Link in bio for artists and designers: portfolio, commissions and store

Creative people usually have the hardest page to order: lots of work, several lines of practice and the temptation to show everything. But a links page is not a gallery; it is a reception desk. Its job is to lead each visitor toward what they are looking for, whether that is buying, commissioning, hiring or simply getting to know you. These are the decisions that help illustrators, painters, designers and other visual profiles most.

Decide what you want to happen

Before choosing buttons, define the main action. In the creative world it is usually one of these:

• Sell work or products (prints, originals, objects, templates).
• Receive commissions (custom illustration, brand design, portraits).
• Land steady work (freelance, hiring at studios or agencies).
• Grow an audience (subscriptions, followers, community).

Someone who tries to do all four with the same weight ends up doing none. Pick one as the main for the month; the others go below.

The portfolio: a route, not an archive

A portfolio with eighty pieces from different periods says "I do not know which is my best work". One with eight or ten, consistent with each other, says "I know what I do". Choose the pieces that represent the work you want to receive. If your style has changed, show the current one and leave the earlier one in a secondary archive.

For design profiles, add a line of context to each piece: who it was for, what the problem was and what the result was. A potential client looks for that: not only whether something is beautiful, but whether it worked.

Commissions: open and close with clarity

If you work on commission, a specific button ("Commissions" or "Let's work together") is worthwhile, leading to a brief explanation of how it works: what kinds of projects you accept, indicative timelines, how payment is handled and how many revisions are included. If your schedule is full, say so: "Commissions closed until March; waiting list here". A closed schedule communicated clearly is better than not answering messages.

For the first contact, a form with three or four questions (type of project, date, approximate budget) saves you many back-and-forths. A WhatsApp or email button with a drafted message also works; see the contact and WhatsApp page.

Selling without intermediaries

Prints, templates, digital brushes, courses, typefaces or guides are digital or physical products you can sell directly. Zona's store lets you sell digital products, courses and services, with payment going straight to your Mercado Pago, Stripe or PayPal account and no Zona commission on your sales. See the detail on the store page. Remember the limits: draft on the free plan, up to 3 products on sale on Pro and no cap on Business. For physical work, link to the store or platform you use and make shipping and timelines clear.

It helps a lot to show the product in context: the print framed on a wall, the template in use, the brush in a finished piece. A well-made photograph of the product sells more than its description.

Direct support from the audience

Many people want to support an artist without buying anything specific. If you already receive contributions through wallets or payment links, you can show them on your page. More information in the donations and tips section. Offer a brief explanation of what the support goes toward; transparency encourages participation.

The design of your page is part of your portfolio

For a creative profile, the page is a sample of judgment. Choose a theme aligned with your style and take care of contrast, order and margins. A sober page with a good photograph communicates more than one saturated with effects. With up to 33 themes in 10 styles, there is room to find one that does not compete with your work. If in doubt, pick the most neutral: your work will provide the color.

An example structure

For an illustrator who sells prints and accepts commissions:

1. Print shop (main this month).
2. Commissions: how I work.
3. Portfolio.
4. Newsletter with news.
5. Instagram and Behance.

If next month she closes the shop and opens commissions, she swaps the first two.

Measure what interests you

Analytics tell you which part of your work attracts most. If the portfolio gets many taps and the shop few, perhaps a clear way to buy is missing. If commissions get inquiries but few materialize, review what you explain about the process. Zona's free plan includes 7 days of analytics and the Pro and Business plans include 90. You can create your zone for free and try it.

Common mistakes

• Showing ten years of work.
• Not stating whether you accept commissions.
• Putting the shop behind a generic link.
• A busy theme that competes with the work.
• Leaving contact hidden.

Frequently asked questions

Should I show my prices?

If you sell prints or products, yes: they are part of the purchase. For commissions, explain what they depend on and offer a range or a "from" price.

How do I protect my work?

Upload presentation-size versions, not high resolution, and add your signature or mark if you wish. There is no total protection, but it reduces misuse.

Can I have several pages?

Yes, if your lines of work address different publics, such as personal work and commercial design.

How many pieces do I start with?

Between eight and fifteen well chosen. Add more when you have something new that is better than what you already show.