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.
How to Get a Tattoo Apprenticeship in 2025 (Without Selling Your Soul or Getting Scammed)
So you want to be a tattoo artist in 2025? That’s amazing.But let’s get one thing straight from the start: There is no official “Apply Here” button.Tattoo apprenticeships aren’t handed out like college acceptances. You can’t just DM your favorite artist and expect to be welcomed with open arms. You have to earn it.With your art. Your attitude. And your ability to show up and shut up (with respect). Here’s exactly how to do it.
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.
Tattoo laws aren’t made by tattooers — but they should be understood by them.
Tattoo laws are tightening and evolving around the world. Governments are starting to treat tattooing like a regulated cosmetic or medical industry rather than a purely artistic one. Why now: Ink chemistry and pigment safety are under scrutiny. Rising global tattoo popularity = more visibility = more regulation. International ink shipping and cross-border tattooing (guest spots, conventions) have outpaced current laws. Artists are now caught between outdated local licensing rules and new international health standards - and nobody’s giving clear answers. Global Developments EU & UK: The EU’s REACH regulations now restrict hundreds of pigments and preservatives, forcing reformulation or bans. Expect ongoing ingredient restrictions, new labeling standards, and required safety testing. UK post-Brexit is developing its own list - slightly looser, but still moving toward stricter oversight. If you import or use EU-compliant inks, make sure you know whether your bottles meet the latest formula version. South Korea: As of late 2025, South Korea officially legalized tattooing for non-medical professionals - after decades of gray-area operation. This will likely set off a wave of legalization and licensing updates across Asia (Japan, Thailand, Philippines). Expect increased tattoo tourism in Seoul and a rise in licensed training programs. Australia: Australia’s states are re-evaluating licensing laws to include infection-control certification and ingredient transparency. New studies have prompted the government to investigate pigment imports after revealing aluminum, copper, and unlisted chemicals in popular inks. Canada : Health Canada is quietly monitoring the EU REACH changes and could follow suit with mandatory pigment registration or reporting. Most tattoo safety standards are still provincial, not federal - so Ontario and Quebec may act first. United States Developments Right now, there’s no federal regulation of tattoo inks by the FDA - but that’s about to change. Here’s what’s happening: The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) now includes “body art pigments” under FDA authority. Expect ink manufacturers to soon be required to register formulas and facilities. The FDA and CDC are conducting more safety testing on pigments, preservatives, and carrier fluids (like glycerin and alcohol). Pigment bans or recalls are possible if harmful heavy metals or allergens are confirmed. Certain states (California, New York, Florida) are already discussing stricter sanitation and ink labeling laws that could require artists to track ink lot numbers for each client. State-Level Actions: Michigan’s Numbing BanMichigan has become the first U.S. state to ban the use of all topical numbing agents during tattoo procedures, effective 2025.This includes both over-the-counter and compounded lidocaine creams when applied by artists. Only medical professionals may now legally apply numbing agents in Michigan studios. What to worry about (and prepare for): Keep all ink lot numbers and MSDS/SDS sheets recorded for each client session. Avoid unlabelled, off-brand, or non-compliant pigments - those may become illegal to use or sell. Stay aware of new cross-state certification reciprocity (coming soon to help artists travel more easily between states). Watch for updates on tattoo licensing boards expanding to include ongoing health and safety training. What Should YOU Do Now Audit your ink shelf:Check labels, batch numbers, and expiration dates. Make sure every bottle you’re using has a listed manufacturer and full ingredient transparency. Download your SDS sheets:Keep digital and printed copies for all inks and chemicals. These may become legally required during inspections or travel. Register for updates:Follow FDA Tattoo Ink Regulation Page, EU REACH updates, and your state or provincial health department newsletters. Educate your clients:Turn regulation into reassurance — tell clients you use only fully documented, transparent, high-quality inks. Be convention-smart:If you travel internationally, know import restrictions on inks and single-use items. (Many artists have had gear confiscated at customs in Europe post-REACH.)
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.
AI Flash Sheets: Do We Embrace It, Fight It, or Remix It?
AI-generated art has officially entered the tattoo industry. Flash sheets are popping up on Etsy and TikTok that were created in seconds, not hours. For artists, this raises big questions: is AI an opportunity, a threat, or just another tool we can adapt to?
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.
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.
The Business of Tattooing - A practical guide for Dealing with difficult clients
As a tattoo artist, you’ll work with clients from all walks of life. While most are respectful and excited about their tattoo journey, you’ll occasionally encounter clients who can be *challenging*. Whether they’re indecisive, overly critical, or difficult to manage, handling these situations with professionalism is crucial for maintaining your reputation and creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
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
