Tattoo Jobs

Tattoos are more popular than ever, with three in 10 Americans having at least one tattoo and 40% of people under 35 sporting some ink. If you’re a tattoo artist who wants to turn your passion into a profitable business, opening your own tattoo shop can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. However, it also requires careful planning, hard work, and compliance with local laws and regulations. Here are 10 steps to help you launch your dream tattoo shop.

 

1. Choose your business name. Your business name should reflect your brand identity and what makes you stand out from other tattoo shops. It should also be legally available in your state and not infringe on any trademarks. You can use online tools to check the availability of your preferred name and register it with your state government.

 

2. Select your business structure. Your business structure affects how your tattoo shop is taxed, what paperwork you need to file, and how much personal liability you have if something goes wrong. The most common business structures for tattoo shops are limited liability companies (LLCs), S corporations, and C corporations. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should consult a lawyer or an accountant before making a decision.

 

3. Find your business location. Your location is one of the most important factors for your tattoo shop’s success. You want a place that is visible, accessible, and attracts a lot of foot traffic. You also want a place that meets your budget, space, and equipment needs. You may need to renovate the space to make it suitable for tattooing and comply with local health and safety codes.

 

4. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits. To operate a tattoo shop legally, you need to obtain various licenses and permits from your state and local authorities. These may include a business license, a sales tax permit, a health department permit, a zoning permit, and a tattoo artist license for yourself and your employees. The requirements vary by state and city, so you should research them carefully and apply for them in advance.

 

5. Purchase the essential equipment and supplies. To run a tattoo shop, you need to invest in quality equipment and supplies that ensure the safety and satisfaction of your clients. These include tattoo machines, needles, ink, gloves, sterilization equipment, disposable items, furniture, lighting, signage, and more. You should also have a reliable inventory system to keep track of your stock and reorder when needed.

 

6. Hire qualified staff. Unless you plan to run your tattoo shop solo, you need to hire staff who can help you with various tasks such as reception, booking, cleaning, and of course, tattooing. You should look for people who have experience, skills, certifications, and portfolios that match your standards and style. You should also train them on your policies, procedures, and expectations.

 

7. Market your tattoo shop. To attract customers to your tattoo shop, you need to market yourself effectively. You can use various strategies such as creating a website, claiming your online profiles on platforms like Yelp and Google My Business

 

8. Build a loyal customer base. To grow your tattoo shop, you need to build a loyal customer base that will come back for more tattoos and refer you to their friends and family. You can do this by providing excellent customer service, creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, offering discounts and loyalty programs, asking for feedback and reviews, and staying in touch with your customers through email, social media, or text messages.

 

9. Expand your services and products. To increase your revenue and diversify your income streams, you can expand your services and products beyond tattooing. For example, you can offer piercing, microblading, permanent makeup, or other related services that appeal to your target market. You can also sell merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, stickers, or art prints that showcase your brand and work.

 

10. Keep learning and improving. The tattoo industry is constantly evolving and changing, so you need to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the competition. You can do this by attending workshops, seminars, conventions, or online courses that teach you new techniques, trends, or styles. You can also network with other tattoo artists and professionals who can inspire you and give you advice.

 

Opening your own tattoo shop can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor that allows you to express your creativity and passion while making money. By following these 10 steps, you can turn your dream into a reality and run a successful tattoo business.