How to Start a Tattoo Parlor

Part 1 - How to start a Tattoo Parlor business - Background

Dr. John Martin, a professor at London’s University College, once said, “Life depends on science but the arts make it worth living.” One of the most popular modern forms of expressing ourselves and sharing our love of art is through tattoos. Tattoo artists turn their client’s visions into reality through the process of inserting pigment into the skin’s dermis with needles.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Tattoo Parlor business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a tattoo parlor?

First, you’ll need a workspace. Some artists cut down on costs by working out of their home. If you’re thinking about taking this route, consider two things: many states prohibit home studios due to health regulations, and it’s more difficult to establish yourself as a professional without a storefront.

When choosing a location, research the areas you are considering. Are they already saturated with tattoo shops? What’s their reputation and what other services do they offer? Pick a location that has a good deal of foot traffic. You never know who will walk through you door and inquire about a that custom piece they’ve been considering.

Even if you don’t plan on regularly hosting other artists, set your space up with multiple rooms. You never know what direction you could decide to go later and many tattoo artists travel, taking on guest spots as they move about the world.

Here are a few other items you’ll need to invest in before opening your tattoo shop. Many of these items can be purchased used at a reduced rate.

• Website

• Portfolio

• Tattoo equipment

• Massage tables

• Art of the walls

• A sign

• Displays and cabinets for inventory

What are the ongoing expenses for a tattoo parlor?

Aside from the standard overhead expenses incurred from running a storefront, your only ongoing expenses are marketing and supplies. You’ll go through a lot of gloves, ink, and cleaning supplies on a daily basis. When first starting out, artists report spending an estimated $600-$1,000 per year on supplies.

Who is the target market?

This varies from shop to shop. Some studios accept walk-ins and have standard art hung on the wall for clients to choose from. They accept custom jobs, but the bulk of their income is supported by walk-in traffic. Others are looking for more inspiration in their work. They have put in their time in the tattoo business, and reserve the right to turn down any piece that doesn’t represent the brand they’re building for themselves.

How does a tattoo parlor make money?

Owners earn their income by tattooing permanent art on their customers. Generally several artists share studio space. They either pay rent to the owner, or pay the owner a commission on each piece they do in the shop.

How much can you charge customers?

Customers are typically charged an hourly rate, although some projects are inked for a flat fee. Hourly rates range anywhere from $80-$350. The longer you’ve been in business and the more of a name you make for yourself, the more you can charge.

How much profit can a tattoo parlor make?

Successful tattoo artists have reported making less than $15,000 their first year. However, as you make a name for yourself and your shop, the potential is there to make well over $100,000 annually.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Many tattoo shops expand their goods and services to more than just tattooing. To make your business more profitable you could:

• Offer piercings

• Sell jewelry for piercings

• Sell local art

• Carry an inventory of aftercare products

• Work out of your home (if this option is legal in your state)

• Many parlors host special events for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Both parties win: breast cancer survivors can get a custom piece to cover their scars, and you gain exposure to a whole new set of clientele you might not otherwise have met.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a tattoo parlor?

Tattoo shop owners spend a majority of their day with clients. Before starting a project, the artist and client will meet for a consultation. This is to ensure they are both on the same page regarding the vision of the piece. The customer will either arrive with an idea and let the artist draw the plans, or they will come with a drawing in hand. Once the specifics are ironed out, the artist can start on the tattoo. Some pieces can be completed in a couple hours, while others are an ongoing project to be completed in multiple sessions.

Your work will require a lot of tools, all of which must be sterile. Some shops use an autoclave to sterilize needles and equipment, while others have shifted to using disposable equipment. Whichever route you choose, part of your day will be spent ensuring you have all the ink and supplies necessary to maintain a safe and sterile tattoo shop.

Downtime can spent drawing, painting, and dreaming up new ideas for custom tattoos. This offers you additional work to add to your portfolio, pieces to decorate your studio or sell on the side, and could also be put on display online to attract new customers to your business.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tattoo parlor?

The ability to draw will be your most valued skill. Tattooing, however, entails more than just artistic talent. It requires a steady hand, an amicable personality and a specific attention to detail. This helps not only when it comes to inking tattoos, but also successfully running your business.

Unlike many artists, who often work in solitude, tattoo artists spend their days with other people. It takes good communication skills and a certain amount of finesse to offer suggestions to clients who are prepared to permanently decorate their body with your design. Depending upon the size of the piece, you also might be spending tens of hours with any given client, so good people skills are a must.

Most aspiring tattoo artists spend time apprenticing before ever picking up an ink gun. This is a great way to learn important skills such as how heavy of a hand you need, how to transfer the art from paper onto a human body, understanding of skin types, placement, and color schemes. Apprenticing is the most valuable training you’ll ever receive. Once you’ve gained success, this is something you can pass on to other aspiring artists. Additionally, there are a number of groups, such as the Tattoo Artists Guild and the Alliance of Professional Tattoos, Inc, that educate members on safety, the latest trends in the tattoo world, and offer advice on how to grow your client base.

In the tattoo industry, it’s critical that you maintain a high level of professionalism and cleanliness at all times. Excellent management and organizational skills, as well as high standards of hygiene will be part of what defines the long-term success of your business.

What is the growth potential for a tattoo parlor?

The tattoo industry yields an average of $2.3 billion annually and nearly 40% of 18-39 year olds now have a tattoo. While many owners choose to keep their business small and intimate, there are some, such as Inksmith & Rogers who’ve found success opening multiple locations. The key to long-term growth is hiring only stellar artists to represent your brand.

How and when to build a team

Most artists answer their own phone calls, emails, and walk-ins, so you don’t need a staff for that. However, many studios have multiple artists. Each artist has their own workspace and either pay rent for use of the space or pay a portion of their commission to the owner. This is a great way to cut down on your overhead costs and integrate yourself further within the community.

Part 2 - Is a Tattoo Parlor business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Tattoo Parlor business in 90 days