Updated October 21, 2026
Profile sections and what to put in each one
Your Websta profile works like a simple website with sections that help people understand your work and get in touch. Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot or a photo of you at work in your studio. This builds trust and shows you run a real business.
Add a description of your style and experience. Mention the types of tattoos you do - whether that is custom designs, portraits, blackwork, colour, lettering, or specific themes. Keep it honest about what you do well rather than claiming you can do everything. If you specialise in certain techniques or artistic approaches, say so.
The services section is where you list what you offer. This might include custom tattoo designs, cover-ups, touch-ups, or consultation appointments. You set the descriptions and decide whether clients book a time slot or send a quote request. Many tattoo artists use the quote request option because each piece needs discussion about size, placement, design complexity and time.
Upload photos of your best work - finished tattoos on clients when you have permission, or photos of pieces you are most proud of. Clear, well-lit photos of actual tattoos matter far more than studio photos. Add photos regularly as you complete new work.
Fill in your studio address and hours of operation. People in Australia search for tattoo artists by suburb and postcode, so getting this right means local clients can find you. Add a phone number and email, and use the contact form so people can message you directly.
Languages to publish in
Publish your profile in English. This covers the vast majority of clients searching for tattoo artists across Australia. If you work in a specific community where another language is common - whether that is Mandarin, Vietnamese, Spanish or another language - you can add a second language version of key sections like your description and services. However, start with English and add another language only if you actually have clients who ask for it.
How people in Australia search for tattoo artists
People looking for a tattoo artist in Australia typically search by location and style. On Websta, clients browse tattoo artists by suburb, postcode or region. They often search for specific styles - 'blackwork tattoo artist near me', 'portrait tattoo Melbourne', 'custom tattoo design Brisbane' - so describing your style clearly in your profile helps.
Clients also check your portfolio of photos first. A strong gallery of finished work is often the deciding factor. If someone is looking for a specific type of tattoo - say a fine-line design or a cover-up - they will scroll through your photos to see if your style matches what they want.
Many people also ask about availability and how to book. Websta shows your hours and lets clients book a slot or request a quote directly from your profile. This is often faster than sending an email or message through social media.
What you need to know about working independently in Australia
As a tattoo artist working independently in Australia, you operate as either a sole trader or a registered business. Most independent tattoo artists register as sole traders with the Australian Taxation Office. You will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) for tax purposes and to invoice clients. Check the ATO website for the current requirements - these can change.
Tattoos are regulated at the state and territory level in Australia, not nationally. Each state has different rules about training, hygiene, licencing and record-keeping. Contact your state health department or the local council to find out whether you need specific qualifications, registration or approval to operate. Some states require formal training or a certificate in skin penetration; others do not. This is not optional - check before you start.
Hygiene and safety standards are strict. You must follow approved sterilisation and infection control procedures. Your equipment must meet Australian standards. Many councils require a public liability insurance policy. Again, check with your local authority because the rules vary by state.
Payment processing through Websta uses Stripe, which handles card payments. The money goes into your own bank account - you set the prices and keep what you earn after card processing fees. You are responsible for declaring this income to the ATO.
What to write and upload in your first hour
Start with your profile photo and a short bio - two or three sentences about your style and experience. Add your studio address, postcode, phone number and hours. This takes about ten minutes.
Create two or three services - for example, 'Custom tattoo design', 'Consultation and quote', 'Touch-up or cover-up'. Write a one-sentence description for each so people understand what to expect. Do not worry about exact prices if they vary by size and design; use the quote request feature instead.
Upload five to ten photos of your best work. If you are just starting out and do not have many finished pieces on clients, photograph your portfolio or any practice pieces you have done. Quality of photo matters - good lighting, clear focus, and a neutral background. Uncluttered photos of actual tattoos work better than busy studio shots.
Add a contact message that invites people to describe the tattoo they want and ask any questions. Something like 'Tell me about your design idea, placement and size, and I will send you a quote' works well. This sets expectations and makes it easier for people to reach out.
Booking and quote requests
Decide whether you want clients to book appointment slots directly or send quote requests. Most tattoo artists prefer quote requests because every design is different and needs discussion. With a quote request, people describe what they want and you reply with a time and price. This avoids back-and-forth about why a particular slot does not work for their design.
If you offer consultations, you can let people book a consultation slot - usually 15 to 30 minutes - and charge a consultation fee that goes toward the tattoo if they book. This works if you want to talk before you give a price. Set your consultation hours clearly so people know when you are available.
Websta shows your availability so people do not book times when you are closed. Keep this updated. If you work irregular hours or take weeks off between clients, say so in your profile description so people understand the timeline.
Marketing your Websta profile
Your Websta profile page appears in local search results when people look for tattoo artists in your area. You do not need to do anything special for this to happen - just fill in your address and postcode correctly.
Link to your Websta profile from your social media accounts if you use Instagram or Facebook. This gives people another way to find you and lets them book directly from your profile instead of sliding into your DMs.
As you complete new work, add photos to your profile regularly. A profile with recent photos shows you are actively working and attracts more interest than one that has not been updated in months.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a licence or qualification to work as a tattoo artist in Australia?
- This depends on your state or territory. Some states require formal training or a certificate in skin penetration; others do not. Contact your state health department or local council to find out the rules where you work. Do not assume your state has no requirements - check before you start.
- How do clients find me on Websta if I am a tattoo artist?
- Clients search for tattoo artists by suburb, postcode or region on Websta. They also search for specific styles like 'blackwork' or 'portrait'. Your profile appears in these searches when you set your address correctly. A strong gallery of your work helps clients decide whether to contact you.
- What do I need to set up my Websta profile in the first hour?
- Upload a profile photo, write a short bio about your style, add your address and hours, create a few services, and upload your best work photos. You do not need prices if you use quote requests - people describe what they want and you reply with a quote.
- Can I set my own prices on Websta?
- Yes. You decide what each service costs and you keep the money - it goes into your bank account through Stripe. Many tattoo artists use quote requests instead of fixed prices because each design is different.
- Do I need a business number or ABN to work as a tattoo artist in Australia?
- If you work independently, you operate as a sole trader and need an Australian Business Number for tax purposes. Check the ATO website for the current requirements and how to register.
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.
Related guides
- How to make money as a tattoo artist in Australia - practical guide
- How to find and choose a tattoo artist in Australia
- Accountant profile on Websta: what to include in Australia
- How to set up your artist or designer profile in Australia
- How to set up a barber profile in Australia on Websta
- Beauty specialist profile and website in Australia