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.
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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.
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.
The Business of Tattooing - Why “Exposure” Isn’t Payment, But Visibility Can Be Currency
Tattoo artists have been hearing it forever: “We can’t pay you, but think of the exposure.” Most of us know that’s BS. You can’t pay rent with exposure, and you can’t buy ink with Instagram likes. But here’s the twist: in the TikTok + IG era, visibility can translate into real bookings—if you treat it strategically. The difference between empty “exposure” and valuable visibility is how you leverage it.
The Business of Tattooing - Digital Portfolios and SEO: Getting Found Online
In today’s digital-first world, having an eye-catching online portfolio isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for tattoo artists who want to showcase their work and attract new clients. But simply posting your art online isn’t enough. To really get noticed, you need to understand and implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies.
The Business of Tattooing - Booked Out for 6 Months”: The Hidden Financial & Emotional Risks Behind the Flex
In today’s tattoo industry, being “booked out for months” is the ultimate flex. It signals demand, status, and credibility. But behind the humblebrag? There are hidden costs—financial, emotional, and cultural—that most artists don’t talk about.
The Business of Tattooing - Maximizing Client Engagement in the Digital Age: From Booking to Aftercare
In today’s fast-paced digital world, every interaction with your clients - from the moment they book an appointment to the follow-up aftercare - is an opportunity to build lasting relationships and a thriving tattoo business. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, integrating modern digital tools into your workflow can streamline your process and enhance your client experience.
How to Build a Tattoo Flash Book (That Doesn’t Suck)
So you’ve got a few designs, a sketchbook full of half-finished ideas, and a burning desire to be taken seriously.Time to build a flash book, right? Yes—but let’s make it one that doesn’t suck. Whether you’re an apprentice or a new artist, your flash book is more than just “cool art”—it’s your handshake, your pitch, your silent sales rep sitting on the counter waiting to get picked. Here’s how to make one that clients actually want to pick from. 1. Know the Purpose of Your Flash Book Your flash isn’t just for show.It should: Help clients choose something from your style Show off your linework and saturation skills Give you consistent practice with designs you love Make it easy to say “No customs, flash only this month” A good flash book = fewer chaotic last-minute redesigns + more tattoos you actually want to do. 2. Pick a Style and Stick to It Flash isn’t where you show off your range.It’s where you define your voice. If your flash book has: A cute kawaii frog A biomech skull A photorealistic lion A fine line flowerYou don’t look versatile—you look like you’re still figuring out who you are. Pick a vibe. Commit. Build around that. 3. Design for Skin, Not Just Aesthetics Tattoo flash has to be tattooable. Not just pretty. When designing: Use bold, clean linework Avoid excessive tiny detail that won’t heal well Think about placement—arm, thigh, ankle—does it fit? Use black to create depth and contrast, even in color pieces If it wouldn’t hold up in five years, it doesn’t belong in your book. 4. Organize It Logically Nobody wants to flip through chaos. Try organizing your book by: Theme (flowers, critters, daggers, spooky babes) Size or pricing tiers Color vs. black and grey Label clearly. Include dimensions, prices (if applicable), and whether designs are repeatable or one-and-done. 5. Print It Professionally (or Neatly AF) Yes, you can use an iPad or a nice binder, but don’t make it look like a high school art project. Options: Laminated printouts in a sleek portfolio binder A branded iPad flash book for easy browsing Printed zines you hand out or sell at events Use consistent formatting. Add your name/handle on each page. Sign your flash. 6. Update It Regularly Your style evolves. Your skill improves.That flash sheet you loved 6 months ago? Might not hit the same now. Schedule time every month or so to: Retire old pieces Redraw or tweak old designs Add new ones you’re excited about Make seasonal or themed sheets (Halloween flash, Pride flash, etc.) 7. Make It Easy to Choose from The best flash books don’t intimidate people.They spark joy and say: “Pick me. I’m gonna look hot on your leg.” Don’t overload your pages. Keep the layout clean.Highlight your favorite pieces.And make sure someone who knows nothing about tattoos could flip through and fall in love. Bonus: What to Avoid Sloppy linework (clients notice) Unclear pricing or sizing Ripping other artists’ flash (you will get called out) Adding customs into the flash book (keep them separate) TL;DR: Flash That Sells = Art You’d Want Tattooed on Your Best Friend Because if you’re going to spend hours drawing it, printing it, and showing it off—you deserve to actually tattoo it. Start small. Stay consistent. Keep refining.
The Business of Tattooing - The Death of Walk-Ins? Or the Beginning of a Comeback?
Walk-ins are one of the most iconic parts of tattoo history. For decades, they defined shop culture: neon “Tattoo” signs glowing, clients flipping through flash, and spontaneous choices made in the moment. It was fast, accessible, and social—tattooing as part of the street. But today’s industry looks different. Between Instagram portfolios, booking apps, and specialized styles, most artists are booked weeks (sometimes months) in advance. The romantic idea of strolling in for a quick piece feels almost like a relic.
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.
