Tattoo artist profile on Websta: how to reach clients in the Netherlands

What goes on your profile page

Your Websta profile is a profile page that presents your work and makes it easy for clients to contact you. A few sections make this work: a short description of what you do and your style, a list of the services you offer (full custom pieces, cover-ups, smaller designs, black and grey work, colour work, whatever applies to you), photos of your work, and a way for people to get in touch.

Photos matter more for a tattoo artist than for most other trades. Include at least five to ten clear images of finished pieces on skin, taken in decent light. Show range if you have it: different body parts, different styles, different sizes. Many clients use photos to get a sense of your skill and whether your style matches what they want.

Add your years of experience, any training or apprenticeships you have completed, and if you work in a studio or from your own space. If you specialize (Japanese, geometric, realism, lettering) say so. If you work with particular equipment or inks, mention it if it matters to your clients.

Services and booking

List the types of work you do. This might include custom designs, black and grey tattoos, colour work, cover-ups, touch-ups on existing tattoos, smaller pieces, or larger pieces. You do not need to list prices on Websta itself - you set what you charge when you respond to a booking or quote request.

Websta offers two ways for clients to reach you: an online booking system (if you want to let clients reserve time slots directly) or a quote request form (if you prefer to discuss the design, size, placement and price before confirming). Many tattoo artists use quote requests because each piece is unique and needs to be discussed first. You can choose which works best for your workflow.

If you use the booking system, you control your available time slots and clients can book into them. Either way, payment goes through Stripe to your own bank account once the work is done or at the point you agree on with the client.

How people search for tattoo artists in the Netherlands

People in the Netherlands look for tattoo artists in a few ways. Some search by what they want (a specific style, a type of design) and where they are (their city or region). Others use online marketplaces like Websta, where they can browse profiles in their area or post a task and wait for offers. Your Websta profile will show up when someone searches for tattoo artists in the marketplace at /marketplace/tattoo in your region.

Clients may also search by style: Japanese, geometric, realism, minimalist. Having a clear description and photos that show what you do helps people find you. If you work in a particular city, mention it on your profile - someone in Amsterdam will want to know if you are in Amsterdam or if you are in another province.

Languages for your profile

Write your profile in Dutch and English. Most of your clients will be Dutch speakers, but some may be English speakers or expats living in the Netherlands. Offering both languages makes it easier for a wider group to understand what you do and contact you.

What to arrange as an independent tattoo artist

As a self-employed tattoo artist in the Netherlands, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and file taxes. You need proper liability insurance and must follow health and safety rules for tattooing. The Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) sets standards for hygiene, sterilization, and equipment. If you work from home or a studio, your local municipality may have rules about running a business from that location - check with them.

You are responsible for setting up a Stripe account to receive payments. Stripe handles the card payments and deposits the money directly to your bank account. You keep track of income and expenses for tax purposes. If you employ anyone or work with other artists in a shared space, different rules may apply - speak to an accountant or the KvK about your specific setup.

What to write in the first hour

Start by filling in the basics: your name or studio name, your location (the city or region where you work), and a one- or two-sentence description of what you do. Something like 'Custom tattoos in black and grey and colour, with a focus on realism' is enough to start.

Upload your best three to five photos of finished work. Even if you do not have many professional shots yet, clear mobile photos of your best pieces will help clients get an idea of your skill. Add a bit more detail about your experience and what types of design you specialize in.

Set up your contact method: decide whether to use online booking or quote requests. If you use quote requests, write a short message that clients will see when they submit a request - something like 'I will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your design and give you a price' helps manage expectations.

Translate your key information into English. You do not need a perfect translation - clear, simple English is fine. After this, you have a working profile that clients can find and contact you through.