How to set up a Websta profile as an artist or designer in New Zealand

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile is a single page that works like a small website. People in New Zealand searching for artists and designers can find you through the marketplace, and you control what appears on that page.

Start with a clear description of what you do - whether you work in graphic design, illustration, fine art, photography, interior design, web design, or another discipline. Be specific. 'Freelance graphic designer specialising in branding' tells a potential client more than 'creative services'.

A strong portfolio of photos or images is essential. Upload your best work - finished pieces, project examples, or before-and-after shots if relevant. People need to see what you do and assess the quality. The more visual your profile, the more likely someone will get in touch.

Add your services as separate items on your profile. These might be 'Logo design', 'Custom illustration', 'Interior consultation', 'Website design' or 'Fine art commission' - whatever matches your practice. Each service can have its own description and you set the pricing yourself.

Decide whether you want to offer online booking (for things like consultation calls or design reviews) or prefer quote requests for larger projects. Quote requests work well if your work is project-based and price varies. Booking works if you offer fixed-length sessions.

Photos and visual content

Artists and designers need strong images on their profile. Invest time in good photography or clean scans of your work. Blurry, poorly lit, or small images will turn people away.

Include photos that show range - different styles, mediums or project types if you work across several areas. If you do commission work, show examples of finished commissions (with permission). If you work digitally, screenshot or photograph the screen clearly.

Consider including process photos too - work in progress, your studio or workspace, or your design process. This gives potential clients a sense of how you work.

Update your images occasionally. If you complete significant new work, replace older examples. A fresh portfolio signals you are actively working.

How people in New Zealand search for your service

On Websta, people search by service type and location. Someone looking for a logo designer in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin will browse artists and designers in that area. You cannot target a single city in your profile - your location is shown as registered, and people near you will find you.

Describe your service clearly in the title and description so the right people find you. Use words they would actually search for: 'graphic designer', 'illustrator', 'web designer', 'muralist', 'portrait artist' rather than vague terms.

People also post tasks on Websta, describing what they need - for example, 'I need a new logo for my cafe' or 'Looking for someone to design my website'. You can browse these tasks and make offers. A complete profile with portfolio examples makes your offers more likely to be accepted.

Your profile appears in the Websta marketplace for artists and designers in New Zealand. The more detailed your profile, the more information potential clients have before they contact you.

What to sort out as an independent provider

Before you take on paid work in New Zealand, confirm your tax obligations with Inland Revenue. If you are self-employed, you must register for GST if your turnover reaches the threshold. Check the current threshold with Inland Revenue - the rules can change.

You will need a business name or trading name, and a business bank account is strongly recommended. This makes accounting simpler and keeps business and personal money separate.

Payment through Websta is handled by Stripe, which processes card payments and deposits funds to your nominated bank account. You will need to set up a Stripe account and connect it to your Websta profile.

If you hold a business address or operate from a physical location, check with your local council about any consent requirements or planning rules that might apply to your work - this depends on the type of design or art you do and where you operate.

Keep records of all your income and expenses. This is essential for tax purposes and for Inland Revenue compliance. Many independent artists use accounting software or work with an accountant.

What to write in the first hour

When you first set up your profile, focus on the essentials. You do not need everything perfect on day one.

Write a clear, short description of what you do - two or three sentences. Example: 'I design custom logos and branding for small businesses. I work in digital and print design and deliver files ready for use.'

Add your main services - the things you offer most often. You can add more later.

Upload at least three strong images of your work. Quality matters more than quantity at the start.

Add a contact email or enable quote requests so people can reach you. This is the most important feature - visibility means nothing if people cannot get in touch.

Publish in English. English is the main language for business in New Zealand, and most people searching Websta will use English.

Building your profile over time

Your profile does not have to be complete on the first day. Add more examples as you complete projects, refine your descriptions based on the enquiries you get, and update your services if your focus shifts.

If clients get in touch with requests for work you do not list, add it as a service. Your profile should reflect what people actually want from you.

A Websta profile is one part of your web presence. You might also have your own website, Instagram account, or portfolio site - that is fine. Websta gives you another place where local clients can find you and book or request work.