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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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 - How Tattoo Artists Can Create a Safer and More Inclusive Space for ALL Clients
In the world of body art, a tattoo isn’t just ink and skin—it’s a deeply personal expression of identity, culture, and history. As more clients seek tattoo artists who understand and respect their identities, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for diverse clients has never been more important. By implementing a few thoughtful practices, you can help your clients feel seen, respected, and cared for. Here are some actionable steps you can take as a tattoo artist to help foster a positive experience for every individual who walks through your door.
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 - How to Attract Your Dream Tattoo Clients: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every tattoo artist dreams of a steady stream of clients who love their work, respect their time, and align perfectly with their artistic style. But attracting your dream clients doesn’t happen by chance - it’s all about intentional branding, marketing, and building relationships. Here’s how to make it happen:
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.
The Business of Tattooing - How branding can set you apart as a tattoo artist
As a tattoo artist, creating a cohesive brand goes far beyond simply showcasing your tattoo style. Your brand is the unique, memorable experience clients associate with you, from the way you interact to your studio's atmosphere and even the aftercare you provide. In 2025, clients are seeking artists who not only create great tattoos but also deliver an experience that reflects their own personalities, values, and aesthetics. Here’s how to build a cohesive brand that makes your work unforgettable and helps you attract more clients.
The Business of Tattooing - The Psychology of Repeat Clients: Why They Come Back (or Don’t)
Every tattooer knows the thrill of a getting a new client - but repeat clients?! They’re the backbone of a sustainable career, returning clients not only bring steady income, they also become your biggest advocates, sending you referrals and posting your work on social media. So why do some clients stay in a long term relationship with one artist for years while others bounce? The answer is partially customer service and the other part: psychology.
If Your Art Is a Trend, So Is Your Tattooing Career
Tattoo trends are shaped by a mess of influences—everything from celebrity culture to the gravitational pull of social media algorithms. The problem? Trends move faster than ink heals. When artists hitch their entire business to the latest micro-style, they’re gambling with burnout, client regret, and financial instability. Let’s break down why.
The Business of Tattooing - The Importance of Being Human: Connecting with Your Tattoo Clients
In the world of tattooing, technical skill is only part of the equation. Tattoos are deeply personal, often carrying stories, emotions, and meaning for the people who wear them. As a tattoo artist, your clients aren't just looking for a great piece of art—they’re looking for someone they can trust with their stories, their vision, and even their vulnerabilities. One of the most powerful ways to build that trust is by showing your human side. Letting your clients see who you are beyond the tattoo machine can make a world of difference in your career and client relationships.
The Business of Tattooing - The Client Education Shift: Why 2025 Clients Aren’t the Same as 2015 Clients
If you’ve been tattooing long enough, you’ve seen it.Ten years ago, a client might walk in and say: “I want a tattoo. What do you think would look cool?” Now?They walk in with a Pinterest board, three TikToks, an AI mockup, and a 20-minute lecture on ink migration they got from a YouTube comment section. This isn’t a bad thing—it’s just different. And the way we educate and work with clients has to evolve to match it. 1. Informed… But Not Always Accurate Social media has made tattoo knowledge accessible to anyone with a phone.Some of it’s solid.Some of it… could make a dermal anchor reject from sheer bad vibes alone. Your job now isn’t just to teach—it’s to un-teach before you teach. Correct myths about healing, color longevity, and style limitations Show actual healed work in your portfolio to set realistic expectations Share why you do things a certain way so clients understand it’s not arbitrary 2. Passive Education Saves You Time If you’re answering the same questions over and over, you’re bleeding time you could be tattooing.Instead: Turn FAQs into Instagram carousel posts Make short “myth-busting” videos for TikTok Create a shop “Start Here” page with prep guides, aftercare, and policy explanations Educate once. Repurpose forever. 3. Education Is Marketing Every time you share knowledge, you’re marketing your expertise. Healed tattoo reels show your long-term quality Aftercare guides build trust Explainers about trends (like fine-line or color realism) position you as the authority Informed clients are more confident, less micromanaging, and more likely to rebook. 4. Re-Educate Without the “Actually…” Tone matters. No one likes being corrected like they’re in trouble. Instead of: “Actually, that’s wrong.” Try: “That’s a common belief, but here’s how it works in practice.” Validate → Redirect → Educate.They leave feeling informed, not embarrassed. 5. Streamline Your Process Use the Client Education Shift to make your workflow smoother: Pre-send prep instructions and aftercare guides Build a highlight reel on Instagram for common questions Keep a library of healed photos for different skin tones and tattoo styles The more educated your clients are (with your info), the smoother your day will run. The Client Education Shift isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity.Your knowledge is a value-add that keeps clients coming back, sends referrals your way, and protects the integrity of your work. Teach often. Teach well. And teach everywhere your clients hang out online.
The Business of Tattooing - Book Tattoos in 2025 Without Ever Posting on Instagram
In today’s world, social media is often the go-to for attracting clients, but it’s not the only way to build a successful tattoo business. In fact, choosing to avoid social media means you’ll need to work smarter, and harder. You will need to invest more time in networking, and put consistent effort into offline strategies. While this route will be challenging, it’s entirely possible to create a strong client base without a single post or profile. Here’s how to do it:
The Business of Tattooing - Affiliate Marketing Isn’t Selling Out — It’s Buying In (to Your Worth)
If you flinched a little when you heard “affiliate marketing,” you’re not alone. Tattoo artists have been taught that making money outside of sessions is "cringe" or "selling out." Like if you’re not dying behind the chair 60 hours a week, you’re not legit. Babe, that’s a lie. Affiliate marketing done right isn’t about being fake, pushing junk, or selling your soul. It’s about getting paid for the influence, trust, and expertise you already share, every single day.
