small businesses and startups. Includes consultation, three initial concepts, and two rounds of revisions.' Keep it factual and specific to what you offer.

Set up your contact method. Whether you use a quote request form, email, or phone number, make sure clients know how to reach you. Response time matters - aim to reply to enquiries within one working day.

Building credibility on your profile

Over time, your profile becomes more valuable as you add more photos of completed work, respond quickly to enquiries, and build a track record. Clients often look at how long you have been active and whether other clients have left feedback.

Keep your portfolio up to date. If your style or focus changes, refresh your photos and service descriptions. Remove work that no longer represents your current practice.

Be clear about your rates and turnaround time in your service descriptions or quote responses. Clients appreciate knowing roughly how much a project will cost and how long it will take before they make an enquiry.

Working across Australia

One advantage of a Websta profile is that you can reach clients across the whole country, not just your city. If you offer digital design services, print design, or virtual consultations, you can work with clients anywhere in Australia. Some artists and designers focus on their local area; others build a national or international practice.

Be clear about where you can deliver work - digital files only, shipped prints, or in-person consultations. List your location on your profile so clients know where you are based, even if you can work remotely.

Time zones matter if you work across multiple states. Make sure your profile clearly states your working hours and how you prefer to communicate with clients who are far away.