How to Set Up a Tattoo Shop

While some businesses may come and go with tastes an fashions, the tattoo industry has proved utterly resilient for centuries. At the same time with celebrity tattoo artists hosting their own reality shows and the mainstreaming of the industry, if anything the tattooing is seeing a new rejuvenation as well.

Today, there are around 21,000 active tattoo parlous operating across the United States. Researchers estimate one new artist sets up shop every day, and the American tattoo industry as a whole rakes in around $2.3 billion worth of revenue each year.

Bearing in mind that consumer demand has been relatively steady for the past couple millennia, it’s not difficult to see why budding artists or entrepreneurs continue to show interest in starting their own tattoo businesses. But setting up a tattoo parlor isn’t just about obtaining funding and exhibiting a little creativity. There are a few things you’ll need to do first.

Here is a quick how-to guide in order to help you get started.

How to Start Your Own Tattoo Business

Get Licensed

Unfortunately, being good at drawing does not make you a tattoo artist. In most states, you’ll need to obtain a license before you’re allowed to carry out tattooing or body piercings — and before you’re allowed a license, you’ll first be expected to gain a bit of experience.

The Alliance of Professional Tattooists recommends aspiring artists undergo an apprenticeship of at least three years before going it alone and setting up shop. During these apprenticeships, you’ll generally be working under the direct supervision of a licensed artist designing tattoos, operating machines and sterilizing equipment. Some apprenticeships are paid, but many more are not.

In some states, the requirement to undergo an apprenticeship isn’t just a recommendation. For example, in order to comply with the Body Art Procedures Act and open up a tattoo shop in New Jersey, you must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of training. In states like Oregon, you’ve only got to complete a minimum of 360 hours of training under an approved artist — as well as produce 50 tattoos.

Most states will expect you to pass a written test, as well as hold a current Bloodborne Pathogens certificate in order to become a licensed artist. The same sort of procedures will generally apply to obtaining a license for a tattoo business as opposed to obtaining an individual artist license – but rules vary state by state. You’ll have to do your research.

Get the Right Equipment

In order to set up your own tattoo business, you’ll need to cover a few basic start-up costs. Estimates range from around $25,000, but that depends entirely upon the type of business you’re starting and a wide array of variables. Either way, there are quite a few basic pieces of equipment that you’ll definitely need to get started.

First and foremost, you’ll need reliable tattoo machines and various needles. Quality machines start from around $400, while sanitized, disposable needles will be an ongoing overhead cost. Likewise, you’ll need a steady supply of tubes and ink to feed the machines. You’ll also need a load of other basic equipment like shaving supplies for customers, stencils for designs and plenty of sanitary items. Scanners, decent computer software and printers will probably be necessary if you plan on allowing customers to have a say in designing custom art.

You’ll also need to purchase special furniture. Most states have strict rules about the type of furniture used in tattoo areas, and if you do not conform to those standards you could get shut down. Purpose-built beds and chairs tend to start from around $500 each.

Choose the Right Location

Selecting the perfect location to set up shop is difficult for any business — but if you’re opening a tattoo business, you’ll face a few legal hurdles, too.

Quite a few municipal authorities have land use and zoning ordinances that limit where tattoo establishments can be located within a town or city. A lot of those rules end up tossing a high concentration of businesses into a relatively small area of town, which can make competition a real problem. That being said, you may be able to skate past such regulations and open up in a different part of town by paying to obtain various municipal variances and approvals.

Again, you’ll need to check with your local and state authorities before falling in love with any particular location. If your preferred site does clash with current laws, it’s worth seeking professional legal advice to see if you can mitigate existing legislation.

Outside of the dull, regulatory mumbo-jumbo, there are other big factors to consider when choosing a location for your tattoo shop. You’ll want a high traffic area, ideally near night life. You should also keep in mind that your ideal location might need logistical alterations for tattoo work — like adding partitions, sinks or new electrical outlets. If you’re purchasing space, that won’t be a problem, but if you’re renting you will need to obtain written permission from the property owner.

Think About Marketing

Once you’ve gotten yourself certified and permitted and set up your new shop, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to market your business. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful within the tattoo industry — but you’re also going to need a decent web presence.

First and foremost, you’ll need to create a website with a simple and memorable URL. Clearly list your business services, location and key information. But more important still, exhibit your work. Instead of choosing a fancy eCommerce web template, take on a site driven by prominent artwork and aesthetics. It’s also worth maintaining a company blog on your site outlining big or interesting art concepts.

But your single biggest marketing weapon will be social media. Image-based sites like Instagram are a great way to show off your artwork, and Facebook has got a built-in review platform that could help you to generate consumer confidence relatively quickly to earn more work. Be sure to respond to all reviews and engage with any questions or comments that may arise on different platforms.

That being said, you shouldn’t necessarily abandon some more basic concepts of traditional marketing just yet. Printed fliers and business cards still resonate well within the tattoo industry. Don’t be afraid to look at potential advertising opportunities in local media where appropriate, and dare to be different.

Remember: if you aren’t standing out, it will be very difficult to succeed.

Now more than ever, having a Tattoo is increasingly accepted by mainstream American culture and fashion. With this trend, more and more people are looking at how to start a tattoo shop at home.

Take a look at Tattoo trends vs. Perfume, Cosmetics, and Fashion over the past year. (Trends provided by Google Trends)

Other than a few spikes in cosmetics, Tattoos outperform 3 of what would be thought of as being the highest trends in the beautification of people.

There is no wonder that the demand for talented Tattoo Artists is greater than ever in America and around the world.

If you have the talent, it would be nice to start your Tattoo shop from home where you can make $100 hour or more.

Offering the service from home would provide you with some advantages but will also include some disadvantages or roadblocks.

Let us start with what you will need to do before you start your Tattoo Shop at Home

–Tattoo Artist Talent and training. If you do not already have the training to perform Tattoos then it is recommended that you complete an apprenticeship so that you receive the proper training. You can still start a Tattoo shop without the training and talent by hiring a Tattoo artist. It would be difficult to start a home-based business by hiring an artist and may be better suited for a Tattoo shop in the retail or commercial building.

–Contact your local health unit or county health department to understand the health regulations and required certifications to start a Tattoo Shop. The rules vary from one area to another so do not assume you know what is required. Once you have your shop setup you will require an inspection and approval before you can start tattooing.

–Check with your municipality about zoning restrictions and requirements about starting a tattoo shop in your area. Attempting to start a shop in your home will have several challenges to overcome. In many areas, there may not be any option for allowing a tattoo shop in your home. Then you will have no choice but to try and find a place to open a shop that meets the zoning requirements.

The truth is…the idea of having a tattoo parlor at home may not be an option in many North American areas.

Regulations in America generally state that it is illegal for a licensed tattoo artist to do their work in an unlicensed location and it is also illegal for an unlicensed tattoo artist to work in a licensed tattoo business.

That said you may be fortunate enough to live in a home that is located in an area with the proper zoning for a tattoo business or have an apartment or home that has a storefront type business zoning below your apartment…which would be just like having a tattoo shop at home.

There are always examples of extreme cases where people do not follow the rules and make it harder for those who do want to follow the rules being able to open their tattoo shop at home.

Check out this recent article showing you just how badly some people will run a tattoo business from home and will still have the option to reopen if they fix the noted concerns.

-Create a Business Plan. Creating a plan will provide you with goals to meet at dedicated times. There is nothing worse than jumping in a business with 2 feet first not knowing where you want to end up. A business plan on how you will start and manage you Tattoo Shop will allow you to check in on your progress as your business grows. A business plan is also an important tool if you need to secure some financial assistance to start up or manage your business.

Here is a free sample template provided by BDC – Example Business Plan

Training and Paperwork all complete?

If “yes” then continue, otherwise read and follow the steps above

How to get customers to come to your…uhmm basement to get a Tattoo.

To most Tattoo customers, the idea to go to someone’s private home, in most cases in a basement Tattoo shop is not exactly an easy sell.

Going to a private home for a haircut is not so bad. Getting a bad haircut is something that we can live with for a few weeks.

The idea of getting a botched Tattoo is another story.

It will be even more important to show that you are an artist with talent and follow safe techniques. It is one thing getting a botched Tattoo job, but to get an infection or disease would be the worse.

Marketing your Tattoo Shop

–Inspection Certificate – If you followed the earlier directions you would have received a “Pass” or permit from your health department to run your Tattoo shop. You would be instructed to post that permit to be visible, but it is recommended that it be emphasized for your customers to see it as a sign to comfort their concerns. It will show them that you take the necessary steps to ensure optimum infection precautions.

-Business Permits- Along with the health inspection certificates, it is wise to place your business permits in a place that you can emphasize to your customers that you are running a legitimate Tattoo shop. They will have an increased comfort knowing that you are not trying to hide anything and that you are registered the same as any Tattoo shops found in any strip mall.

-Customer Service- If possible, create have a reception area for your customers. Create a scheduling system where you do not have people waiting too long for their turn. An advantage of having your own Tattoo shop is the flexibility you have with scheduling -take advantage to have breaks between customers.

-Online Presence- Create a website that not only showcases your Tattoo work but also have it setup for customers to interact, comment and provide feedback on your Tattoo shop and works. You can set up a scheduling system on your website where people can choose dates and times that you are available for a consult. This will free you from having to take a number of calls for booking and schedule while you are doing Tattoos.

You can create a website on hosting sites like Wix. …Not my choice or recommendation.

When you can host websites and learn everything there is to know about online business by visiting and trying out Wealthy Affiliate. I chose Wealthy Affiliate as my hosting site for this website you are on now and for 3 other websites that I manage.

If you do not have a paper towel dispenser in your station, separate a stack of paper towels from your paper towel roll. It is better to over estimate the number of paper towels needed than to under estimate. This prevents you form having to touch the roll with potentially dirty gloves during the tattoo (should you forget to remove them). If you do touch the roll with dirty gloves, assume the entire roll is contaminated and discard. Discard any excess paper towels not used during the tattoo.

Stacked paper towels.

Tattoo machines, bags, and rubber bands.

Tubes and needles should remain unopened until needed.

Face down until needed.

Used needles, razors, etc.

7 comments:

I would like to receive emails on tips about tattooing period

That sounds like an interesting idea, though putting out a monthly news letter might be a more involved project than I would like to take on at the moment. You can always subscribe to this blog.

I am trying to write an essay on how to prepare for a tattoo; safety/sterilizing, organization, setting up equipment, etc. I know this stuff from tattooing, but do you recommend or have any resources that would help make a legit essay for a college paper? thanks in return

I know how to tattoo, I know how to prepare and set up. My question is, do you or do you know any sources that might help explain the set up for safety, hygiene, and cleanliness including setting up a machine without giving away the best secrets? It is for a college paper on an informative essay. I am lost in the sauce of finding an artist to explain it from ground up, especially because this is not a normal field that you just apply for on glassdoor or something

Sorry about the delayed response. I have been unusually busy this season. Have you seen my post on Coil Tattoo Machines: I guess I am a little confused about your request; if you know how to tattoo then you know how to set-up both your work-station and machine safely. If you don’t know how to do that, then you don’t know how to tattoo. That may sound a little harsh, but in tattooing the right way is the only way.

The reality is that there is no “secret” way to set-up safely. Guy Aitchison, Nick Baxter, Jeff Gogue and others offer tutorials online. Intenze Ink has produced a series of tutorials and videos. You will find that when it comes to safety and cleanliness they are all fairly consistent.

Pennsylvania Tattoo Shop License Procedures

Your art screams out for you to start a tattoo business. Before you run to rent a shop, make sure you know the basics. You can start a tattoo business by first becoming a connoisseur of the art of tattooing yourself. Having some really cool illustrations won’t help you much if you can’t translate them onto skin. The rest depends on how big you want to go. Successful shops have been run from basements, as long as you keep health and cleanliness as your utmost priority. A few steps will help you start a tattoo business.

Learn how to tattoo. You can get an apprenticeship from another artist or at least make friends with one so you can hang around her shop and watch how it’s done. If you are eager and talented enough, a shop may hire you on. This will give you the chance to gauge all the supplies you’ll need, from rubbing alcohol to sterile needles, and will also get you experience and exposure.

Get licensed. Some states require tattoo licenses. Check your area to make sure you follow all the guidelines and requirements. Other states have no license requirements but cleanliness and health should be your utmost priority whether you need a license or not.

Establish clients. Hopefully your work will begin to speak for itself and people will start to flock to you for tattoos. If not, practice some more. You can buy fake skin on which to practice all you want without botching up anyone’s bicep.

Get your own supplies. Buy a tattoo gun or two, one for lining and one for shading, power supply for your guns, your own cache of ink, your own spray bottles, rubbing alcohol, stencil paper, sterile gloves, sterile needles and all else you’ve seen at the shop that you’ll need.

Set up shop. Start small, like in your basement or an extra room in your home, just to get your reputation going even further and insure you have everything you need to tattoo on your own. Here come more supplies like an autoclave for sterilizing your gun, reclining chairs or benches for people to sit and get tattooed, and lots of paper towels.

Move to a bigger shop, if you wish, and hire employees as needed. This will require a business license, at least two separate rooms for tattooing, a waiting area, a cash register, flash for the walls, portfolios of your work and probably much more you’ll find out as you move along.

You can cut costs on furniture by starting out with old dentist chairs or similar chairs for your clients to sit on while getting tattooed. As you go along you will find you’ll want or need extra things perhaps not mentioned here. Add them as you go. Some of these items may include a light table for tracing designs, Make sure you have saved plenty of money. That’s why it’s best to start your tattoo business in stages, as the supplies can be very costly at first but will soon pay for themselves, hopefully, with all the business you bring in. Get yourself some really flashy business cards to advertise your business at every turn. Attend tattoo conventions, workshops and other gatherings to see what’s hot and what’s new. Stay up on the latest techniques.

Warnings

Don’t rent a shop until you are sure you can afford the rent. Don’t steal artists from other shops. The tattoo business is a small world and word will get around that you are backstabbing. Never, ever skimp on cleanliness. That’s one cost that is worth all the money in the world.

In Michigan, tattooing has just recently begun being monitored by the health departments. The Livingston County Health Department completes the inspections here in Fowlerville. Even with this new statewide policing though, there are still some lingering bad habits that can be seen in some tattoo shops around the state. While, our county has exceptional tattoo shops, below are some of the things to look out for if you end up in a tattoo shop elsewhere in the state.

Needles should be disposed of after each tattoo into a biohazard “sharps” container. Only new needles should ever be used. You should be able to witness your artist taking the needles out of their original packs when he’s setting up for your new ink. If he doesn’t have anything to hide, he’ll let you watch.

Single Use Markers and Stencils

Unless your artist is free-handing the design, he will use either a transfer paper or markers to draw the design onto your skin. Generally, you will approve the positioning of it from this phase of the process. Make sure that the markers and transfer paper being used is single-use… as in disposable. Don’t let someone draw on you with a Sharpie that he just used to draw on a previous customer or worse yet, his boots. It’s a Universal Precaution that is often overlooked.

Gloves and Hand Washing

Obviously your artist should wear gloves when he tattoos you. Watch him though. Make sure he’s washing his hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap prior to putting new gloves on. Make sure he uses paper towel to shut off the water, not the hands he just got clean. If you’re allergic to latex, let them know so they can wear another type of glove. Here at The Shop, we don’t even use the latex kind because we don’t want to risk the allergies.

The general rule is, if there’s ink on it, there’s blood on it. The area should not have any ink stains anywhere. All ink should be placed ink caps on his work tray for the tattooing process before it begins. Once the process has begun, he shouldn’t grab the bottle of ink for a refill without removing his gloves, washing his hands first and then rewashing and re-gloving before touching you again.

The Machine’s Cord

If there’s a chance the artist’s tattoo machine cord will touch your body, make sure they use a cover. Imagine a cord without a cover sliding up against someone else’s skin, then the ground, then your skin. That’s just disgusting.

Paper Towel

Paper towel is needed to wipe as you go during the tattoo process, however, observe how your artist grabs it. Usually we will set up plenty of fresh paper towel at the station for ease of use. What if that runs out though? Paper towel should be on a dispenser so that his hands never touch the rest of the roll or the inside of the role. If you see this happen, he should just go ahead and throw that roll away, and rewash and re-glove.

Cross Contamination

Every tattoo artist when cleaning up his area should have what he considers a dirty hand and a clean hand. The artist should not use the hand he was rinsing tubes with to open a drawer, regardless of the status of his gloves. He should be using only his clean hand to touch surfaces that are considered “clean.”

Ultrasonic Cleaner

When the tubes are taken off the machine, they are deposited into a bleach sanitation tub while they await the next step, which is to be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. The shop has to have one of these. It prepares the tubes for the autoclave. It sends a super speed sound waves through the metal and it breaks down contaminants. It doesn’t however provide adequate sterilization. For that, you need an autoclave.

Autoclave

Your artist will have a functioning autoclave that is regularly spore tested that he will clean his tubes and such in. (At the Shop, we send out our spore tests once a month.) These get placed in little baggies. On the baggies, there will be a little area built into it that shows if it’s been through a sterilization process. Ask to see it if you have any concerns. This goes the same for piercings. Ask to see the baggy. Scratchers will tell you that they boil the stuff in bleach or something along those lines. Well, that’s not good enough. It simply won’t keep all bloodborne pathogens off the equipment.

Bathrooms

Before your tattoo, ask to use the bathroom. Just like at restaurants, the cleanliness of a shops bathroom is a good indicator of the cleanliness of the shop’s artists.

Go ahead and ask your artist about their sterilization procedures, make sure he knows and follows them. If he gives you crap or doesn’t know the basics, just turn around, walk out the door and come see me for your new tattoo.

Are Tattoos Risky Art?

When you get a tattoo, the artist uses a hand-held machine containing one or more needles. The machine pricks the top layer of your skin and insets tiny drops of ink. The procedure doesnвЂ™t use any anesthetic and it can be somewhat painful.

But it can also make you sick if you have an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. And you could end up with a skin infection like Staphylococcus aureus or a blood-borne illness such as tetanus, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. There have even been reported cases of soft-tissue infections from contaminated ink.

Be Safe

So how can you be sure to avoid risks and go somewhere safe? There are a few rules you should follow if you want to get a tattoo and want it done right. For one thing, donвЂ™t do it yourself, and donвЂ™t let an amateur do it.

Instead, find a reputable artist with a license, if your state requires one. That means you have to check with your local or state health department. Also, follow these steps to find a solid shop:

Only use a tattoo shop where all employees are properly trained.
Make sure your tattoo artist wears new disposable gloves to minimize your risk of contamination. And that he throws them in the trash between tattoos.
Check that heвЂ™s using needles from sealed containers, and that the pigment trays are new.
Be sure the shop has a sterilization machine and uses it to clean equipment that is too expensive to throw away.
DonвЂ™t be afraid to ask how the employees sterilize the countertops, tables, and chairs. They should be using a bleach-based disinfectant. If the shop isnвЂ™t clean, get out. Blood travels and can contaminate all different types of surfaces.
Ask where the inks come from. Some inks might contain metals and solvents that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesnвЂ™t regulate.

HereвЂ™s one of the biggest tips of all: DonвЂ™t let alcohol cloud your judgment. Getting a tattoo is exciting, but itвЂ™s also forever. Think long and hard, and when you do it make sure safety is top-most on your mind.

Sources

The New England Journal of Medicine: вЂњOutbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae Infection Associated with Tattoo Ink.вЂќ

The Harris Poll: вЂњTattoo Takeover: Three in Ten Americans Have Tattoos, and Most DonвЂ™t Stop at Just One.вЂќ

National Conference of State Legislatures: вЂњTattoo and Body Piercing; State laws, Statutes and Regulations.вЂќ

May Clinic: вЂњTattoos: Understand Risks and Precautions.вЂќ

Avitzur, O. вЂњTattoo Health and Safety Tips.вЂќ Consumer Reports, published online September, 2012.

How to Set Up a Tattoo Shop

How to Set Up a Tattoo Shop For many tattoo artists, owning a shop is a dream come true. But, owning a business is about more than simply finding an empty building and moving in.

The successful shop owner has to wear a lot of hats to keep everything running smoothly.

Here are five secrets to use in setting up a successful tattoo shop…

Secret #1 – Location Really Is Everything

You often hear people talk about how the three most important aspects of real estate are location, location, and location. While that may be a bit simplistic, it is still fairly accurate. Choosing the location for a tattoo shop can absolutely make or break the business. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when choosing your location. For one, you want to consider your clientele and make yourself available in areas where they frequently are. High foot traffic, easy parking and access, as well as neighboring complementary businesses such as bars and nightclubs are key things to keep in mind when looking at locations. No matter where you’re setting up though, you want to know that the area can handle another tattoo shop. Being the best at what you do will certainly help, but if there are just too many shops in a small area, all of the tattoo shops will suffer, with the newer ones potentially going under first. Remember, it isn’t just a matter of “build it and they will come.”

Secret #2 – Write a Business Plan

If you’re looking for outside funding (say, from a bank), then a business plan may be a necessity. Even if it isn’t required though, any new business owner should consider creating one before opening the doors. Creating a business plan forces you to consider aspects of the business that may have never occurred to you otherwise, and being prepared for them puts you at an incredible advantage down the road. While there are fewer surprises for sure, the process also allows you to envision where you want the business to go and to create a sort of road map for how to get there. Once the business plan is written, you can use it to guide your decision-making process, keeping in mind that it’s not written in stone and you can revise and alter it when appropriate.

Secret #3 – Treat Your Business Like a Business

Face it, one of the best reasons to start a business is so that you can do things the way you want and so you can enjoy the experience. One way to do this is by surrounding yourself with people you like. This is great and can create an awesome atmosphere in the shop. On the other hand, it can be a business owner’s downfall. Working with your friends is great, but having your friends slack off while you pay the bills is not so cool. Be sure that everyone is aware of the policies of the shop and that when you bring in artists and other staff members they know that they are not above following the rules. More than one friendship has been torn apart by a business relationship, so rather than risking both, it makes sense to have contracts in place and expect everyone to abide by them.

Secret #4 – You Can’t (Shouldn’t) Do It All

A business owner is kind of like a juggler with dozens of balls in the air at a time. There’s payroll to make and rent to pay and distributors to meet with and health inspections to pass. Oh, and working with customers and actually doing some art, too. How can one person do it all? The answer is that one person probably shouldn’t do it all. There will be areas in which the business owner really excels. On the other hand, there are areas that really should have professional attention. For example, the contracts mentioned above should really be created by a transactional lawyer. It’s very likely worthwhile to hire a part-time bookkeeper rather than to try and do all the accounting yourself. You may also want to work with a marketing company to develop a strategy for bringing in customers and keeping your artists busy. The best approach is to determine which things you’re good at, as well as which things you enjoy, and then bring in the “big guns” for the other tasks.

As tattoos and piercings become more widely accepted by people of all ages — thanks in no small part to television shows like LA Ink, Hart & Huntington, Miami Ink, and more — there is more and more opportunity for shops to open.

Anyone with a passion for the industry can learn how to open and run their own studio, beginning with the basics in this book.

From understanding what it takes to survive in the industry (whether or not you are a tattoo artist or piercer yourself, of just business-minded), to how to start a business, to specific tips for running a tattoo and piercing shop, authors Mueller and Howe cover everything you need to know in an easy to follow, step-by-step way.

They discuss situations you’ll encounter in the day-to-day running of a studio, such as how to find and deal with artists and other employees; customer service and shop policies; and how to not only get started, but to thrive in an industry that guards its secrets and is sometimes suspicious of newcomers.

This is a comprehensive guide to opening and running a successful studio. It includes many forms you’ll need for business start-up on the CD-ROM, so you can keep records on your computer and print off copies as needed.

Additional Info

PDF Preview Download URL
Publication Date	Feb 15, 2011
Market	Global
Edition	First Edition
Pages	144
Size	8¼ x 9¾
ISBN	978-1-77040-070-2
About the CD	The CD works with Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX, GNU/Linux, and Sun Solaris

Author Details

Author Details – Kurtis Mueller and Tanya Lee Howe

Kurtis Mueller is the founder, owner, and operator of Jaded Body Arts Inc. in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. He has worked in the tattoo and body piercing business for more than a decade, and educates youth about safe tattoo and body piercing procedures.

Tanya Lee Howe is a writer and an accomplished editor of business and legal books with a keen, personal interest in body art.

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