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1. Tino on 5/1/2009 3:49:19 AM

What if I just want to be the owner and hire experience tattoo artist to do the artwork and I run the shop?

2. Zaza on 5/19/2009 4:38:29 AM

I have the same question as tino, I want to run the business and hire tattoo artists??

3. Larry on 6/14/2009 7:12:34 PM

I also have the same question as Tino

4. Julie on 6/17/2009 8:23:30 PM

I also have the same question as Tino! I just want to run/own my own tattoo parlor. And hire my own artists or piercers.

5. jimmy on 6/20/2009 10:22:32 AM

some friends and i do parties. i'm on here now trying to get all the info for opening a shop here in baltimore where i live. i know there is a pathogen cert i need to get but where do i go to see exactly what the regulations are for opening a shop?

6. mard henderson on 6/29/2009 4:07:43 PM

I have a guy that owns a shop and has all the permits I am going to spend the money and have an artist. My artist is going to work under the others permits. Is that legal? After a couple months we are going to get our own permits. The guy that owns it is selling it to us kind of under the table. I am kind of skeptical about this any advice.

7. will on 7/1/2009 2:17:18 AM

tattoo shop

8. ashley on 7/14/2009 9:13:57 AM

Hey sorry to go off subject but does anyone know any body piercers willing to do an apprenticeship in baltimore or close? Please respond.

9. wyatt on 7/29/2009 12:12:09 PM

Same Question as everyone, Can I open a shop with out being a tattoo artist? Thanks

10. Gina on 8/6/2009 6:15:26 PM

Same question as well.. Open a shop w/o being an artist? I would have a manager who has been a licensed artist for 4 years..

11. villain on 8/30/2009 7:53:19 AM

you need to take a phlebotomy course and its about $1000 or more now days... to do piercing you all will need insurance unless you wanna get wacked by a lawyer & judge... the health dept..has a one day course most the time its free to attend and you get certified or a paper to hang on the wall(lol) and you will need to pay a permit fee around 25 dollars from your city tax dept to do business ... the insurance is about $80 a month for 350,000 public liability.. but you will also need malpractice insurance in-case you mess up or some one thinks you cause there infection, remember the world we live in .. and lawyers are free for victims ....??

12. villain on 8/30/2009 7:56:44 AM

also most artists will NOT work for a skimmer ''' so you guys that don't shoot ink. looking to slave you up some talent '' nice try .. that don't work anywhere i've ever been. seen or heard of... with good work.. maybe get into property ...if you wanna be a land lord...

13. TommyT on 9/3/2009 8:42:33 PM

Want to open a tattoo shop in Houston, Texas, and dont know how, or need an artist for this business? Send me an email, maybe we can work it out.... asylum_tattoo@yahoo.com not everyone has the cash at hand to start up one, like me, so if you got the money, I got the experience

14. AlexiaS. on 9/18/2009 9:14:46 PM

Hello, I agree with Villain No one wants to work for someone that doesn't either pierce or tattoo. I know because I work for someone that has a total different job and just comes to pick up the drop once a week. Its annoying. Everyday you do your job and he is never here and comes in just to get the drop and complains about every little thing and then leaves. And for advice going through an apprenticeship its best to go find someone that has a really good portfolio and ask them how to begin an apprenticeship because every county and state is different.

15. paulo on 9/24/2009 3:41:49 AM

i would like to run the business and have some artist work for me, is possible? thank you

16. Jeremie Miller on 10/1/2009 3:30:00 AM

You can be the owner, but if you don't know how to tattoo you will never attract experienced professionals. There are just too many things that put you at a disadvantage when you are ignorant of the trade. Tattooing has come a long way until recently and that is because of the flood of non tattooist owners. It hurts me whenever someone comes in my studio and is only looking for a bong, dong, or anything other than a tattoo/piercing. Please leave ownership to those who live it.

17. Tat2Diva on 10/12/2009 1:36:16 AM

Oh, ya'll don't have to worry! Those who don't live it and love it, won't have a true gem of a shop! It's an insult that they think its so easy. They are no better than these scratchers out here smearing the business. We work hard to be respected in the game. So do what you do, and leave the tattoo business to the tattoo ARTISTS!

18. Crash on 10/12/2009 2:12:33 PM

I disagree with those who believe only an artist should own a shop, I think a collector, a person with knowledge of the skill and training it takes for the artist to do good work could take the burden off the artist to do what they do best, the art. Not to worry about the business. I have been collecting tats for 20 years and know the dedication it takes for the tattooist, I'm going to open my shop soon and cant draw a lick...but I'm going to provide the ARTIST a great environment to work in, and let them do what they do best, the ART.

19. bidyot jyoti hazarika on 10/21/2009 4:17:50 AM

is it necessary to take authorization or i can start this tattooing without any authorization?

20. prettypunkey on 10/28/2009 11:22:50 AM

i think that 2 diva is rude as hell and i do think people should be aloud to open their own tattoo studio just because you don't have experience doesn't mean you don't want to learn, it is extremely hard to actually find even apprentice work let alone actual work and most tattoo studios don't even want women working for them. personally myself would love to have a studio and have a pro working for me. teach me

21. T on 10/31/2009 9:28:29 PM

I love the bullsh*t that 'artists' give wanna-bes about years of training and how hard it is. Little egos need defending. Now great art isn't easy, but tattooing someone with a butterfly or flower, any monkey can do that. I started my shop with nothing but a months practice on pig ears and I am already one of the most in demand artists in the area.

Don't be scared people. Think of all the morons who are tattoo artists. Are they smarter than you?

22. Tattoo_chickypoo on 11/4/2009 4:13:13 PM

frankly i think thats a load of b.s. wut pretty punkey said, It doesn't matter what f*ckin private part you have, its sexist for someone to not hire you just b/c of what sex you are. If you are a true artist and have a skill for it, doesn't matter if you are a guy or girl...and if they don't hire a skilled female its their loss. I just got into tattooing a few months back and have designed tattoos for people since i was 16 years old. (now 25) ...I think it helps to have a female in the shop, some ppl feel more comfortable with an skilled female tattooist.

23. corey on 11/8/2009 7:26:17 PM

i have the same question as most, can i open a shop and just hire artist?

24. Candie on 11/11/2009 5:02:38 PM

I'm looking into opening a small shop just room for myself and another artist here in Dallas, Texas need all the advice i can get. So if you got any I'm all ears.

25. frank on 12/6/2009 12:53:52 PM

Eighth Element Tattoo: 8756 Warner Avenue., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 - USA

Nothing is ever as easy as it may appear or seem to be! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If opening a tattoo shop is so easy, then why are so many closing these days!? Just because you have the initial opening cost of at least $15,000 - don't forget the cost of maintaining it and staying in business if you have zero customers for a year.

The best way to open a business is alone - no partners or investors - PERIOD! Someone, somehow will eventually take more from the cookie jar and things will go sour within partnerships - if you actually survive the first year or make any money at all.

If you're not a tattoo artist or a piercer - you really have no business owning a tattoo shop. It's like owning a bakery and not knowing how to bake. What if your employee calls in sick or quits? Who's gonna be working now? And if the artist is there and you're not - someone's gonna short change YOU! Or worst - quit and open their own shop with YOUR customers! These are only a few things to keep in mind.

It doesn't matter what you name your tattoo shop or how you decorate it - if you don't have customers, you're gonna lose money! And if you don't have workers that are happy, they'll leave. Simple as that. It's a gamble like stocks. Don't put your money into company stocks that you don't know or understand. Play it smart, save your money, time, and headache and go into business doing whatever it is you do best rather than trying to find an easy way of making money or worst - thinking you can do it fast! The best investments in life are in yourself - literally! Good luck!

26. frank on 12/6/2009 1:00:36 PM

Hey Candie, The best thing for you is to find a shop and stay there for as long as you can. Whatever the cut is 50 - 60%, just be happy you're not the owner. It's not that easy owning a shop - you get BILLS! Lots of them! If the shop you're working at now as well as the other local shops are barely getting by or worst if you don't have customers - what makes you think by opening up your own shop, customers will come to you!? And realistically, most customers will not follow you if you relocate more than 5 miles. So stay where you're at, build up your clientele and save as much money as you can! This is the worst time to open shop - and many cities are so desperate to make money that they are allowing tattoo shops to just open up anywhere. And the sad part is, there are just as many shops closing too! Good luck.

27. mohammed khalid on 12/11/2009 12:52:46 PM

new york, new york, usa. I have empty space. and i would like to hire a tattoo artist.

28. Eric on 1/4/2010 11:18:02 AM

Was reading and saw comment from Candie who was asking about opening up a tattoo shop in Dallas, TX. Actually looking for 1-2 more tattoo artist for shop I am trying to open up in same area. I live in Addison, TX and have 2-4 other possible artist but want to keep my options open and looking for the best talent possible. Just let me know if you are interested, thanks and have lots of client base with the great work including portraits that my other guys do

29. Elizabeth Taylor on 1/10/2010 2:28:23 AM

I am trying to find out the order to open the doors. I have the building. Now I need the order. CO, tattoo and piercing license, ETC. I am in Dallas, Tx. If anyone has any info please let me know. Thank u.

30. kain on 1/15/2010 2:36:42 AM

i'm in the music industry and i wanted to open my own tattoo shop with a family member that has his profession as a tattoo artist i think that the previous people that were saying leave the tattoo business to the artist sounds like a play for job security to me and maybe that's why a lot of shops are closing and this is America and capitalism should be shared by all how love tattoos and think that they can bring something new to the industry. i mean i dont tattoo or pierce but i love the industry and i have great business talent to help artist and clients and i'm willing to learn but i know where my talents are and i dont want to be stepping on toes plus i got the money the artist family member dont lol

31. danielle on 1/21/2010 12:38:57 PM

i think a lot of you artists are rude as hell, the problem with a lot of you artists is yea yall might have went through apprenticeship and became an artist but i know a lot of artists who work in a shop, and really dont even belong in there, because there work sucks, now i've seen a lot of awesome work come from people who may not be certified to tattoo but will beat a lot of you artists work any day. just because your an artist and work at a shop, doesn't mean you are good, face it and get over your ego trip, and stop hating on those who want to become artists and learn. you are too busy worrying about someone wanting to take away the business when you need to be concentrating on yourself, and to answer a lot of ya'll questions "YES YOU CAN OPEN A SHOP, WITHOUT BEING A TATTOO ARTIST"

32. Miguel on 1/28/2010 11:16:47 AM

I have a question. My question is how to obtain permit/license with out apprenticeship? I have been doing tattoos for 6 years, self tought, and i have my own clientele/ regular customers and own most equipment already needed to start up. I have a game plan and goal which I meet every year, so how can I get the license to charge money and pay tax?

33. zach adams on 2/19/2010 11:51:28 AM

dude the best thing to do is get the apprenticeship because it just adds to your background and it gives you a better name. i started when i was 17, tattooing my friends for free just to get practice i'm a great artist now and own my shop in downtown dallas its hard but just do what u need. dont DO NOT cut corners.

34. Rachyl on 3/5/2010 3:21:07 PM

Anyone looking for an apprentice in Illinois? How old do you have to be in order to work at a tattoo shop/parlor? Sorry, I'm a little off subject.

35. MIAMI in ny on 3/8/2010 11:09:22 PM

OK, I READ EVERYTHING WHAT EVERYONE SAID. NOW MY THOUGHT ON IT IS THIS. I AM AT THE POINT IN MY LIFE WHERE I AM READY TO OPEN, I'VE DONE EVERYTHING, LIKE TAKE THE TEST AT THE HEALTH DEP AND WENT TO GRAB A BUSINESS PERMIT. I GOT THAT NOW ALL I NEED IS FOR MY SHOP TO BE UP TO CODE. I FOUND ONE AND IT WAS A FORMER TATTOO SHOP THE OWNER LOST HIS LICENSE FOR TATTOOING A MINOR AND NOT SHOWING UP FOR COURT. NY HAS THE MOST REGULATIONS. NOW I'M READY, AND I INVESTED 5G ALREADY. EQUIPMENT EVERYTHING I NEED. I KNOW IT IS HARD TO GET CLIENTS TO FILL MY BOOKS SO I CAN MANAGE MY BILLS. BUT SOME DAYS YOU WIN SOME DAYS YOU LOOSE. IF YOUR WILLING TO DO IT. IT IS ALL WORTH IT. I'M TOO INTO IT I CANT TURN BACK. JUST FOLLOW YOUR LOVE FOR IT AND IT SHALL BLOSSOM. AND FOR THE COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BUY A TATTOO SHOP AND NOT TATTOO, IF YOU ARE WILLING TO LET THE ARTIST WORK HIS BUSINESS MAGIC AND YOU STAND BACK AND COLLECT THATS FINE BUT IT REALLY SHOULD BE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO AND REMEMBER NOT TO INTERFERE WITH. I SHOULD OPEN UP IN 2 WEEKS, GOODLUCK TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW CAUSE REMEMBER EVERYONE WANTS A TATTOO. EVEN ARTISTS AND I TATTOOED A 74 YEAR OLD YESTERDAY SO BUSINESS IS IN HIGH DEMAND.

36. will on 3/14/2010 1:29:45 AM

I want to own my own tattoo parlor for the love of tattoos and the lifestyle but I don't know how to tattoo. I would like to be very hands on in the shop, since I don't know how to tattoo would it seem like I'm "lowering my rank" if I was acting as shop manager? Might be a dumb question but was on my mind. Would appreciate some input, thanks.

37. Papi on 3/24/2010 2:40:24 PM

I've been painting and drawing ever since I was six years old and although I loved doing it I have never really had the confidence to do anything with it other than the occasional portrait here and there. That is, until now. Now people go crazy when they see my work. (which is a great confidence booster). The thing is every time I show someone my work they ask me if I do tattoos. (Never done it other than design a few for friends) So I would like to give it a shot. So My desire to open a shop comes from a need to gain that experience from professional artists as well as learn how to do it right. Having said all of that...Can I be an apprentice/owner? On another note. I know several people who can't draw a stick figure but they do tattoos. They use patterns and trace and all sorts of WTF!! So I am not so sure about the term "tattoo artist" Just because you work in a shop doesn't mean you are an artist or have love for the game.

38. cid on 3/31/2010 3:48:29 PM

I would love to do an apprenticeship. But how do you try and get someone to even give you a chance. I used to own a salon/skin care shop. HELL YEAH...It is so much harder to be an owner than an employee. The employees aren't the one going home at night trying to figure out how to pay the rent, phone, electric, supplies, permits, etc. IF anyone knows who may give me a shot. HOLLA

39. julian on 4/5/2010 2:04:58 PM

i cant find any apprenticeships, i live in philly where there is plenty of artist, and tell them i'll do little chores around the shop

40. Needle Richard on 4/18/2010 1:35:51 PM

There were times when I'd have liked working for a non-artist/owner manager, and have just been free to do the art. Twenty years ago I did my first apprenticeship out in San Diego, I paid the "old school artist" 2k, worked his shop cleaning, making needles, and drawing flash for close to a year before I was allowed to do my first tattoo. Most of what I learned there is now considered to be bad practices. I left with a letter and had to agree not to work in a competing shop in the area. Even after completing a apprenticeship it was hard to make a go of it. Eventually I got a full time day job, and went from tattooing in the evenings to just tattooing close friends to not tattooing at all. Now I'm returning to the craft. First of all, Tattooing "new school" is better, there are artist today that have changed the medium forever. Self taught is bad for the clients....but we're all self taught to a degree. Its by experience that you learn what really works. People will come in and ask you to do what will be ultimately a bad tattoo....and its gonna be what they think they want. If money is your motivation.....you can guess the rest. Anyway I am an artist, and I have nothing but respect for those who've been there and done it. This is America you're free to do what you want, just humble yourself a little, and take some free advice. If you want to be a "old school artist", get an apprenticeship. If you want to be a "new school artist" then get a apprenticeship with the best. If you want to staff your shop with artists that's fine....but get ready to give up control of your shop....because you won't have it. You'll be very dependent upon your people, so you'd better get ready to pay for the best.

41. Kathy Constantin on 4/20/2010 12:40:53 PM

like most of the people who commented, I am only interested in owning the shop itself. This information is very useful and yes i would love to learn all the basics and health protocols but i am not interested in being hands on and tattooing people.

42. Bianca on 4/21/2010 5:17:37 PM

I think if you make your own business it will make it more easier for you and everyone else. And when you work you would not have to listen to that person and you would only doing your own thing in your shop.

43. trey on 4/29/2010 1:30:03 AM

tattooing has to be a passion and really have the will to want to do it i mean anybody can go to a school or apprenticeship you have got to want to do it and love doing it even pro artist still have something to learn its a never ending learning process i've been doing it for 2 years and i have pro. artist wanting me to give them advice.

44. John on 5/14/2010 9:23:00 PM

Los Angeles California 90023. If i open a tattoo shop how much should i charge them for working in my shop how does the cash go. Do i get some cash for every tattoo or do i get a certain amount every month from them? How much is it for the tatto artist to work at at shop just a main cash balk part?????

45. sheila on 5/18/2010 4:53:34 PM

i think that some of the comments that have been put on here are so rude! i have over 30 tattoos and i have so much respect for the artists that do them! i want to start my own shop even though i cant tat but not because i think its easy its because i love the environment and the artist n all the ppl you meet n because it would be challenging! i think anyone should do what feels right no matter anyone else's opinion!

46. chris on 5/20/2010 2:00:30 PM

I HAVE A TATTOO ARTIST THAT IS VERY WELL KNOWN AND IS AWESOME NOT JUST IN TATTOOING BUT IN ALL FORMS OF ART. HE DOES A LOT OF FREE HAND WORK NOT TRACING. HE'S BEEN DOING ME AND MY FRIENDS FOR AT LEAST SIX YEARS NOW. HE JUST GOT FIRED FROM THIS SHOP WHERE HE WAS THE ONLY REAL TATTOO ARTIST. I'VE TRIED TO GET HIM TO OPEN HIS OWN SHOP BUT HE WOULD RATHER NOT HANDLE THE BUSINESS END SO I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT OPENING A SHOP FOR HIM AND I KNOW HE CAN BRING MORE ARTISTS IF WE NEEDED IT AND BETWEEN ME AND MY FRIENDS I KNOW WE CAN GET THE CLIENTELE. MY QUESTION IS WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO OPEN OUR PARLOR. IF SOMEONE COULD PLEASE SEND ME SOME INFO ON WHAT TO DO I WOULD SERIOUSLY TRY TO DO THIS FOR HIM. AND I DO WANT TO LEARN TO BE AN ARTIST MYSELF. IF YOU HAVE WHAT I NEED PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. MY EMAIL IS saintchristopher81@yahoo.com. I'M IN WACO TEXAS. PLEASE HELP ME.

47. Cass on 5/25/2010 1:23:28 PM

Wow... Reading all the comments are kinda funny, and a tad bit saddening. that Frank dude, and the Miami in NY (or something like that) sound like they got their sh!t together. I'm planning on starting a shop here in the next year or so. It's an exciting decision for me, but at the same time its scary as sh!t. I'm an artist in Lafayette, IN, been tattooing for close to 9 years, and I'm a Registered Nurse working in one of the local Emergency Rooms full time. However, I like to think of tattooing as the full time job, because whenever I'm out of uniform, I have a machine in my hand and the tunes cranked up. I'm not famous, but I am well known in my city and award winning. I like to think I'm good enough to hold my own in most competitions, but in a business sense the competition is crazy. I agree with most of these comments,... anyone can tattoo, and most artists suck... blah, blah, blah. Who cares... we seem to be getting away from the point. It's all about starting a shop, right?

Tattoo artist vs. Not a tattoo artist...The difference is an artist who owns a shop is bettering him/herself for him/her and his/her family, using his/her talent to pay the bills, and then some. No artist is ever gonna truely feel successful lining someone elses pockets. Most people think artists are "ballers", but people don't take into account the 50-60% commission. There's nothing wrong with loving tattoos, and trying to help out family by giving them a place to make their mark, but for the folks looking to make a buck, but got jack when it comes to putting it to the skin.... who's the one making the bank? Being an artist, with hopes of starting my own shop, and pursuing a dream..... I'd rather not compete with a bunch of folks who are only in it for the cash, and on top of that artists, of any media, feed off of each other (in an inspirational sense), so I would hope that any aspiring artist would rather work in the vicinity of someone who understands the skill. Everyday is a learning experience, in this industry, in all aspects art, medical, and business - and business should always fall last for anyone passionate about what they do..........

48. Dirty Money on 6/9/2010 10:38:48 PM

i've been underground tattooing for 2 years and no i'm not a "fu**ing scratcher" i was trained by a professional that thought i had a good portfolio of sketches, once i learned the basics and how to keep a clean work area i started practicing outlines on friends for free until my work got better now i am doing great tattoos and i cant get hired by anyone they all talk shit like i was out there passing diseases or scarring people or they want to RE-apprentice me for 5 grand what do i do? lie to them by saying i was in a shop? open my own shop with no experience on owning a business? or just keep it underground until someone takes me under there wing

49. tattoo lover on 6/17/2010 7:42:44 PM

We are starting a family owned shop in a rural area and have went through all the processes to start a business, have all the equipment ordered and even have a couple artist that have established clientele ready to work. My question is this: Do we have to have a licensed artist at the shop in order to open and run a tattoo shop??

50. Owner&Artist on 6/22/2010 4:33:06 PM

Some of these questions are disturbing. If you are already in the process of opening up shop, you should already be familiar with your state's department of health regulations. Every state, county, city have different regulations. Get familiar with it if you're serious about this.

51. mike on 6/25/2010 1:19:00 AM

HOME BREW TATTOO Williamstown Pennsylvania . first off all i'd like to say i started tattooing in prison got out and picked up an apprenticeship fairly quickly. after working for this shop for a little over a year with another artist and non tattooing owner i left because there wasnt enough money to go around while only making 40% off the work i was doing. so while at the shop i saved bought an autoclave chair ultrasonic tubes decent machines ect ect ect. and after my contract was up i left and took everything with me and i make a better living now than ever by traveling TO my clients and some travel to me here at home i have a nice sterile environment set up and make enough money to keep me in supplies. what i'm getting to is if your an artist be an artist owning a shop shouldn't limit you from doing what you love. and im not saying that a non tattoo artist cant own a shop, but there are better buisness investments than that because the tattoo trade rises and falls periodically and you could end up losing money. i love my trade and a studio on every corner in every street in america would bring a smile to my face but just know what your getting into before hand

52. Julian on 7/7/2010 7:25:09 PM

I've read a lot of the comments. I'm looking to open a tatoo parlor. I don't tattoo but respect the art form. Can there be a balance of respect between the owner and the artist? If the facility provides all needs for the artist and the customer. I might know how to give tats, but I have no problem marketing and promoting the shop and making a name for everyone and giving to the tattoo community. ARIZONA INK COMPANY Phx, Az

53. JezzyMarie on 7/21/2010 1:50:24 AM

Well I was looking into a tattoo shop but after reading a few of the comments, IF ANY ONE JUST WANTS TO HIRE ME! I can do that. I learned with my dad did it for a year from home then for a few months in his friends shop but now I'm back home miles away from there so I figured search for a job or open my own shop.

54. jon f on 7/26/2010 1:53:48 AM

wow the issue was mentioned like 10 times and people still ask the same thing over and over- if you dont tattoo YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS HAVING A SHOP. you are essentially asking for pointers on how to start a business in which you will be making bank off others talent and dedication and anyone in the biz would not help you accomplish that. go find your own calling and leave us the f- alone...

55. T on 7/27/2010 6:16:34 PM

To all of you who keep asking about hiring artists and just owning the shop, there's a lot more to having a great business than paying bills and in this case, tattooing people. Everything on the list of how to start the parlor does apply to you, except for getting the tattoo license, for now. There's a lot you can do as the owner to help the artist and make the clients happy. Stencils of designs need to be made, the designs need to be perfected, the clients don't want to sit there bored, and a lot of them are probably scared. You could offer drinks to keep them comfortable, give massages where the clients are to be tattooed to calm them and make them feel ready, and just talk to them so they don't get bored and leave. Working in a shop, you're going to learn a lot about the hygiene, taking care of the tattoo once it's applied, what the clients want, and maybe even about designing and tattooing. It's going to be a lot to take care of, but if you want a good business and to find an artist that enjoys working for (WITH) you, you need to make their job as simple as you can. You'll have a lot to take care of, but if tattooing is really something you're passionate about enough to want to open a shop, you'll think the work is worth it.

56. low on 7/30/2010 3:53:32 PM

I just spent about 5 months at a shop owned by a couple and neither of them tattoo. I started to feel bitter towards them for WHOR*ING ME OUT.

Let me rewind... I have been tattooing for a year now. I am self taught. I started as everyone does... on myself and friends. I dedicated myself to it. I drew everyday... I would offer PORTFOLIO PIECES for free on myspace.... and would you believe that with in 6 months I got hired at a shop. Yes - I was very honest about my experience level as there were certain styles I wouldn't be comfortable doing (realism).

Well I stayed there for a few months but the business was slow and even though I was hired as an Artist / Apprentice I wasn't taught sh*t! So, I pack up and head out scouting more shops... I find another one and they hired me on the spot. I gave them the same run down... I have been doing it x amount of time - some things I might not do because I wouldn't be confident in my exp. level as of yet... OH NO PROBLEM... We think you will do well. Ok cool...

Next thing I know they are pushing me into my room with people wanting exactly what I wasn't really cool with doing (FOR THE MONEY). Now... I pulled it off because I study styles and what not on a daily... I study all kinds of artists out there and watch their videos (Nikko Hurtado, Joshua C., Mike Devries, Brandon Bond, etc). Here's the kicker - they hired another artist who was always asking me if I wanted to do his work? Seemed like once a day - You wanna do this one man? WTF... and he wouldn't touch anything other than cartoony sh*t... So, he is off one day... a guy comes in wanting realism... I am starting to get a little comfy with this but I see what he is wanting to do and I tell the owner I am not the guy for that piece. He gets mad and I hear a door slam - some sh*t gets thrown around and I think to myself ---

Oh here's another fun fact... he always wants to design our tattoos for us to do... HE DOESN'T Tattoo!!!! We do... so chill with that sh*t... So, the guy is still in the shop (the shop was super nice too... they dropped like 60 grand for something they rent lol) So I tell the guy as he was in my room - you know the other guy does great designs... even though he doesn't tattoo I think he's eager to help you design this tattoo... (He just pulls sh*t off of google images like most do) - Tell you what - go back out front and see if you see him and let him design it for you... the minute he walked out of my room - I packed my sh*t and bounced...

What's funny about this? Well being that I have been eager to work with someone that is really good so I can finally have that mentor kind of relationship - I am working with a guy who has been tattooing for 5.5 years and I can't learn jack off of him... I am working for a spoiled a** daddy's girl who is never at the shop but owns it... she treats her boyfriend (the tattoo designer but doesn't tattoo) like a b**ch and he is there all the time. She won't even let him take a day off... how sad...

So, when I left this place I have made a promise to myself... either work at a shop with a quality artist that I can actually learn something that I haven't already taught myself or better myself where I lack OR - Open my own shop... Cause see... you can hate on me for being self taught but guess what I did before I ever tattooed the first person... I got a business license... I got health dept. permitted and started a HOME Business as my studio was a divide part of the house. So, shops couldn't shut me down... and everything was legit... why did I do this? I couldn't get an apprenticeship anywhere because they already have apprentices... so I do sh*t on my own... I just hate that I moved out of that state or I would re-open that home business... man I was doing good there lol...

I can now tell you that I have now worked with people that have years in the business and look like kitchen magicians to me... but they still have that big head ego thing going on... like they are a tattoo god or guru - just makes me laugh... why am I ranting... I don't know just because I have to let this sh*t out....NOT EVERYTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE!!! If you want to who*e people out and make good money start an esco*t business... leave the art form to the artists... you will never be respected because you are a money hungry p*mp with no talent... JUST NOT COOL! That what I was trying to say...

57. sam on 8/18/2010 6:28:30 PM

I have owned a tattoo studio for 10 years and I just a year and a half ago opened a second tattoo studio. I myself do not tattoo, I do however pierce and my wife does permanent cosmetics. I am at one of the shops every day. There are some really good tattoo shops owned by artists in our area and we got voted best in the county for 2009, I am very proud of that. Its like anything if you treat your people with respect pay them well and let them do what they do it works out great. What I do is pay for everything the artist needs..everything except a tattoo machine and power supply the rest I cover needles inks tubes supplies autoclaves stencil paper everything, all they do is show up and tattoo. I promote them and there work in the media, radio billboards and such. I pay liability insurance for them. I give them paid vacations and time off. An artist working at a shop another artist owns is competing with that artist I have seen that become a major issue at shops around mine and I have gotten some very good artists because of it. Each Artist at my shop earns 50 percent and some have weekly guarantees. While I can build a machine tune it and repair power supplies. My talent is not tattooing its running a business and providing a professional environment where an artist can grow and prosper.. So far it has worked out pretty well for everyone..but to each his own. The only respect I'm looking for is from our customers everyone else can kiss my a**

58. Ironleg on 8/19/2010 6:52:06 AM

Phx AZ. I am presently researching and doing the planning for opening a shop with my brother who is an artists. I am not an artist myself but am very familiar with the trade. Although it is a bit of a gamble based on getting clients and advertising to set up a solid base it is not much different than any other business venture in that it takes proper planning and a good business sense to get off the ground. Saying someone shouldn't own a tattoo parlor unless they can do the art themselves is ridiculous. Has Jerry Jones every played pro football?? No but he owns a team. Yes I agree you must love and respect the art and the business. I have been taking my time and making sure I know the market in my area, which happens to be Phx Az. Here are some of the things I have done in preparation for opening a shop. I have researched for about 6 months and plan to start up in about 4 months. Researched the average startup, profit in relation to the monthly overhead for keeping the door open for first year based on location of the shop, number of artists and of course quality of work and patrons. I have all the information on the initial as well as continuing costs on licensing, insurance, medical and safety requirements to include health codes and legal statutes, expendable and fixed supplies and equipment and the average utility costs, ie electric, phone etc. I added a margin of error for repairs and unforeseen expenditures that arise from day to day operation. I contacted realty agents to provide me a list of possible leasing and buying options in the area I thought would be most beneficial and took into account those that were already set up for the needs of the shop and any costs related to remodeling to make them up to code. I have a list of suppliers for all the equipment and "tools of the trade". Researched advertising costs and options to include business cards for my artists and onsight and offsight advertising. In all this planning the most important thing I have done is sat down with the artists themselves and asked the questions. What do YOU need to work and how would YOU like to see things done as it pertains to hours, location, advertising, contracts for payments etc. At the same time showing them what my costs would be and helping them understand the business side of making a profit for them and myself. The idea is to get 4-5 artists who want to work for me and will be happy working for me and enjoy the environment they work in so I can maintain a long term client base and not have to worry about losing business by losing an artist who was unhappy. All that said I put start up between 20-25k which is a bit higher than a typical start up of around 15K due to the fact that I will also have merchandise to sell and do body piercing as well which adds to the start up. These are just a few basic start up things that may be of use to some of those asking questions. This is not my first rodeo, I have set up and sold other business ventures and am familiar with the routine of small business. I am starting this one because of my enjoyment and love for the art and the profit of the business is a benefit of enjoying what I do and being around like-minded people. I hope this helps some of you and good luck to those wishing to break into the business. The best piece of advise I have read in all of this is from SAM. It is the customer who keeps you in business not the artist, the owner or anything other than quality and happy customers who keep coming back and keep bringing their friends.

59. Laurel Van Straaten on 8/20/2010 6:10:45 PM

Red Wing, MN. I am a tattoo artist trying to open a shop with my husband. But i believe it is the wrong place, wrong time and not enough money at all with only one investor on a budget. And my husband is all about going below the cut and making do, which is fine but i believe something should be done all the way right or not at all. I know most of the steps in order, but it all boils down to a money problem. And relying so much on an investor for every little thing is scaring me. I don't want to get into something that could fall apart so easily. My husband has been tattooing for 11 years and he had taught me everything i know for the past 2 years, besides the art part i was an artist before i met him. And just because my husband wants this so badly, do i let him fall into a business trap? Or convince him that we should get into someone elses shop? I desperately want to get out of Minnesota although my money is extremely tight! Anyone hiring? Oh and about having someone who isn't an artist run a shop, thats okay by me because as an artist all i want to do is art and tattooing. Do i really want to struggle over paperwork beyond my understanding, no, but it is a beautiful luxury owning your own shop.

60. AK on 8/24/2010 11:28:27 PM

I live on the northshore of Massachusetts' It's not easy to open in the area that i'm in but I have a buddy that want's to make the dream come true and I'm gonna make it possible I would love support please hit me back with any help you can do .

61. Anthony on 8/31/2010 9:46:50 AM

This is a sad, sad thread! Seriously, all of the NON TATTOOERS on here really should consider a hot-dog stand, pizza shop, head shop, record store, gay nite club, card shop!! All of you tattooers allowing this kind of crap should be ashamed! It's one thing for someone to "loan" you money to start, but keep them out of what they have no business getting involved in! If you want to start a business, start one you have first hand experience in!!

62. MAG on 9/2/2010 12:38:31 PM

Nobody has the right to tell u what to do with your cash. If you have the balls to start a business, go for it. There are no f#@$ing rules other than your state laws in the tattoo business. This bu**$hit about owning a shop and not being an artist is a bunch of crap. Many artist in my area wouldn't have the slightest idea on how to open a shop much less the cash. Some can throw some damn good ink, but they couldn't sell $hit due to their arrogance. A high percent of artist who have come by my studio looking for work are a bunch of ex-cons who learned the trade while serving time. I can do tats, piercings, etc., but I choose not to. If I'm the f@#!ing owner of my place I can do what ever I want. Thats the beauty of being an owner. An old man like me has learned to listen to all the bu**$hit, but also have learned not to take everything to heart cause there alot of stupid people full of crap. Thats why I like the sticker that I had on my Hog which read, "you have to be young, dumb and stupid before you get old and WISE". You folks wanting to open up a shop you need to learn not to listen to everybody. Get your info. from your health dept. and start doing some research. While doing your research, you can decide what is it that your trying to start up. For example, do you want a big studio with private rooms (Plenty of space) or a barber shop style place where people are right next to each other separated by a curtain or a divider of some kind. Again, don't worry about negative people. Do your thing and live. Laterzzz, Texas