How to build a Websta profile as a tattoo artist in Japan

What your Websta profile should contain

Your profile page acts as your online storefront. Potential clients in Japan who search the Websta marketplace for tattoo artists in their area will see your name, location, and a preview of your work before they contact you.

Start with a clear profile photo - a professional headshot or a photo of you at work. This builds trust with people considering booking with you. Next, add a short description of your style, experience and what you specialise in - for example, Japanese traditional, realism, fine line, colour work, cover-ups or any other styles you offer.

Your photo gallery is the most important section. Upload images of finished tattoos from your portfolio. Clients decide based on the quality and style of your previous work. Include photos from different angles where the tattoo detail is clear and well-lit. If you have client permission, add before-and-after shots of cover-ups or reworks.

List the services you offer as separate items. This might include: new tattoo design and application, cover-up work, rework or correction of existing tattoos, touch-ups, or consultations. For each service, you set the description and pricing based on your rates.

Add sections for your location, phone number, email and a contact form so clients can reach out. If you accept online bookings through Websta, set your availability calendar. Otherwise, clients can request quotes and you reply directly.

Language choices for your profile

Publish your profile in Japanese. Most people searching for tattoo artists in Japan will use Japanese, so your profile description, service names and any text should be in Japanese. This is not negotiable if you want to reach the local market.

If you also have English-speaking or international clients in Japan, you can add an English translation of your profile as well. Many foreigners in Japan search in English, especially in major cities. However, Japanese should be your main language.

Keep the language simple and clear. Describe what you do, not marketing copy. 'Japanese traditional tattoo, 20 years experience' works better than flowery descriptions.

How people search for tattoo artists in Japan

On Websta, people search by service type and location. A client in Tokyo looking for a tattoo artist will search the marketplace at /marketplace/tattoo, filter by their city or neighbourhood, and browse the artists who appear. They see your profile photo, style description and portfolio.

Clients also post tasks in the marketplace describing what they want - a specific design, size, style or budget. Tattoo artists whose profiles match the request can make offers. This means your portfolio and description need to be clear so people know if your work suits what they are looking for.

Your profile location is crucial. Make sure your town or city is correctly set. People search by proximity, and if your location is wrong, potential clients in your area won't find you.

Many clients also search Google for 'tattoo artist [city name]' or use social media. Having a Websta profile adds another channel where people discover you, separate from Instagram or direct referrals.

What to sort out as an independent tattoo artist in Japan

As an independent service provider working in Japan, you need to confirm your legal status. If you are a Japanese citizen or registered foreign resident offering services, check with your local city office (city government office, or 市役所) what registration or notification you need. The rules can differ between prefectures and cities.

You will need a business address - either a physical studio or the address where you receive clients. This address appears on your Websta profile so clients know where to find you.

For payment, Websta uses Stripe to transfer money from customers directly to your own bank account. You will need a Japanese bank account and must set up Stripe for your profile. Stripe has requirements for account holders in Japan, so check their site for current details.

Keep records of your income for tax purposes. If you are self-employed, you will have tax obligations. Consult a local tax office (tax bureau, or 税務署) or an accountant about what you need to file.

Insurance is not legally required for tattoo artists in most of Japan, but some studios carry liability insurance. Check with your city office or professional association if one exists in your area.

Do not assume rules are the same across Japan. Regulations can vary between prefectures. If you are uncertain, contact your city office or a local business consultant.

What to write in your first hour

Focus on the essentials. You do not need a perfect profile before you go live. Start with what matters most: your name, location, a 2-3 sentence description of your style and experience, and your contact information.

Add at least 6-10 clear photos of your best tattoo work. These are more important than perfect text. Sort them by style so people can see what you specialise in.

List 3-5 core services: new tattoo, cover-up, touch-up, or whatever you offer. Include a brief note on each - for example, 'Japanese traditional designs, custom artwork' - and set your prices based on your usual rates.

Write your location correctly. Double-check the city or ward and make sure it is accurate so people searching nearby find you.

Add a phone number and email. You can add a contact form, and if you use Websta's booking tool, set your basic availability (days and hours you accept appointments). You can update all of this later.

Use Japanese for all text. If you speak English, you can add it later, but Japanese is the priority for day one.

Payments and booking

When a client books through Websta or pays via your profile, the payment goes through Stripe to your bank account. You set your own prices for each service, so clients see what they will pay before they book.

If you prefer quote-based work - where each tattoo price depends on design, size and complexity - use the contact form or booking request feature. Clients submit their request, you review it, and you reply with a quote. Once they agree, you arrange the appointment.

Stripe charges a small processing fee. Check Stripe's current rates for Japan when you set up your account.

You keep all payments your clients make. Websta does not take a cut of the tattoo fees - it is the platform where you reach them.

Getting found across Japan

Websta's marketplace for tattoo artists in Japan currently has a small number of profiles. This means less competition but also fewer clients searching there. Build your profile, but do not rely on it as your only source of clients - keep your Instagram, word of mouth and local reputation strong.

Over time, as more people in Japan discover Websta, your profile may attract more searches. Make sure your information is up to date and your photos are fresh.

If you work in a major city like Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, create your profile with your specific city so clients in that area find you. If you are in a smaller town or work across multiple locations, check Websta's location options and set it to the place where you spend most of your time.