FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS.
Everything you need to know about LocalArtist
HOW DO I BOOK A CLASS?
Browse sessions on our Discover page or Sessions page. Click on a class that interests you, select your preferred date/time, and click "Book Now." You'll be taken to Stripe's secure checkout to complete payment. You'll receive a confirmation email immediately after booking.
HOW DO PAYMENTS WORK?
All payments are processed securely through Stripe. We accept all major credit and debit cards. You pay the full amount when you book. Artists/studios receive payment automatically after each session.
WHAT'S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the class for a full refund (minus the LocalArtist platform fee). Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not eligible for refunds unless the artist agrees. See our Refund Policy for full details.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO CLASS?
Each session listing specifies what's included and what you should bring. Most classes include all materials and supplies. Check the session details before booking, and the artist will send a confirmation email with any additional information.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUP AND PRIVATE SESSIONS?
Group Sessions are scheduled classes at a fixed location with multiple students. Private Sessions are one-on-one or small group lessons tailored to your needs, with flexible scheduling and location options (artist can come to you).
CAN I REQUEST A PRIVATE SESSION?
Yes! Many artists offer private 1-on-1 sessions. Visit an artist's profile and look for "Private Sessions" or browse private offerings. You can choose the duration, location, and schedule a time that works for both of you.
HOW DO I KNOW IF AN ARTIST IS QUALIFIED?
All artists are reviewed and approved by LocalArtist before they can create listings. You can view their profile, portfolio, bio, and ratings from other students to help make your decision.
HOW DO I BECOME AN ARTIST ON LOCALARTIST?
Sign up and select "Artist" as your account type. Complete your profile with your bio, portfolio images, and teaching information. Submit your profile for admin approval. Once approved, you can create sessions and start accepting bookings!
HOW MUCH DOES LOCALARTIST CHARGE?
LocalArtist charges a platform fee on each booking:
- First 500 artists: 10% platform fee (locked in forever!)
- Top 5% earners: 12% platform fee
- Standard rate: 15% platform fee
You also pay Stripe's standard payment processing fees (~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). For a $100 class, you'd receive approximately $82-87 depending on your rate.
HOW DO I GET PAID?
After approval, you'll complete Stripe Connect onboarding (takes 2-3 minutes). Once complete, you receive payments automatically after each booking. Funds are transferred to your bank account within 2-7 business days.
CAN I CANCEL A CLASS I'VE SCHEDULED?
Yes, but students will receive a full refund (including the platform fee) when you cancel. Excessive cancellations may result in account penalties. If you need to cancel, do so as early as possible.
CAN I TEACH AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS?
Yes! You can create sessions at your own studio, partner studios, or public locations. For private sessions, you can travel to students' locations and set your own travel fees.
HOW DO I SET MY PRICES?
You have complete control over your pricing. Set prices based on your experience, materials costs, class duration, and what the market will bear. Remember to factor in the platform fee and Stripe fees.
HOW DO I LIST MY STUDIO ON LOCALARTIST?
Sign up and select "Studio" as your account type. Complete your studio profile with photos, amenities, location, and details. Submit for admin approval. Once approved, artists can discover and book your space!
HOW DO STUDIO BOOKINGS WORK?
Artists can browse studios and submit booking requests. You review each request and approve or decline. Currently, artists coordinate payment directly with you. In the future, we'll add integrated payment processing.
CAN I HAVE ARTISTS HOST THEIR OWN CLASSES AT MY STUDIO?
Yes! You control whether to allow outside artists to host classes at your studio. When artists create sessions at your location, you can set your own policies and pricing for space rental.
WHAT ARE THE PLATFORM FEES FOR STUDIOS?
- First 100 studios: 10% platform fee (locked in forever!)
- Top 5% earners: 12% platform fee
- Standard rate: 15% platform fee
Plus Stripe's standard payment processing fees (~2.9% + $0.30).
IS LOCALARTIST AVAILABLE IN MY CITY?
LocalArtist is available nationwide! While we're focused on growing in Los Angeles initially, artists and studios can join from anywhere in the US. Use our map-based search to find classes near you.
IS MY PAYMENT INFORMATION SAFE?
Yes! All payments are processed through Stripe, an industry-leading payment processor trusted by millions of businesses. We never store your full credit card information. All payment data is encrypted and PCI-DSS compliant.
HOW DO I CONTACT SUPPORT?
Email us at contact@heylocalartist.com. We typically respond within 24 hours during business days.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ARTIST CANCELS MY CLASS?
If an artist cancels your class, you'll receive a full 100% refund including the platform fee. The refund is processed automatically and typically appears in your account within 5-10 business days.
HOW DO REVIEWS WORK?
After attending a class, you can leave a rating (1-5 stars) and written review. Reviews help other students make informed decisions and help artists improve their offerings.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT?
You must be 18 years or older to create an account and book classes. Parents or guardians can book classes on behalf of minors, but the adult account holder is responsible for the booking.