Artist and designer profile on Websta in Belgium

What belongs on your artist or designer profile

Your profile page acts as a simple website for your work. Start with a clear description of what you do - whether that is graphic design, illustration, web design, fine art, interior design, or another specialism. Be specific. A client looking for a logo designer needs to know that logo design is what you offer.

Photos are essential. Upload images of your work or finished projects. These show what you can do better than any text. Include 5 to 10 strong examples if possible. If you design for clients, make sure you have permission to publish their work.

List your main services with a brief description of each. For example: 'Logo design', 'Brand identity', 'Illustration', 'Web design mockups'. Keep titles clear and short. In the description for each service, explain what the client gets - the number of revisions, file formats, turnaround time, or scope - whatever is relevant to your work.

Add your contact details and make sure the contact form on your profile works. You can also enable online booking or a quote request system so clients can submit a job brief and you can respond with an offer. This saves back-and-forth emails.

• Profile description - what type of artist or designer you are
• 5 to 10 photos of your work
• Service list with titles and brief details
• Contact form or booking/quote request system
• Languages: Dutch, French, German, English - choose what clients in your area speak

Languages to publish in Belgium

Belgium has three official languages. In Flanders (the north), Dutch is the main language. In Wallonia (the south), French is the main language. Brussels is bilingual - both Dutch and French are widely spoken. In the eastern cantons, German is also official.

If you work across Belgium, publish in Dutch and French at minimum. If you are based in the eastern cantons, add German. If you work mainly with international clients or in Brussels, you can add English alongside the official languages. Websta lets you publish your profile in multiple languages so clients see it in the language they choose.

How people in Belgium search for artists and designers

On Websta, people search by service type and location. They type something like 'graphic design' or 'web design' and their town or city, and the platform shows providers near them. This means your profile needs to be clear about what you do and where you work.

Some clients will also post a task - for example, 'Design a logo for my fitness studio' - and you can make an offer on it. The marketplace works across Belgium, so you may get requests from different regions depending on whether you work locally or travel to clients or work online. Make clear in your profile whether you work in-person, online, or both.

What to sort out as an independent artist or designer in Belgium

Before you build your profile, confirm your legal status. Most artists and designers in Belgium register as a sole trader (independent). Check with the Regional Employment Office in your region - the Walloon Agency for Vocational Training (FOREM) if you are in Wallonia, the Flemish Employment and Training Service (VDAB) if you are in Flanders, or the employment service for your canton if you are in the German-speaking region.

You will need a business bank account to receive payments. On Websta, payments from clients come through Stripe and go directly to your own bank account. Set up a business account with your bank and make sure it is set up to receive card payments. Some banks require a business registration number or proof of self-employment.

VAT registration is required if your turnover exceeds a certain threshold - check the current limit with the Belgian tax authorities (SPF Finances). Keep records of your income and expenses. If you are unsure about tax obligations, speak to an accountant or your local chamber of commerce.

Copyright and intellectual property are yours by default when you create work, but make sure your terms with clients are clear - who owns the files, how can they use the design, what are the revision limits. Write these terms down.

What to write in your first hour

Start with the basics. Write a short description of who you are and what you do - 2 to 3 sentences. For example: 'I design brand identities and logos for small businesses and startups in Belgium. I work with clients online and in-person.' Be honest about your specialism.

List 3 to 5 core services. You can add more later, but start with what you do best. Include a one-sentence explanation for each.

Upload 3 to 5 of your best pieces of work as photos. If you do not have finished projects to show, you can use examples, studies, or work in progress with a note that it is an example.

Write a short bio. Tell clients a bit about your background - how long you have been working, what kind of projects you enjoy, what tools or methods you use. Keep it to one paragraph.

Fill in your contact details and decide whether you want clients to book a call, submit a quote request, or fill out a contact form. Choose the system that fits your workflow.

After you publish your profile

Your profile is live once you publish it. Update your photos and services as your work evolves. Add new projects to keep your portfolio current. Respond to enquiries and quote requests quickly - clients are more likely to work with you if you get back to them within a day or two.

Ask clients who are happy with your work if they would leave a note on your profile. Feedback from past clients helps new clients decide to hire you.

Check Websta regularly for new task postings from people in Belgium looking for artists and designers. You can make offers on projects that match your skills.