Finding Your Place: A Realistic Look Inside Tattoo Shops Open Today

Social media and TV often paint an exaggerated picture of life inside tattoo shops, highlighting drama and overlooking the everyday realities. This skewed perspective can make it tough for anyone dreaming of becoming a tattoo artist to truly understand what it’s like before diving into the industry. If you’re wondering about Tattoo Shops Open and what it’s really like to work in one, you’re in the right place.

Drawing on my decade of experience working in various tattoo shops, I’m going to give you an honest look at the tattoo shop environment. We’ll explore the good, the bad, and even the occasionally unpleasant aspects you might encounter.

Tattoo Shop Culture: It All Starts with the People

Across my years in the industry, I’ve noticed a consistent layout in most tattoo shops. You’ll generally find similar equipment setups and comparable areas for waiting clients, tattooing stations, and artist spaces for supplies, autoclaves, and stencil machines.

However, the real differentiator between tattoo shops isn’t the physical space – it’s the people and the relationships you build. The culture within a tattoo shop heavily influences the daily experience.

Are Tattoo Artists Friends or Foes?

Television often portrays tattoo artists as fiercely competitive, constantly battling for dominance. While some level of professional drive exists, the reality in most tattoo shops open today is far from that dramatic rivalry.

In my experience, strong friendships are common among tattoo artists. We often spend time together outside of work, building camaraderie. Given the close quarters and shared experiences in a tattoo studio, a positive and supportive environment is crucial. During downtime, it’s typical to see artists circulating, observing each other’s work, exchanging techniques, and offering compliments. This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of healthy tattoo shop culture.

However, honesty compels me to admit that in larger shops with five or more artists, personality clashes can occur. Occasionally, you’ll encounter someone who struggles to integrate into the group dynamic, perhaps due to an inflated ego or a tendency to create conflict. These individuals rarely last long, eventually being asked to leave or choosing to quit.

Interestingly, ego issues tend to be more pronounced in shops where the overall skill level is lower. When you assemble a team of highly skilled artists, the focus shifts towards mutual learning and shared passion for the craft. Jealousy and friction are more likely to arise when less experienced artists feel threatened by newcomers or perceive competition for limited clients, especially in shops with fewer walk-in customers. In essence, shops thriving with talent often foster collaboration, while insecurity can breed negativity in less successful environments.

The Tattoo Shop Hierarchy: Understanding the Pecking Order

A distinct hierarchy exists within tattoo shops. Understanding this structure is key to navigating the professional landscape.

The Shop Owner: Top of the Chain

At the pinnacle of the hierarchy is the shop owner. Their decisions are final. Artists are essentially there to generate revenue for the shop. The owner’s approachability varies greatly. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered two primary types of shop owners: working artists and business-focused individuals.

Owners who are actively tattooing often occupy the prime booth within the studio. They can sometimes be less accessible, subtly maintaining their position as the top artist in their own shop, which can introduce a degree of tension.

Conversely, owners who are purely business-oriented tend to be more approachable. Their primary focus is the financial success of the studio. They generally prioritize artist satisfaction, recognizing that happy artists lead to higher profits. Their role is less about artistic dominance and more about facilitating a productive and profitable environment.

Lead Artists and Veteran Tattooers: The Power Players

These are the seasoned artists, often the top earners besides the owner, and have earned their influence. They typically enjoy preferential treatment. Shop owners prioritize their happiness because they attract a significant client base and heavily impact the shop’s financial performance. If a walk-in client requests a design that doesn’t interest them, they have the authority to delegate it to newer artists. Their experience and client following give them leverage within the shop structure.

New Tattoo Artists: Earning Your Stripes

New artists, fresh from obtaining their licenses, occupy a lower rung on the ladder. While they can direct apprentices, they defer to lead and veteran artists. Their primary focus is building their clientele and honing their skills within the established shop environment, respecting the experience and seniority of those above them.

The Apprentice: Starting at the Bottom

The apprentice role varies significantly between shops. It’s common for apprentices to begin as the “shop assistant,” dedicating their first year to cleaning, sterilizing equipment, running errands, and managing the front desk. Direct contact with tattoo machines is often deferred until later in the apprenticeship.

Apprentices typically handle the least desirable tasks. While some argue this traditional approach builds character and shop knowledge, it can be demotivating if taken to an extreme. A better approach recognizes that apprentices are future artists. If apprentices feel undervalued or mistreated, they are more likely to leave once qualified, negating the owner’s investment in their training. Shops that foster a more supportive and respectful environment for apprentices are more likely to retain them as valuable long-term artists.

Here’s a quick guide to navigating common issues within a tattoo shop:

• Client Issues: Generally, artists handle client issues directly, prioritizing client satisfaction. For major problems, informing the shop owner is essential as it’s their business. For design-related challenges, seeking input from fellow artists is a common practice.
• Artist Conflicts: Direct communication is usually the first step in resolving artist disputes. Involving the owner prematurely can be seen negatively. However, genuine issues requiring owner intervention should be addressed, keeping in mind owners tend to side with revenue-generating artists.
• Equipment/Supply Concerns: Artists are typically responsible for their personal equipment. In-tattoo emergencies might warrant asking nearby artists for immediate assistance. Shop owner involvement is usually limited to building-related issues (e.g., broken AC). Artists generally handle their own equipment upgrades and replacements.

Payment Structures and Working Hours in Tattoo Shops

While payment and hours might seem separate from shop culture, they are strong indicators of a shop’s overall environment. Shops that exploit artists financially or demand excessive hours often cultivate a toxic atmosphere.

Most tattoo shops classify artists as independent contractors. However, fair compensation is crucial. New artists, in particular, should be aware of standard commission structures to avoid being taken advantage of.

• Commission Splits:
  • 60/40 (Artist-favored): The artist receives 60% of earnings, standard in many shops. Artists typically cover their own supplies and marketing costs under this arrangement.
  • 50/50 (Equal Split): A 50/50 split is fair if the shop provides some disposable supplies and actively markets to attract clients for the artists. This is also common for apprentices transitioning to artist roles.
  • 40/60 (Shop-favored): A 40/60 split where the shop takes the majority is generally unfavorable for the artist, unless in exceptional circumstances like apprenticing with a highly renowned artist in a low-income country. Artists should seek shops offering fairer commission structures.

Payment is often in cash, but methods can vary between shops.

• Work Hours:
  • The Traditional 9-to-5 (or similar): Many shops, especially for newer artists, expect artists to be present during set hours, like 9 am to 5 pm. Flexibility outside these hours depends on the shop’s culture. My personal preference is to conclude my workday around 6 pm.
  • Beyond Shop Hours: Tattooing extends beyond studio hours. Artists often dedicate 2-4 hours daily to design work for upcoming appointments.
  • Administrative Tasks: Client communication, booking, and inquiries via social media add to after-hours workload. New artists especially face a significant time investment in client management and online presence.
  • Tattooing Outside the Shop: Shop policies on artists taking equipment home vary. Some owners may be suspicious of artists tattooing privately, fearing lost revenue. Clarity on this is crucial when joining a new shop. Apprentices should generally avoid taking equipment home to prevent any perception of unsupervised tattooing.
  • New Artist Hours: New artists should expect to be “on call” essentially 24/7 initially to build their client base, responding promptly to inquiries, even outside typical business hours. Established artists gain more flexibility as their clientele stabilizes.

Vacation, Sick Leave, and Benefits in Tattoo Shops

As contractors, tattoo artists typically don’t receive benefits like paid vacation, sick leave, or 401Ks. Time off means lost income for both the artist and the shop. Extended vacations can be frowned upon by owners. However, “working vacations” through guest spots at other studios are common and allow artists to earn income while traveling, a unique perk of the industry.

While formal sick leave is absent, common sense prevails. Working while contagious is unacceptable. Understanding shop owner perspectives on sick days is important; reasonable owners prioritize health and hygiene. Traditional employee benefits like 401Ks and health insurance are generally not offered in tattoo shops, requiring artists to manage these aspects independently.

The Casual Atmosphere of a Tattoo Workspace

Tattoo shops generally have a relaxed dress code and atmosphere. Suits are definitely not part of the uniform. However, professionalism remains essential.

Closed-toe shoes are a standard safety requirement due to potential biohazards like ink and blood on the floor. Beyond that, casual and comfortable clothing is typical, often jeans and t-shirts. Darker colors are practical to minimize visible ink stains. Changing clothes immediately upon returning home is advisable, especially for artists with families, to minimize potential contamination and illness transmission.

• Language and Shop Talk:
  • Swearing is common in many tattoo shop environments and often used humorously. However, abusive or hateful language is generally unacceptable. Professionalism in client and artist interactions is expected, even within a casual setting.

Clients: The Heart of the Tattoo Business (Both Good and Challenging)

Client interactions are central to a tattoo artist’s experience, offering both immense satisfaction and occasional frustrations. Building strong client relationships is key to a successful career. While some clients are a joy to work with, others can present challenges. Street shops, in particular, can have a wider range of client personalities. However, strategies exist to attract and retain ideal clients.

Client Reactions: From Fainting to Hygiene

• Fainting and Vomiting: Client fainting is relatively rare despite dramatic portrayals in media. In a decade of tattooing, I’ve only encountered a handful of fainting incidents. Preparation is key. Advising clients to eat beforehand and regularly checking in on their well-being can help prevent such situations. Offering sugary drinks to clients feeling lightheaded is a proactive measure. Client vomiting is also infrequent. Artist discomfort is more often related to client hygiene issues.
• Hygiene Challenges: Poor client hygiene, such as strong body odor or neglecting personal cleanliness before appointments (especially for tattoos in sensitive areas), can be very unpleasant for the artist.
• Pain Management and Breaks: Clients vary in their pain tolerance and break requests. While breaks are sometimes necessary, excessive breaks can actually intensify tattoo pain as the area cools down and nerves resensitize. Short, infrequent breaks (e.g., every 2 hours for the artist’s well-being) are preferable. For pain management, topical sprays like Bactine offer minimal physical numbing but can provide psychological comfort to clients. Honest communication about pain management strategies is important.
• Friends and Family in the Tattoo Area: A Distraction? Many clients, especially first-timers, want companions in the tattoo area. Artist policies vary, but personally, I discourage it. Past experiences have highlighted several drawbacks:
  • Exaggerated Pain: Clients may dramatize their pain for attention.
  • Movement from Laughter: Friends can cause disruptive laughter and movement.
  • Design Interference: Friends may impose unwanted design opinions.
  • Distracting Questions: Extra people increase questions and interrupt concentration.
  • Booth Crowding and Heat: More people make the space hotter and cramped.
  • Over-the-Shoulder Watching: Intrusive observation creates pressure and limits artist movement.
  • Children’s Safety Risks: Children can be disruptive, unsafe in a studio environment, and create liability concerns.

Turning Down Tattoo Designs: Maintaining Professional Standards

While financial pressures exist, there are valid reasons to decline certain tattoo requests. Some artists refuse designs they find repetitive. While I personally rarely turn down designs based on boredom, ethical and artistic considerations are important. Refusing offensive or hateful imagery is a professional standard. While less desirable designs may be delegated to newer artists, no artist should be forced to create tattoos that violate their values or exceed their skill level.

Client Preferences: The Ideal vs. The Challenging

While striving for professionalism with every client, artists naturally develop preferences.

• Ideal Clients:

  • Financially Appreciative: Value the artist’s skill and time, willing to invest in quality tattoos, and often opt for larger, more complex pieces. They also tend to become repeat customers.
  • Good Skin Condition: Younger clients, particularly women, often have well-maintained skin that is easier to tattoo due to regular skincare routines. While age and skin type are factors, building rapport with all clients is crucial.

• Challenging Clients:

  • Children Present: Clients bringing children create safety and distraction concerns.
  • Price Haggling: Clients excessively negotiating prices often undervalue the artist’s work and expertise.
  • Poor Hygiene/Health: Clients with poor hygiene or significant health issues can create uncomfortable working conditions and potential healing complications.
  • Intoxicated Clients: Clients under the influence impair communication, are unpredictable, and may regret their tattoo choices.
  • Phone Obsessed: Constant phone use, especially for social media posting during tattoos, leads to disruptive movement and hinders the tattooing process.

Attracting Your Ideal Clientele

Cultivating a client base of preferred clients is a gradual process. As your career progresses, strategic choices influence the types of clients you attract:

• Tattoo Style Specialization: Specializing in specific styles (e.g., tribal, delicate linework) naturally attracts clients interested in those aesthetics. Understanding style trends across demographics can also shape your clientele.
• Shop Location: Urban studios often attract a more affluent clientele seeking sophisticated tattoos, while shops in less affluent or rural areas may encounter a different client demographic.
• Experience Level: Building a strong portfolio and reputation is essential to attract discerning clients. Initially, artists often take on a wide range of projects to gain experience. As you refine your skills and style, you’ll naturally attract clients who appreciate your specific artistic vision. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients in your target demographic are invaluable.

Tattoo Shop Life: Insider Insights

While tattoo shops share similarities, some shop features significantly enhance the work environment.

• Desirable Shop Amenities:

  • Front Desk Staff: Dedicated reception staff are invaluable for managing client bookings, calls, and walk-ins, freeing artists to focus on tattooing.
  • Air Conditioning: Essential for artist and client comfort, especially during long sessions.
  • Private Booths: Private workstations improve focus and concentration.
  • Stencil Machines: Streamline the stencil creation process, saving significant time.
  • Shop Advertising: Shop-led marketing efforts, especially for new artists, provide crucial client acquisition support.

• The Ups and Downs of Tattoo Shop Work:

  • Shop Exploitation: The most significant downside is encountering shops that prioritize profit over artist well-being. Restrictive practices, like discouraging guest spots, indicate a potentially negative environment.
  • Physical Demands: Back pain is a common issue due to prolonged hunching. Ergonomics, regular breaks, and exercises like deadlifts to strengthen posture are essential for long-term physical health.
  • The Rewards: Despite challenges, the pros often outweigh the cons. Tattooing offers creative fulfillment, passion-driven work, and the ability to build meaningful client relationships. Working in a supportive shop fosters creative growth and a positive work environment. The travel opportunities within the industry are a major perk, enabling artists to work and explore globally.

Ready to See if Tattoo Shops Open are Right for You?

Historically, entering the tattoo industry meant enduring lengthy, unpaid apprenticeships, often involving years of shop chores before actual tattooing instruction.

Today, resources like Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program offer accelerated pathways. This program provides comprehensive training, condensing traditional apprenticeship elements into video modules, allowing aspiring artists to gain professional-level skills in a shorter timeframe, sometimes as little as 90 days. It offers a modern alternative to traditional apprenticeships, enabling individuals to pursue their tattoo career goals more efficiently and potentially open their own tattoo shops open to clients.

Click here to learn more about the Artist Accelerator Program.