Life Inside the Ink: A Realistic Look at Working as Tattoo Artists

Social media and TV often paint a dramatic picture of life in a tattoo shop, amplifying certain aspects while glossing over others. This distorted view can leave aspiring tattoo artists unprepared for the realities of the industry.

To offer a clearer perspective, I’m drawing on my decade of experience in various tattoo shops to share what it’s really like to work as a tattoo artist – the good, the challenging, and yes, even the occasionally unpleasant.

Decoding Tattoo Shop Culture: More Than Just Ink

From my years bouncing between different studios, I’ve noticed a consistent blueprint in tattoo shop layouts. You’ll typically find the same core equipment and similar arrangements for waiting areas, tattooing zones, and artist spaces – the back areas housing extra supplies, autoclaves, and stencil machines.

However, the true character of a tattoo shop isn’t in its equipment, but in its people and the bonds you build.

Tattoo Artists: Camaraderie or Competition?

Popular media often portrays tattoo artists locked in fierce rivalries, battling for dominance. While competition exists, the reality is usually far more collaborative. I’ve forged genuine friendships with many artists I’ve worked alongside, relationships that extend beyond the studio. When you spend your days working closely with people, a positive atmosphere is essential. It’s common to see artists in a good shop circulating, checking out each other’s work, exchanging compliments, and sharing techniques – a constant cycle of learning and mutual respect.

Honesty compels me to admit, though, that personality clashes can happen, especially in larger shops. Occasionally, you’ll encounter someone whose ego overshadows their artistry, or someone who thrives on drama. These individuals rarely last long. The shop environment, whether through self-selection or management intervention, tends to weed out those who disrupt the collective harmony.

Interestingly, ego issues seem more pronounced in shops with less skilled artists. In environments populated by truly talented tattoo artists, the focus shifts to mutual learning and the craft itself. Jealousy and friction are more likely to surface when a highly skilled apprentice enters a shop of mediocre artists, or when artists feel insecure about their own abilities and compete aggressively for a limited pool of clients in less busy studios.

The Tattoo Shop Hierarchy: Understanding the Pecking Order

A clear hierarchy undeniably exists within a tattoo shop. Understanding this structure is crucial for navigating the professional landscape.

Shop Owner

At the apex is the shop owner. Their decisions are final. Artists are essentially there to generate revenue for the shop. The owner’s approachability varies. In my experience, shop owners fall into two categories: tattooers and businesspeople.

Owners who are also practicing tattoo artists often occupy the prime booth space and can be less approachable. There can be an unspoken, yet palpable, sense that they are constantly asserting their position as the top artist within their own studio, which can sometimes create tension.

Owners who are purely business-focused tend to be more approachable. Their primary focus is the studio’s profitability, and they understand that artist satisfaction is key to that success. They are generally more invested in fostering a positive environment to retain talent and maximize revenue.

Lead Artist/Veteran Artists

These are the seasoned professionals, the artists who have built a strong reputation and client base over time. They are often the shop’s top earners (besides the owner). They generally enjoy preferential treatment in scheduling, walk-in client allocation, and other shop resources. Shop owners prioritize their happiness because their established clientele significantly contributes to the shop’s financial success. If a walk-in client requests a style that doesn’t align with their preferences, they have the leverage to pass those opportunities to newer tattoo artists.

New Artists

Newly licensed tattoo artists are lower on the studio food chain. While they hold a position above apprentices, their influence is limited compared to veteran artists. For example, a new artist can direct an apprentice, but would not typically instruct a lead artist or more experienced colleague.

Apprentice

The apprentice role varies significantly from shop to shop. Traditionally, apprenticeships involve a period of intensive training, often unpaid, where the apprentice acts as a “shop slave.” This can mean spending the first year primarily cleaning, sterilizing equipment, running errands, and managing the front desk. Direct tattooing practice might be minimal or non-existent during this initial phase.

Apprentices often handle the least desirable tasks. While this traditional approach is still prevalent, it’s not universally embraced. Some argue that mistreating apprentices is shortsighted. Eventually, apprentices become full-fledged artists, and if their early experiences were negative, they are more likely to leave once they are skilled enough to do so. This artist turnover is detrimental to shops, as owners lose the investment they’ve made in training and mentoring new talent.

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

Client Issues:

Generally, I handle client issues directly to ensure customer satisfaction. However, for significant problems, informing the shop owner is essential as it’s their business. For design disagreements, I often consult with other artists for fresh perspectives and collaborative solutions.

Artist Conflicts:

Direct communication is usually the best approach. Going to the owner is often seen as unprofessional, “snitching,” and can damage peer relationships. If the issue escalates and requires owner intervention, be aware that owners are likely to side with the artist who generates more revenue for the shop.

Important Note: Apprentices facing harassment or unsafe situations should immediately report to the shop owner.

Equipment/Supply Issues:

Artists are typically responsible for their personal equipment maintenance. However, if a critical supply is needed urgently during a tattoo, asking a nearby artist for assistance is common practice. Shop owner involvement is generally reserved for facility-related problems, such as broken AC or broader supply shortages. Personal equipment upgrades or replacements are usually the artist’s responsibility.

Payment and Hours: The Business Side of Tattooing

Pay structures and working hours significantly impact the shop environment and artist well-being. While tattoo artists are usually independent contractors, exploitative practices can indicate a toxic shop culture.

Fair compensation is a crucial issue, particularly for new tattoo artists who may be unaware of industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of common commission splits:

60/40 (Artist’s Cut): This is the standard, artist-favorable split. The artist receives 60% of the tattoo revenue and is responsible for their own supplies and marketing.
50/50 (Even Split): In a 50/50 arrangement, the shop should contribute to disposable supplies and marketing efforts to justify taking half of the artist’s earnings. This split is also common for apprenticeships transitioning to artist roles.
40/60 (Shop’s Cut): A 40/60 split, where the shop takes the majority, is generally unfavorable for the artist and potentially exploitative, unless there are exceptional circumstances like working under a celebrity artist or in developing countries with different economic realities. Artists in such arrangements should consider seeking shops with fairer compensation models.

Payment is often in cash, but this can vary by shop.

Work Hours:

The 9-to-5 Myth: Many shops, especially for newer artists, require a 9 AM to 5 PM presence. Flexibility can vary. While some artists might arrive early or stay late to finish projects, shop policies differ. Personally, I aim to finish my studio day by 6 PM.

Beyond Shop Hours: Tattooing isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Expect to dedicate 2-4 hours daily outside of shop hours to design work, client communication, and administrative tasks.

After-Hours Tattooing: Some artists take machines home for security, while others leave them at the shop. Shop owner policies on artists tattooing outside the studio vary. Some owners may view it as lost revenue or even theft, potentially leading to termination. Other shops are more lenient. It’s crucial to understand the shop’s stance when starting at a new studio.

Apprentices and Home Tattooing: A Strict No-No: Apprentices should never take machines home. Doing so can be misconstrued as unauthorized tattooing without supervision, resulting in serious repercussions from mentors.

New Artists and 24/7 Availability: New artists often feel the need to be constantly available, essentially working 24/7 to build their clientele. This involves extensive social media engagement and prompt responses to inquiries, even late at night. As a client base grows, this constant pressure typically eases.

Tip: Once your income allows, consider hiring a virtual assistant to manage administrative tasks.

Setting Your Own Hours: Veteran artists and shop owners generally have more control over their schedules. However, apprentices are usually expected to adhere to the strictest hours, being the first to arrive and last to leave.

Time Off, Sick Days, and Benefits: The Contractor Reality

Tattoo artists are usually classified as independent contractors, not employees. This classification means traditional employee benefits like paid vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans (401K) are not provided by the shop. Time off directly translates to lost income for both the artist and the shop. Therefore, extended vacations can be frowned upon by some owners. However, combining travel with guest spots at other studios is a common way for tattoo artists to generate income while exploring new locations. The portability of tattooing is a unique advantage of the profession.

While formal sick leave doesn’t exist, common sense prevails. Working while contagious is unacceptable in a hygiene-focused environment. A reasonable shop owner will understand unavoidable sick days.

Retirement plans, health insurance, and similar benefits are typically the artist’s responsibility to secure independently. Income is commission-based, without a base salary or hourly wage, necessitating self-management of taxes and financial planning.

The Tattoo Shop Vibe: Casual Professionalism

Tattoo shops generally cultivate a relaxed atmosphere, a departure from corporate environments. Formal business attire is rare. However, despite the casual vibe, professionalism is paramount.

Closed-toe shoes are often the only strict dress code requirement, a practical measure to protect against ink and blood spills. Beyond that, artists typically express personal style through jeans, t-shirts, or trendy clothing.

I personally prefer darker clothing to minimize visible ink stains. Changing clothes immediately upon returning home is a good hygiene practice, especially for artists with families, to prevent potential contamination at home.

Language and Swearing:

Swearing is common in tattoo shops and often used humorously amongst artists. However, abusive or hateful language is generally unacceptable. Professionalism dictates that clients and colleagues are treated respectfully, regardless of the studio’s informal atmosphere.

Clients: The Spectrum of Human Interaction

Client interactions are a central and often unpredictable aspect of tattoo artist life. While many client encounters are positive and lead to meaningful connections, others can be challenging. Street shops, with their higher volume of walk-in clients, often present a wider range of personalities and experiences. Developing strategies to attract preferred clients and manage challenging interactions is essential for long-term job satisfaction.

Client Reactions: Fainting and More

The question of clients fainting during tattoos frequently arises. While dramatic fainting episodes are rare, exaggerated in viral videos, they can occur. In a decade of tattooing, I’ve only encountered about 4-5 instances.

Nevertheless, preparedness is key. Fainting can be unsettling for both artist and client. Being ready to assist a collapsing client is important. Preventive measures include advising clients to eat beforehand and regularly checking in on their well-being during longer sessions. Offering sugary drinks can help stabilize blood sugar levels if a client reports feeling lightheaded or shaky.

Vomiting is even less frequent. Personal hygiene issues from clients are, frankly, more common and more likely to cause discomfort for the artist. Clients with poor hygiene, strong body odor, or those undergoing tattoos in sensitive areas can present olfactory challenges that require a strong stomach.

Managing Pain and Breaks

Clients’ pain tolerance varies significantly, leading to requests for breaks. While tattoos are inherently uncomfortable, frequent, extended breaks can actually worsen the sensation as the area cools down and nerves become more sensitized again. Breaks for artist well-being are important (every 2 hours is reasonable), but for pain management, I generally advise clients that fewer, shorter breaks are more effective, unless genuine nausea or extreme distress occurs.

Topical anesthetics like Bactine spray offer minimal physical numbing, but can provide psychological comfort. Presenting it as a “numbing agent,” even if its primary effect is placebo, can often reassure clients and improve their perception of pain management.

Why No Friends in the Booth? Setting Boundaries

Clients, especially first-timers, often request to have friends accompany them into the tattooing area. While client comfort is important, allowing friends in the booth can be disruptive and is a practice I’ve personally discontinued.

Experience has taught me that the drawbacks outweigh the perceived benefits:

Pain Amplification for Show: Clients may exaggerate their pain response for attention when friends are present.
Movement from Laughter: Friends’ presence often leads to conversation and laughter, causing unwanted client movement during tattooing.
Design Interference: Friends may offer unsolicited design opinions, potentially swaying the client away from their original vision or the artist’s expertise.
Distraction and Question Overload: Multiple people in the booth create more distractions and questions, breaking the artist’s concentration.
Overcrowding and Heat: Extra bodies increase booth temperature, especially in smaller spaces or during warmer months.
Invasive Observation: Friends often try to watch closely, hovering over the artist’s shoulder, creating discomfort and hindering movement.
Child-Related Hazards: Children in the booth pose significant safety risks in an environment filled with sharp objects and potential biohazards. They are also highly distracting, and any accidents or disruptions become the artist’s responsibility to manage within a high-precision work environment.

Design Refusals: Artistic Integrity and Practicality

While some veteran artists decline designs simply out of boredom (after tattooing countless infinity symbols, for example), I generally avoid turning down work solely based on design repetition. Tattooing is my livelihood, and I don’t consider myself “too good” for common requests. I’m generally willing to accommodate walk-in requests for simpler designs.

However, there are ethical and practical reasons for design refusal. I will not tattoo offensive or hateful imagery. Furthermore, while simpler designs are often delegated to newer artists or apprentices, no artist at any level should be pressured to execute a design that violates their personal values or exceeds their skill level.

Ideal and Less-Than-Ideal Clients: A Tattoo Artist’s Perspective

While I strive to provide the best service to every client, certain client types are undeniably more enjoyable and conducive to a positive working experience.

The Best Clients:

Financially Appreciative: Clients who value artistry and time are willing to invest appropriately in quality tattoos. They tend to opt for larger, more complex pieces and become repeat customers.
Good Skin: Younger clients, particularly women, often have well-hydrated, elastic skin, which is ideal for tattooing. Consistent skincare routines contribute to better tattoo results.

Note: This is a professional observation, not a personal bias. I value clients of all ages and backgrounds. However, from a purely technical standpoint, skin condition affects the tattooing process. Similarly, while walk-in flash designs are appreciated, custom, larger-scale work is more financially sustainable for artists.

The Less Desirable Clients:

Children In Tow: Clients bringing young children create safety concerns and distractions in a hazardous environment.
Price Haggling: Excessive haggling signals a lack of respect for the artist’s skill and the value of their work.
Hygiene and Health Concerns: Poor client hygiene or significant health issues (e.g., extreme obesity) can create uncomfortable working conditions and potentially complicate the tattooing process and healing.
Substance Impairment: Clients under the influence of drugs or alcohol compromise communication, design clarity, payment processes, and safety. They are also more likely to regret their tattoos later.
Phone Obsession During Tattooing: Constant phone use, especially for social media posting, leads to disruptive movement and hinders the tattooing process. Passive phone use (watching videos, listening to music) is generally acceptable, but active, movement-inducing phone interaction is problematic.

Attracting Your Ideal Clientele: Shaping Your Career

As a tattoo artist’s career progresses, strategic choices can influence the type of clients they attract.

Tattoo Style Specialization: Specializing in specific styles naturally attracts clients interested in those aesthetics. Bold, tribal styles may appeal more to male clients, while delicate, fine-line work may resonate more with female clientele. Staying informed about current trends within different demographics can also shape client demographics.
Studio Location: Geographic location significantly impacts client profiles. Urban studios in affluent areas tend to attract more sophisticated clientele with higher disposable income. Studios in less reputable areas or rural locations may encounter a more rough-and-tumble client base.
Experience and Portfolio: Building a strong portfolio showcasing your preferred styles is crucial. In the early stages, tattooing a wide range of clients is often necessary to gain experience. However, as you develop a distinctive style and attract clients who appreciate that style, word-of-mouth referrals and portfolio growth will naturally lead to working with your preferred clientele.

Navigating Shop Life: Insider Tips

While tattoo shops share commonalities, certain amenities and shop management styles significantly impact the artist experience.

Tattoo Shop “Luxuries” that Matter:

Over time, I’ve developed a checklist of desirable features when considering a new shop:

Dedicated Front Desk Staff: Having a receptionist or shop manager handle client intake, phone calls, and scheduling frees up artist time and reduces workflow interruptions.
Air Conditioning: Reliable AC is essential for comfort and hygiene, especially during long tattoo sessions and in warmer climates.
Private Booths: Personal, enclosed booths enhance focus and privacy, creating a more professional and comfortable workspace.
Stencil Machine: A stencil machine is a time-saving and efficiency-boosting tool, streamlining the tattoo preparation process.
Shop Marketing and Advertising: Shop-level marketing support, especially for new artists, can significantly alleviate the burden of client acquisition and boost earning potential.
The Best and Worst of Tattoo Shop Work:

The worst aspect of tattoo shop life is encountering exploitative shop management focused solely on artist revenue extraction. I once worked in a shop that discouraged guest spots, fearing lost commission, demonstrating a lack of artist support and growth mindset.

Unexpectedly, back pain is a significant occupational hazard. Prolonged periods of hunching over clients take a toll on posture and spinal health. Prioritizing breaks, maintaining good posture, and incorporating core-strengthening exercises like deadlifts into a fitness routine are essential preventative measures.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of tattooing far outweigh the drawbacks.

Tattooing allows me to pursue my passion daily. I genuinely enjoy my work and feel motivated to be in the studio. I’m fortunate to now work in a shop that values creative growth and fosters a positive, supportive environment. The ability to travel and work simultaneously has been invaluable, providing exciting life experiences and global connections.

Ready to Ink Your Path as Tattoo Artists?

Traditionally, entering the tattoo industry required a lengthy, unpaid apprenticeship, often lasting 2-4 years. Aspiring artists spent years performing menial tasks to “earn” the knowledge needed to become tattoo artists.

Now, resources like Tattooing 101’s Artist Accelerator Program offer an alternative path. This program provides comprehensive training, condensing the traditional apprenticeship curriculum into a structured, video-based format, enabling aspiring artists to progress from beginner to professional in as little as 90 days. This accelerated learning model allows individuals to bypass years of unpaid apprenticeship and acquire the skills needed to launch their tattoo career, whether in a dream shop or their own studio, all at their own pace.

Click here to explore the Artist Accelerator Program.