A step-by-step guide to opening your own tattoo studio
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So you want to know how to open a tattoo studio? Exciting times! But you're probably a little anxious, too.
Opening any business is like navigating uncharted waters. However, the incredibly personal and artistic nature of a tattoo business comes with unique startup challenges. In this guide, we'll break down all the nitty-gritty steps you need to go through to open a tattoo studio in the United States. From licenses to finances to marketing, we're covering it all and then some.
We'll go through all the ins and outs so you'll know exactly how to turn your tattoo studio dreams into reality.
In most states, you will need a license to legally do any tattooing. And to get a license, you will need experience. You can learn to tattoo independently, but some states require you to complete a formal apprenticeship to apply for a license.
An apprenticeship is a form of training where you work under the supervision of a licensed tattoo artist and learn how to design tattoos, operate machines, sterilize equipment, and other day-to-day responsibilities.
For example, in Arkansas, artists must complete a 6-24 month apprenticeship, 375 hours of supervised body art work, and have a certified copy of a current CPR and Blood Borne Pathogens Card to apply for a tattoo license. You also need to pass a formal exam.
Tattoo studio licensing requirements vary by location, so review your state and city's licensing laws to get the most relevant information.
According to our research (and some anecdotal Reddit posts), the typical startup costs for opening a tattoo studio fall between $20,000 and $50,000.
These costs include:
These costs can vary based on the size and location of your tattoo studio, so be sure to research to come up with a more realistic estimate for your practice.
You can fund a tattoo business yourself if you have the savings, but if you need more capital, there are other ways to finance your tattoo studio startup dreams. You could borrow funds from loved ones, get a small business loan, or apply for grants and subsidies.
To get a small business loan, you should have a tattoo shop business plan, expense sheet, and financial projections for the next five years. These materials will help you know how much money you need and help the bank see your studio as a worthy investment.
Unlike a loan, grants and subsidies are sums of money you don't have to repay. However, they also often come with strict conditions and stringent criteria that you'll have to meet. Many grants also require you to match the funds you'd be receiving. Like a loan, you must demonstrate to the grant committee why you're worthy of the funds. Be prepared to provide detailed project descriptions, a work plan with total costs, and a clear explanation of your business benefits.
Search "[your city name] business grants" or "[your city name] business loans" on Google to see what funding options are available in your region.
What's in a business name? Well, a lot. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to find the right name for your tattoo studio:
For example, you could use your name for your business, like Sydney Hunter Art, or include the word 'tattoo' like Alyssa Maunders did with Frankly Tattoo so that it's more connected to your work. Or pick something more abstract like Stephen Lim of wonkycube.
Once you've come up with a name you like, ensure it's not already in use. Check your Secretary of State's website for your business' name availability, conduct a trademark search and use a tool like namecheckr to see if the domain name and social media handles are free.
When it comes to choosing a business location, independent tattoo artists typically go one of two routes:
Regardless of your chosen option, you'll need a confirmed address to register your business. This brings us to step five…
First, you must choose a business structure — sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or a limited liability company (LLC). Each type has pros and cons, so getting input from a mentor or trusted advisor can help you decide.
Once you choose a business structure and a name, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a unique number you get from the IRS to establish your business as a legal identity. You will need your EIN for banking and tax purposes. It can also help protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities.
Lastly, you'll need to register your business with your state. Depending on your business structure, you will have to:
A business bank account keeps your personal and business income separate so you can better track your business finances (which will help a ton come tax time). A separate bank account also provides legal protection for your personal assets, boosts credibility, and makes accepting payments from customers easier.
You could open a business account at your current bank, but you might also want to shop around to find the lowest fees and best benefits. Consider factors like:
Opening a business account is relatively easy once you've settled on a bank. Register online or go to a local branch to start the process. You will need details and documents like your EIN (or a Social Security number if you're a sole proprietor), your business's formation documents, ownership agreements, and business licenses.
What essential supplies and equipment do you need to start a tattoo business? Here's a comprehensive list of the tattoo studio equipment essentials every new studio owner needs, broken down by category:
Your client's health and safety are top priorities, so you should follow strict guidelines to maintain a clean and sterile workspace. While exact tattoo health and safety regulations vary based on your location, here are some key protocols to keep in mind:
Even before you officially open your tattoo studio, having an online presence can help you show off your style, get noticed, and build a buzz around your new biz. Since many people use social media and search engines to find local tattoo artists, you should aim to have at least one active social media account, a website, and a Google Business profile so potential clients can easily find you.
For your social media, visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest work well for tattoo artists as you can show off your work, process, and personality through photos and videos. Test drive a few to find the best options for your skills and target audience.
Your website doesn't need to be fancy, but it should have the following key features and information:
P.S. Did you know you can create an artist website with Venue Ink — for free? Use our customizable, no-code website builder to set up a website to show your availability, booking info, and social links in no time.
Your Google Business profile is your business listing that appears in Google Search and Maps when users search for keywords that match your business. Claim your Google Business Profile by heading to www.google.com/business and following the set-up instructions.
While simply having a Google Business Profile can help potential clients find you online, consider optimizing your profile by:
As a new studio owner, you'll need to find consistent ways to promote your work to attract clients and build up your practice. To start, try out different outbound and inbound marketing tactics.
Inbound marketing focuses on attracting potential clients through valuable content and establishing a positive online presence. Outbound marketing focuses on reaching potential clients through direct communication or advertising. In other words, with inbound marketing, you’re getting people to come to you while with outbound marketing, you go to them and try to get their attention.
As a tattoo artist, outbound marketing may look like this:
And inbound marketing could look like this:
Create some tasks and goals for yourself to market your business consistently and keep track of the effectiveness of your efforts.
Last but certainly not least, you should think about how to deliver the best possible experience for your clients. Here are some client experience factors to consider:
Tattooing is an intimate art, so establishing a business in this industry requires meticulous planning. And as you can see, tattooing is just one part of opening and running a tattoo studio. There are many legal, financial, and operational tasks you'll need to get through before you can open your studio doors, literally or figuratively.
This 'starting a tattoo business' checklist might seem daunting, but remember to take it one step at a time. Yes, there are licenses to obtain, budgets to balance, and marketing plans to execute. But soon, you'll find yourself well on your way to turning that dream studio into a thriving reality.
So, take a deep breath, roll up those sleeves, and let the journey begin. Your dream studio awaits.
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