How to set up a Websta profile as an artist or designer in Hong Kong

What to include on your profile page

Your Websta profile works as a simple website for your work. Start with a clear description of what you do - whether that is graphic design, illustration, interior design, fine art, photography, or another specialism. Be specific about the types of projects you take on, the media you work with, and who your typical clients are.

Add a portfolio of your best work. Photos of completed projects, case studies, or samples of designs matter more than a long written description. Include images that show the quality and range of what you can do. If you work with clients' briefs, show before-and-after examples or final deliverables.

List the services you offer with enough detail that someone browsing can understand what each one includes. For example, if you offer graphic design, you might list logo design, branding packages, social media graphics, or print design as separate services. Each service should have a clear description and a price that you set.

Provide a way for people to get in touch. Websta offers both a contact form and online booking. A contact form works well if you prefer to discuss the project first before agreeing to a price. Online booking is useful if you offer fixed-price services or consultations at set times.

Languages to publish in

Hong Kong is multilingual. English and Chinese (Traditional) are both widely used in business and design. If you are fluent in both, publishing your profile in both languages reaches more potential clients.

Some designers also use Cantonese descriptions or add Cantonese phrases alongside Mandarin. Check what makes sense for your own fluency and your target market. A profile in broken English or Chinese where you are unsure will look less professional than one in a language you speak well.

At minimum, choose one language you can write clearly in and use it consistently across your profile description, service listings, and any messages you send to enquiries.

How people find artists and designers in Hong Kong

On Websta, people search by service type and location. Someone looking for a graphic designer in Hong Kong will use the marketplace to browse profiles in that category across the territory. They can also post a task describing what they need, and designers can make offers on it.

Geographic search on Websta works at the country level for Hong Kong as a whole, not by individual district. This means your profile is discoverable to anyone in Hong Kong looking for your type of service, regardless of which district you work in or where your studio is located.

Beyond Websta, people in Hong Kong find designers and artists through word of mouth, social media, portfolio websites, and direct search. Having a Websta profile adds another place where you appear when someone nearby is actively looking for your services.

What to sort out before you start taking work

Hong Kong has specific requirements for sole traders and self-employed people. As an independent artist or designer, you should check the current rules around business registration, tax registration, and invoicing with the Inland Revenue Department and the Companies Registry. These rules can change, so verify the current requirements with the official sources rather than relying on this article.

If you plan to work with international clients or handle payments from outside Hong Kong, understand any relevant tax treaties and reporting requirements that may apply to you.

Set up a way to accept and process payments. Websta uses Stripe to handle card payments, which deposits the money into your own bank account. Make sure you have a Hong Kong bank account set up before you start accepting payments.

Keep clear records of the work you do, the prices you charge, and the money you receive. This helps you track your income and makes tax reporting straightforward.

What to write in your first hour

You do not need a perfect profile to start. Set aside an hour to get the basics up.

Write a one-sentence description of what you do. For example: 'I design logos and branding for small businesses' or 'I create custom illustrations for editorial and advertising work'. This appears at the top of your profile.

List three to five core services you offer, each with a two-sentence explanation of what it includes. Add a price for each one. If you are not sure about pricing, research what other designers in Hong Kong charge for similar work, or set a price based on your experience and the time it takes you.

Upload three to five images of your best work. Even if you do not have a full portfolio yet, starting with a few strong examples is better than none.

Write a short sentence about how people can contact you or what the next step is. For example: 'Send me a message to discuss your project' or 'Book a consultation to go over your brief'.

You can refine and expand your profile later. The goal is to be findable and to give someone enough information to decide whether to get in touch.

Payments and money

When you receive a payment from a client through Websta, it is processed by Stripe and deposited directly into your bank account. You set your own prices for each service.

Make sure you understand any fees or deductions that apply when money is deposited. Check Stripe's terms and Websta's payment information so you know exactly what you will receive after a client pays.