Electrum's tattoo culture blog
Electrum's Tattoo Culture Blog
The Business of Tattooing - Why You’re Not Booking — and How to Fix It Fast
So Your Books Aren’t Full - Now What?Here’s the truth: most tattoo artists aren’t struggling because of their art.They’re struggling because their systems, communication, and visibility are letting them down. If you’re feeling burnt out, under-booked, or just over chasing clients - here are 4 things you can start doing today to fix that.
Read more
Electrum Supply Is Moving - 1527 W. Wilden Ave
Electrum Supply Is Moving... Here’s What It Means for You Every great studio, company, and creative journey reaches a moment where growth demands a new space... and for us, that moment has arrived. Electrum Supply is officially relocating from our long-time CR 45 location to our new facility at 1527 W. Wilden Ave. It’s more room to work, more room to innovate, and more room to serve the artists who trust us with their craft. Important Dates: • Our last day operating out of CR 45 is Friday, December 19 • We reopen at our new Wilden Ave location on Monday, December 22 Behind the scenes, our team will be spending the 17th... 18th... and 19th transporting inventory, equipment, and all the machinery that keeps Electrum running. While we expect order fulfillment to remain steady, there may be slight delays during the move. What stays the same: Our customer support, phone lines, and online ordering remain fully active. Your orders will continue to ship with care, accuracy, and speed. Our commitment to tattoo artists stays exactly where it’s always been... at the center of everything. What’s getting even better: More space for products. More efficient order processing. A cleaner workflow that helps us ship faster and serve you better. Thank you for riding with us through every chapter of our evolution. This move isn’t just about a new address... it’s about building the next decade of Electrum. Stay tuned for updates, photos of the new HQ, and some exciting things that this upgrade allows us to bring to you soon. With gratitude, The Electrum Supply Team
Does Color Ink Hurt More? The Truth Behind Reds, Whites, and Blacks
A client-friendly guide to pain, pigment, and what’s actually happening under your skin. There’s a long-standing rumor in tattoo shops that color tattoos hurt more — especially reds and whites. Some people swear red ink “burns,” others say white ink is torture, and blackwork feels the smoothest. But is any of that actually true? Let’s break down what’s myth, what’s science, and what’s simply technique. 1. The Color Itself Doesn’t Cause Pain Here’s the biggest truth upfront: Ink color does not determine pain. Your nerves don’t react to pigment — they react to: • needle configuration• speed• pressure• how many passes an area needs• how irritated the skin already is If the same needle and technique were used in the same spot, color wouldn’t magically hurt more than black. So why do people feel like it does? Because of what comes next. 2. Color Work Usually Takes More Passes Black ink typically saturates quickly and smoothly. It’s dense and flows well, which means fewer passes over the same line or area. Color ink — especially bright reds, yellows, and whites — often needs more careful layering: • more passes over the same spot• slower speed for smooth saturation• more time on irritated skin More passes = more irritation = more pain. It’s not the pigment hurting you — it’s how long your skin has been worked for. 3. White Ink Feels Worse Because It’s Done at the End This is the biggest reason clients say: “White highlights hurt the most.” By the time an artist pulls out the white ink, the skin is already: • irritated• swollen• tender• inflamed from previous passes White is rarely painful because it’s “white.”It’s painful because your tattoo is nearly finished — and your nerves are over it. 4. Red Ink Has a “Burning” Reputation — But Not for the Reason You Think A lot of clients describe red ink as: • spicy• burny• itchy• intense But again, this isn’t the pigment color causing the sensation. Possible explanations: 1. More passes – Reds often need smooth layering to look even.2. Sensitive skin types – Some people’s skin just reacts more visibly to trauma in areas filled with red.3. The body sees irritation as “redness” – so clients associate the color red with the feeling. In rare cases, people have sensitivities to certain red pigment ingredients — but that’s not pain during tattooing, it’s how the skin heals afterward (itching, bumps, irritation). Modern inks use safer, more stable formulas, but sensitivities still exist in a small percentage of clients. 5. Blackwork Feels Smoother, and There’s a Reason Black ink tends to: • saturate quickly• move efficiently through the skin• require fewer passes• glide better in most needle groupings Because the process is faster and cleaner, clients often report blackwork as: “sharp but manageable”“less stingy”“easier than color” This isn’t psychological — it’s the physics of how smooth black pigment flows. 6. The Body Part Matters More Than the Color Color vs. black doesn’t matter nearly as much as where you’re being tattooed. Least sensitive areas:• outer arm• thigh• upper arm• calf Most sensitive areas:• ribs• inner arm• spine• kneecap• elbow ditch• ankle• sternum If you compare a red tattoo on the upper arm to a black tattoo on the ribs, the ribs will win the pain contest every time. 7. Skin Condition, Hydration, and Stress Change Pain Levels Your body’s state can dramatically change the experience: • dehydrated skin hurts more• dry skin hurts more• stressed or anxious clients feel pain more intensely• poor sleep amplifies sensitivity Clients who come in rested, hydrated, exfoliated, and moisturized usually report smoother sessions. 8. Technique Is the Biggest Variable Some artists pack color with soft, smooth passes. Others work quickly but more aggressively. Some machines are tuned for gentle saturation; others hit harder. Pain varies because artists vary — not because ink is colored. So, Does Color Hurt More? Here’s the Real Answer: Color doesn’t hurt more because it’s color.It hurts more because: • it often needs more passes• it’s placed later in the session• the skin is already irritated• certain pigments require extra layering• your nerves are tired by the time you get highlights Black tends to feel smoother simply because it saturates quickly. White tends to feel sharper because it’s used last.Red tends to feel “spicy” because it takes more smoothing to lay it in evenly. The pain is about process, not pigment.
The Business of Tattooing - 4 tips for Dealing with Difficult Consultations
As a tattoo artist, consultations can either pave the way to amazing artwork or lead to frustrating dead ends. Difficult consultations often arise due to mismatched expectations, communication barriers, or clients unsure of what they truly want. Here's how you can expertly navigate these tricky interactions, ensuring your client leaves confident and your bookings stay full.
The Silent Killer of Bookings: Website + Bio Mistakes
If your bookings feel slower… your BIO might be the problem. Most tattoo artists think clients choose them based on skill. Nope. Clients choose based on clarity and trust, and your bio + website are the FIRST impression that creates both. In 2024–2025, attention spans are microscopic.If your bio doesn’t explain who you are, where you are, what you do, and how to book, clients bounce instantly. Here’s the hard truth: **Most artists unintentionally sabotage their bookings with tiny online mistakes. The good news? They’re all fixable in under an hour.** Let’s break down what’s actually hurting you — and how to run a high-converting online presence like a pro. 1. The 6 Bio Mistakes That Kill Trust These are industry-wide issues, and most artists are guilty of at least 3. ❌ Mistake 1 — No location in your bio Clients leave immediately if they can’t tell where you’re based. ❌ Mistake 2 — Style is vague or missing “Tattoo Artist” tells us nothing.Say the STYLE you specialize in. ❌ Mistake 3 — No CTA (Call to Action) A bio should lead to ONE clear step:“Book here.”“Submit a request.”“Flash drops weekly.” ❌ Mistake 4 — Portfolio is cluttered Old work, inconsistent work, different styles → lowers trust. ❌ Mistake 5 — No face, no vibe People book ARTISTS, not just tattoos.A photo of you builds huge trust. ❌ Mistake 6 — Link isn’t optimized for mobile 80% of potential clients click your link from a phone.If your link tree is messy or the form takes too long, they bail. 2. Website Issues That Ruin Conversions ❌ No “start here” button People panic when they don’t know where to go. ❌ Policies are hidden (or intimidating) Clients need clarity, not fear. ❌ Booking form takes too long If it takes more than 60–90 seconds → they leave. ❌ Prices aren’t explained clearly You don’t need to list your full prices.Just explain how pricing works. ❌ No studio environment photos Clean, safe studios convert better than the best portfolios. 3. The 12-Point Portfolio Conversion Audit (This is the part that artists screenshot, save, and share.) Run this checklist TODAY: Bio Location visible in first line Specializes in 1–2 styles Call-to-action included Link goes directly to booking Instagram Top 12 posts show your best style only Pinned posts: portfolio, flash, healed work No random selfie content cluttering Website Clear “Start Here” section Policies written in friendly tone Prices explained simply Fast, mobile-optimized form Studio photos included for trust Do these twelve things, and you’ll see an immediate change in your booking quality AND volume. 4. The Psychology Behind Fixing Your Bio Clients don’t book based on logic.They book based on certainty. Your portfolio shows talent.Your bio shows professionalism. When both are aligned?You become the safest, easiest yes. 5. Copy/Paste Bio Templates Blackwork Artist Example “Blackwork tattooer in Hamilton, ON ✖Floral • occult • femme-focused piecesBooking + flash → [link]” Fine Line Artist Example “Fine line + micro realism • TorontoHealed work + availability ↓Book here: [link]” Watercolor Artist Example “Watercolor + illustrative tattoos 🎨Studio in downtown MontrealFlash drops weekly. Book at link.” These convert. Consistently. 6. Final Reminder You can be the best artist in your city…but if your bio confuses people, they’ll never make it into your chair. Your art matters.Your presentation matters just as much. Fix your digital front door.Your bookings will follow.
Clients Are Spending Differently This Year — Here’s How to Pivot
If your books feel slower, your DMs feel quieter, or clients seem hesitant to commit… you’re not imagining it. North America, the UK, and much of Europe are experiencing a tattoo recession — not because tattoos are less popular, but because consumer spending is changing. People still want tattoos.They’re just spending money differently.
The Business of Tattooing - Micro-Trends, Macro-Money: How Styles Like “Ignorant Tattoos,” “Fine-Line,” or “Sticker Sleeves” Affect Long-Term Sustainability
Micro-trends can be incredible for visibility and fast cash, but they’re not a business model by themselves. The smartest artists use trends as leverage: they attract new clients, grow social reach, and then transition those clients into bigger, more sustainable work.
The Business of Tattooing - Creating a Tattoo Studio Culture That Retains Top Talent
As a seasoned tattoo artist and studio owner, I've seen firsthand how the right culture transforms a tattoo studio from merely a workplace into a thriving creative community. Attracting skilled artists is one thing; retaining them long-term is another challenge altogether. Here's how you can build an environment that motivates your artists to stay and grow alongside your business.
Can You Be Allergic to Tattoo Ink?
You’ve probably heard the horror stories — someone gets a tattoo and ends up red, swollen, or itchy for weeks. Allergic reactions to tattoo ink can happen, but they’re rare, preventable, and almost always linked to low-quality or unregulated pigments. Let’s clear the air (and your skin): here’s the truth about tattoo ink allergies, what causes them, and why artists who use Electrum Ink don’t lose sleep over it.
☀️❄️ How Do I Take Care of a Tattoo in Summer and Winter?
Your skin changes with the seasons — your tattoo care should too. Tattoos are forever, but your skin isn’t.Dry air, sun, heat, cold, sweat — every season can mess with your ink if you’re not careful. Whether you’re dripping in SPF or bundled in hoodies, here’s how to keep your tattoos bright, healthy, and aging gracefully all year round. ☀️ SUMMER: Protect the Ink, Not Just the Vibe 1. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable UV rays are your tattoo’s worst enemy. They break down pigment and make your tattoo look faded and dull.Rule: Any tattoo that’s healed (6+ weeks) needs SPF 30 or higher every day it’s exposed.Choose a mineral-based, fragrance-free sunscreen — your skin (and ink) will thank you. 2. Keep It Clean and Cool Sweat and bacteria can cause irritation on healing tattoos.If you’re newly inked, avoid the beach, pools, and lakes for at least 2 weeks — they’re full of bacteria that can lead to infection. 💚 Pro tip: Artists trust Electrum Cleanse to gently clean and refresh tattooed skin without harsh chemicals. It’s safe for fresh tattoos and perfect post-session. 3. Hydration = Glow Dehydrated skin looks dull, and so do your tattoos.Drink plenty of water, moisturize daily, and use lightweight, non-comedogenic lotions during hot weather to keep your tattoo supple and smooth. WINTER: Combat Dryness & Cracking 1. Moisturize Like It’s a Job Cold air and indoor heat = dry skin disaster.When your skin’s dry, it tightens and flakes — not cute, and not great for your tattoos.Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer twice a day to keep your tattoos looking sharp and your skin barrier happy. 2. Avoid Scalding Showers Hot water feels amazing, but it strips your skin’s natural oils.Opt for warm showers and pat (don’t rub) your tattoo dry afterward. Apply lotion while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. 3. Watch the Fabric Friction Winter clothing = layers = friction.Tight sleeves and scratchy fabrics can cause premature fading or irritation on healing tattoos.Stick to breathable layers and soft fabrics until you’re fully healed. 💚 Pro tip: New tattoos heal faster and stay protected with Dermor Tattoo Barrier Film. It keeps your tattoo safe from dry air, friction, and bacteria without suffocating your skin. All-Season Tattoo Care Rules Don’t pick or scratch your tattoo — ever. Keep it clean and lightly moisturized during healing. Use SPF every single day, no matter the season. Schedule touch-ups if your ink starts to fade — that’s normal over time. The Bottom Line Your tattoos deserve the same energy you give your skincare routine.Whether it’s blazing hot or freezing cold, taking a few extra steps each season keeps your art looking as fresh as the day it was done. Because good tattoos don’t fade — they’re protected.
The Business of Tattooing - How to price your tattoos without undervaluing your art and time
As a tattoo artist, pricing your work can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Setting rates that reflect your skill, experience, and time is essential—not just for your income but for establishing your value in the industry. Undervaluing your art can lead to burnout, frustration, and financial instability. Here’s how to price your tattoos confidently and fairly without selling yourself short.
Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?
Spoiler: Yes. But also no. But mostly... yes. Let’s get this out of the way — tattoos hurt.You’re having a bunch of tiny needles repeatedly pierce your skin to inject ink. Of course it’s not a spa treatment. But pain isn’t the same for everyone, and what hurts like hell for one person might barely register for another. The real question is: how much does it hurt, and what can you do about it?Let’s break it down like an honest tattooer would. The Science Behind the Sting A tattoo needle moves between 50 and 3,000 times per minute, depositing pigment into the second layer of your skin (the dermis).Your brain interprets that as pain, but your body releases endorphins — so after a few minutes, many people actually settle into a weirdly calm groove. Some even find it meditative. Others white-knuckle the table and pray for the sweet release of death. (Both are valid.) 💀 Pain Level by Placement Pain depends on how many nerve endings and how much padding are in the area you’re tattooing. Placement Pain Level Why It Hurts Forearm / Outer Arm 😎 Easy Thicker skin, fewer nerves Thigh / Calf 😌 Mild Fatty tissue = cushion Upper Back / Shoulder 😬 Medium Bony but tolerable Ribs / Spine / Sternum 😭 Extreme Thin skin + nerves + vibration Ankles / Feet / Hands 🫠 High Bones and tendons close to surface Neck / Head / Face ⚡ Severe Sensitive skin + nerve clusters Basically: the bonier and thinner the skin, the worse it feels. What You Can Do to Make It Easier Pain tolerance can vary day to day. Here’s how to make sure your body’s on your side: ✅ Do: Eat a full meal and hydrate beforehand. Get a good night’s sleep. Bring headphones or something to focus on. Take deep breaths and relax your muscles. 🚫 Don’t: Show up hungover or dehydrated. Take painkillers like aspirin (they thin your blood). Skip meals. You’ll crash mid-session and regret life. Move suddenly or flinch without warning your artist. The Tools That Help Modern tattooing has come a long way. Artists today have options that make the process smoother for both of you. Numbing Products: Many artists now use safe, professional numbing sprays and creams — ask yours before booking. High-end Equipment: Needles like Electrum Fire Cartridges glide more smoothly through the skin, reducing trauma and irritation. Clean Prep: Electrum Cleanse keeps skin disinfected and calm before and during tattooing. Aftercare Wraps: Dermor Tattoo Barrier locks out bacteria and friction while your tattoo heals, cutting down post-session irritation. Pain might be part of the process — but suffering doesn’t have to be. The Real Talk Here’s the truth: the pain is temporary, but the art is forever.Most people say the sensation is “annoying but doable.”And when you look at your healed tattoo — healed perfectly because you used the good stuff — you’ll know it was worth every second. So yeah, tattoos hurt.But so does regret. Choose your pain wisely.
What Your Tattoo Style Says About You (According to Science... Kind Of)
Your tattoos don’t define you—but they definitely express you.Whether you’re covered in flash, fine line florals, or biomech beasts, your skin is a living gallery of what you love, fear, and fight for. So what does your tattoo style say about you?Probably more than you’d admit to your therapist.
About the Electrum Blog:
From tattooing's past to the future, the team of artists and shop owners at Electrum share their perspectives and knowledge on everything tattoo industry.
A few of the things you'll find in our blog posts:
- Business and Industry Insights: advice and ideas for tattoo business growth, current industry trends and strategies for attracting clients, whilst managing a full schedule.
- Compliance and Safety: Information regarding regulatory compliance and our mission to produce safe, compliant inks.
- Product Information: Details about our specific products.
- Interviews and Events: Discussions and recaps from industry events.
