Electrum's tattoo culture blog
Electrum's Tattoo Culture Blog
The Business of Tattooing - Hidden Costs in Your Tattoo Setup You’re Not Tracking (But Definitely Should Be)
You know your machine cost $1,200. You probably track your ink, cartridges, and PPE. But there’s a good chance you’re still bleeding money through the little things—and we’re not talking plasma. These hidden costs quietly eat your profits and make it harder to scale, save, or even just breathe as an artist.
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The Business of Tattooing - Tattooing Is Still a Trade. Treating It Like One Matters.
Tattooing is creative.It’s expressive.It’s cultural. But it is still a trade. It relies on: Physical skill developed over time Specialized tools Repetition and refinement Knowledge passed through practice, not shortcuts When tattooing is treated like a hobby instead of a trade, problems follow quickly. Underpricing becomes normal.Overworking feels expected.Reinvesting in tools feels optional instead of necessary. Trades survive because they respect systems.Reliable tools. Repeatable processes. Standards that protect the worker. Professionalism isn’t selling out.It’s how trades stay alive. Social media has blurred the line between visibility and stability. A large following doesn’t guarantee sustainable income. Viral attention doesn’t protect your hands, your back, or your nervous system. Treating tattooing like a trade means: Pricing your labor realistically Choosing tools that perform consistently Building workflows that don’t rely on constant exhaustion The goal isn’t to look successful online.It’s to still be tattooing years from now. That’s trade thinking.And it matters.
The Business of Tattooing - Things You Can Write Off as a Tattoo Artist (And What You Can’t)
If you're self-employed as a tattoo artist in the U.S., you’re considered a sole proprietor (unless you’ve registered as an LLC or S-Corp). That means you report your business income and expenses on Schedule C (Form 1040)—and knowing what qualifies as a business expense under IRS rules can save you thousands (and a nasty audit).
The Business of Tattooing - Tattoo Less, Earn More: 3 Things Six-Figure Tattooers Do Differently
Let’s get one thing straight - just being good at tattooing isn’t enough anymore. The artists pulling in six figures aren’t necessarily the most talented, most followed, or most booked-out. But they are running their business like a business. They know their numbers. They don’t live in their DMs. And they’re making content that connects and converts.
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.
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 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 - From Passion to Profit: Business Essentials for Tattoo Artists
Turning your passion for tattooing into a thriving business involves more than just creating amazing art—it requires a solid foundation in business strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to streamline your existing operations, understanding the business essentials is key to sustainable growth and profitability. Here’s how to transform your tattoo artistry into a successful enterprise.
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 Quiet Exit of Burned-Out Artists: Why So Many Mid-Career Tattooers Are Leaving and What It Means for the Next Generation
The quiet exit of burned-out artists should be a wake-up call. Tattooing is more than a hustle—it’s a career that requires sustainability. For the next generation, the lesson is clear: protect your body, your time, and your creativity now, so you don’t have to bow out quietly later.
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.
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.
