ELECTRUM'S TATTOO CULTURE BLOG
The Business of Tattooing - Video Marketing for Tattoo Artists: Show, Don't Just Tell
In a world dominated by visuals, tattoo artists have a unique advantage. Your art is inherently visual, and video marketing is one of the most powerful ways to share your creative process, showcase your skills, and build authentic connections with potential clients. Rather than simply telling people what you do, video allows you to show them the passion, precision, and personality behind every piece of ink. Let’s dive into why video marketing matters and how you can make it work for you.
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💀 Tattoo Myths That Need to Die Already
Tattooing is one of the oldest art forms in the world, but misinformation still spreads faster than ink in a blowout.If you love tattoos, do your research, support professional artists, and trust the tools that keep them (and your skin) safe. Because the only thing that should live forever… is your art. 💚
The 7-Step Sanitary Station Setup (So You Don’t Get Roasted on TikTok)
For new tattoo artists who want to work clean, stay legal, and keep clients safe. Your station is the foundation of your practice—not just how it looks, but how it protects. Whether you're setting up at a street shop, a private studio, or your first apprenticeship, these 7 steps will help you meet (or beat) health board standards and avoid the kind of viral videos no one wants.
You’re Not Supposed to Be Good Yet: Apprentice Imposter Syndrome 101
If you’re in an apprenticeship and feeling like a total fraud—you’re not alone. You might be staring at your shaky linework thinking, “Why am I even doing this?”“I’m never going to be as good as my mentor.”“They probably regret taking me on.” First of all: Breathe.Every artist you admire started here. And no—you’re not supposed to be good yet.
The Business of Tattooing - 8 Good habits for better mental health as a tattoo artist
Being a tattoo artist is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be mentally and physically demanding. Long hours, high-pressure creative expectations, and constant interaction with clients can take a toll on your mental health if you’re not careful. Prioritizing self-care and establishing healthy habits isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about ensuring you can continue creating amazing art while maintaining your well-being. Here are the best habits for tattoo artists to support mental health
10 Questions You Should Ask Before Starting a Tattoo Apprenticeship
So you want to be a tattoo artist? Sick. But before you say yes to an apprenticeship—or drop a few thousand bucks—you need to ask the right questions. Why?Because not all apprenticeships are created equal. Some are solid mentorships that launch great careers. Others are overpriced, abusive, or… let’s just say questionable. These ten questions will help you spot the difference before you're scrubbing tubes for two years and learning nothing.
What Tattoo Suppies to Upgrade First When You Can’t Afford to Upgrade Everything
Every artist hits that point: your setup works… but barely. Your back hurts, your stencils slide off, your ink looks like it came from a gas station. You want to level up—but your bank account said, “be serious.” Here’s the realistic, not-sponsored, artist-approved guide to what you should actually upgrade first when money’s tight.Prioritized by: Client safety → Tattoo quality → Artist health.
The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing (And Why It Matters)
In tattooing, using the wrong product (or using the right one the wrong way) isn’t just bad practice—it can literally put your clients at risk. Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting and sanitizing is foundational for keeping your setup safe, professional, and compliant.
Traveling With a Fresh Tattoo? Read This First:
A new tattoo should be something you show off — not something you stress over while you’re on the road. But travel adds extra challenges for healing: bacteria exposure, friction, sweat, sun, and the dreaded mystery hotel sheets. If you’re getting tattooed right before a trip, here’s how to keep that fresh ink safe so it heals perfectly — and why your aftercare choices matter more than ever.
The Business of Tattooing: Tattooing through chaos: what’s working in 2025
LET’S NAME WHAT’S HAPPENING:Booking is slower across the board - even for talented, established artists. Clients are canceling more often (money’s tight everywhere). Costs of ink, rent, and supplies have all gone up. Social media isn’t hitting the way it used to. And on top of that, you’re supposed to be an artist, a therapist, a business owner, and a content creator? Let’s take a breath.
10 ways to take care of your artist self (especially now)
Take Care of the Artist Behind the Art You can’t grind forever. Not without paying for it.And if you’re a tattooer, piercer, or creative who feels like you're constantly chasing the next booking, the next project, the next trend—it’s easy to forget that you are the asset. Here’s your permission slip to treat yourself like someone worth protecting.Because you are.
The Business of Tattooing - How to take care of your body so you can continue taking care of your business
Tattooing requires patience, precision and often hours of sitting and standing in uncomfortable positions, this over time, can lead to physical pain, discomfort and even long term damage. You can try to prevent this in a few ways, but thinking about ergonomics is very important and the good news is that this is actually quiet simple.
The Business of Tattooing: How to Prevent Burnout as a Tattoo Artist
Burnout is common in the tattoo industry, but it’s not a sign of weakness or failure. By setting boundaries, taking care of your physical and mental health, and reconnecting with your creative side, you can manage burnout and keep your love for tattooing alive.
