Updated October 21, 2026
What sections your profile page should have
Your Websta profile acts as a simple website. People who find you can see your work, understand what you offer, check your rates, and book or request a quote. Build your profile with these sections in the order that makes sense for your service.
Start with a clear description of what you do. Write in plain language so someone searching for an artist or designer understands your specialty right away - whether you focus on logo design, portrait painting, UI/UX design, illustration, or something else. Mention any particular style, industry, or client type you work with.
Add a services section. List each service you offer with a short description of what it includes. A graphic designer might list services like 'Logo Design', 'Print Design', 'Social Media Graphics'. A painter or illustrator should describe the medium and scope - 'Custom Portrait Commissions', 'Mural Painting', 'Digital Illustration'. Set your own prices for each service.
Include a photo gallery. Artists and designers rely on visual work to attract clients. Upload photos of your finished projects, your studio, or your process. Make sure images are clear and well-lit. If you do commissioned work, include examples that show your range.
Add a booking or quote request option. Some services - like a design consultation or an initial meeting - can be booked directly. For custom work like a full branding project or a large commission, offer a quote request form so clients can describe their needs and you can respond with pricing.
Include contact information and a contact form. Clients want to reach you by email or through the form. Keep this simple and clear.
Languages for your profile
Canada has two official languages: English and French. Whether you publish your profile in one or both languages depends on where you work and who your clients are.
If you work in Quebec, parts of Ontario, or other regions with significant French-speaking populations, consider a French version of your profile to reach more local clients. If your practice is in an English-dominant province or city, an English profile is standard. You can publish in both languages on Websta if your service area includes both communities.
How clients in Canada search for artists and designers
On Websta, the marketplace for artists and designers in Canada lets people nearby search by service type and location. Someone looking for a logo designer in Toronto, for example, can filter by 'graphic design' or 'branding' and see profiles in that area. People also search by city or postal code.
Clients also post tasks describing what they need - a book cover illustration, a website redesign, a mural - and designers and artists in the area can make offers on those tasks. This means your profile visibility depends partly on the services you list and the location you serve.
Make sure your profile clearly states the city or region you serve. If you work across multiple provinces or do remote work, say that. Some designers work only in-person in one city; others take on projects from across Canada.
Working as an independent artist or designer in Canada
As a self-employed artist or designer, you are responsible for your own business setup, taxes, and legal status. The rules vary by province, so check with your local business authority or provincial government website for requirements in your area.
You will likely need to register your business with your province and, if your income exceeds a certain threshold, register for a Goods and Services Tax (GST) account with the Canada Revenue Agency. Different provinces have different rules. Check the website of your provincial government or speak with an accountant familiar with self-employed artists.
Keep records of your income and expenses. You will file taxes annually. You may also need to arrange your own insurance depending on the nature of your work and the services you offer.
Payment on Websta comes through Stripe directly to your own bank account, so you control when and how you are paid. You set your own prices for every service.
What to write in your first hour
When you first set up your profile, focus on the essentials so clients can find you and understand your work.
Write a one-paragraph description of what you do. Be specific about your service - 'Freelance graphic designer specializing in print design and packaging' or 'Digital illustrator for children's books and educational publishing'. Include your city or region.
List three to five of your main services. Keep the names simple and clear. Add one or two sentences describing what each service includes and who it is for.
Upload three to five photos of your best work. If you are just starting out and do not have many finished projects yet, photos of your work-in-progress or your setup count. Avoid generic images; show your actual work.
Write a brief bio or background. Mention any education, experience, tools you use, or clients you have worked with. Keep it to a few sentences.
Add your contact email and set up the quote request or booking form. Test it to make sure it works.
Profile pages versus the marketplace
Your Websta profile page is your own online presence - people can find you through search or through your own link, see all your work and services, and contact you directly. It functions as a simple website.
The Websta marketplace is where potential clients post tasks or search for providers by service and location. Your profile is also visible in the marketplace so you can receive task offers and respond to client requests. Both work together to bring you clients.
Building your profile over time
Your profile does not need to be perfect on day one. Start with your core information and photos, then update it as you take on new projects and services. Add new work to your gallery regularly so people see that you are active.
Keep your service descriptions and pricing current. If you add a new service or change your rates, update your profile so clients have accurate information.
Respond to inquiries and quote requests promptly. A quick response builds trust and increases the chance of landing work.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a business license to work as an artist or designer in Canada?
- Business registration requirements vary by province. Some provinces require registration even for solo self-employed workers; others do not. Check with your provincial government or local business office for the rules in your area. You may also need to register for GST if your income exceeds the threshold set by the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Can I set my own prices on Websta?
- Yes. You set the price for every service you list on your profile. You can change prices at any time.
- How do clients pay me, and when do I get the money?
- Payments from clients go through Stripe to your own bank account. You control your bank account and the payment process.
- Should I publish my profile in English and French?
- If your service area includes French-speaking clients, a French version reaches more people. In Quebec and parts of Ontario and other regions with large French-speaking populations, bilingual profiles are common. In English-dominant provinces, an English profile is standard. You can publish in both languages on Websta.
- What photos should I include in my gallery?
- Include clear, well-lit photos of your finished work - your strongest projects that show your range and style. If you work with clients, include examples of commissioned pieces. If you do not have many finished projects yet, show your process, work-in-progress, or your studio setup. Avoid generic or stock images; show your actual work.
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.
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