How to Start a Tattoo Business: The No-BS Guide From Someone Who Did It
Alright, you want to open a tattoo shop. You’re tired of paying commission, tired of someone else’s rules, tired of working in someone else’s vision. Or maybe you’ve been tattooing from a private studio and you’re ready to scale up. Either way, let me save you from the mistakes I made and the things I learned the hard way.
Opening a tattoo business is not just “find a space and start tattooing.” It’s a real business with real legal requirements, real financial risk, and real operational complexity. But if you go in with your eyes open and follow a systematic approach, it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
Here’s the complete step-by-step. I’m going to be thorough because I wish someone had given me this guide instead of the generic “follow your passion” fluff I found when I was starting.
Step 1: Decide Your Business Model
Before anything else, decide what kind of tattoo business you’re building:
Private Studio (Solo)
- Just you, one station, your clients
- Lowest startup cost ($15,000-30,000)
- Lowest risk (no employees, minimal overhead)
- Maximum creative freedom
- Income limited to your own chair time
- Can be in a commercial space, shared artist space, or even home-based (where legal)
Small Multi-Artist Shop (2-4 Artists)
- You plus 1-3 other artists on commission
- Moderate startup cost ($50,000-100,000)
- Commission income from other artists supplements your own tattooing income
- More management responsibility
- Need a proper commercial space
- Higher earning potential but more complexity
Larger Studio (5+ Artists)
- Full shop operation with reception, multiple stations
- Higher startup cost ($80,000-150,000+)
- Significant management time (you’ll tattoo less)
- Highest earning potential
- Most complex: HR, scheduling, commission tracking, inventory, marketing
- Need management systems and possibly staff beyond artists
My recommendation for first-time shop owners: Start with a private studio or small 2-3 artist shop. You can always grow. Starting too big with too much overhead is the #1 way new shops fail.
Step 2: Legal Structure and Registration
Do this early — some of these take weeks.
Form a Business Entity
LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the standard for tattoo businesses. It separates your personal assets from business liabilities. If someone sues the shop, they’re suing the LLC, not you personally.
- File with your state’s Secretary of State ($50-500 depending on state)
- Choose a business name and check availability
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
Register for State and Local Taxes
- Sales tax registration (if your state/city charges sales tax on services)
- State business tax registration
Get Your Licenses and Permits
Requirements vary wildly by state and municipality. Typically you’ll need:
| License/Permit | Where to Get It | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business license | City/county clerk | $50-200 | 1-2 weeks |
| Tattoo establishment permit | State health department | $100-500 | 2-8 weeks |
| Individual artist license | State health department | $50-200 per artist | 2-4 weeks |
| Bloodborne pathogen certification | Red Cross or approved provider | $25-75 | 1 day (online) |
| CPR/First Aid certification | Red Cross or approved | $30-75 | 1 day |
| Health department inspection | Health department | $100-300 | Schedule after buildout |
| Fire department inspection | Fire department | Usually included | May be required |
| Sign permit | City planning/zoning | $50-200 | 1-4 weeks |
Critical: Check your specific state and city requirements BEFORE signing a lease. Some locations don’t allow tattoo businesses. Some have distance requirements from schools or churches. Discover this before you commit money.
Step 3: Financial Planning
Startup Costs Breakdown
| Category | Private Studio | Small Shop (2-3 artists) | Larger Shop (4+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit + first/last month rent | $2,400-6,000 | $4,500-12,000 | $7,500-20,000 |
| Buildout and renovation | $3,000-10,000 | $10,000-30,000 | $20,000-50,000 |
| Equipment (per station) | $3,000-5,000 | $6,000-15,000 | $15,000-30,000 |
| Licensing and permits | $300-1,000 | $500-1,500 | $500-2,000 |
| Insurance (first year) | $1,500-3,000 | $2,000-4,000 | $3,000-6,000 |
| Marketing (initial) | $500-1,000 | $1,000-3,000 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Operating capital (3-6 months) | $5,000-15,000 | $10,000-30,000 | $20,000-50,000 |
| Software and tools | $300-500 | $500-1,000 | $1,000-2,000 |
| Total | $16,000-41,500 | $34,500-96,500 | $69,000-165,000 |
Funding Options
Self-funded: Most tattoo shops are funded by savings. It’s the cleanest option — no debt, no investors, no strings attached.
SBA loan: Small Business Administration loans are available for tattoo businesses. Require a solid business plan and good credit. Typical terms: $25,000-150,000 at 6-9% interest over 5-10 years.
Personal loan or line of credit: Higher interest rates but faster approval.
Partner investment: Bring in a business partner (doesn’t need to be a tattoo artist) who invests capital for a percentage of ownership. Be very careful with partnerships — get a lawyer to draft the partnership agreement.
Step 4: Find Your Location
See our detailed location guide, but the key factors:
- Zoning: Confirm tattooing is permitted at the specific address
- Demographics: Is your target clientele nearby?
- Rent: Under 15% of projected monthly revenue
- Size: Minimum 300 sq ft per station plus common areas
- Condition: Factor buildout costs into your total budget
- Lease terms: Negotiate TI allowance, rent-free buildout period, and escape clauses
Step 5: Build Out Your Space
Health Department Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
- Non-porous flooring (no carpet — tile, epoxy, or sealed concrete)
- Handwashing sink at each station (hot and cold water)
- Separate sterilization area (not in the tattooing area)
- Proper ventilation
- Adequate lighting (bright enough for detail work)
- Cleanable surfaces (walls, counters)
- Proper waste disposal system (sharps containers, biohazard bags)
Station Setup (Per Station)
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tattoo chair/bed (hydraulic) | $300-2,000 |
| Artist stool (adjustable) | $100-300 |
| Workstation/tray | $100-500 |
| Arm rest | $50-200 |
| Clip light or LED panel | $30-150 |
| Supply cart or mayo stand | $50-200 |
| Per station total | $630-3,350 |
Equipment
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tattoo machines (2-3 per artist) | $500-2,000 |
| Power supply (if coil machines) | $100-300 |
| Autoclave (if reusable tubes) | $500-2,000 |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | $100-300 |
| Thermal stencil printer | $200-600 |
| iPad + Apple Pencil (for Procreate) | $500-1,300 |
| Starter ink set | $200-500 |
| Initial needle/cartridge supply | $200-500 |
| Consumables (first 3 months) | $500-1,500 |
Step 6: Get Insurance
Essential coverage:
| Insurance Type | Coverage | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Slip/fall, property damage | $500-1,500 |
| Professional liability (malpractice) | Claims related to the tattoo procedure | $300-800 |
| Property insurance | Equipment, inventory, buildout | $500-1,500 |
| Workers compensation (if employees) | Employee injuries | $500-2,000 |
| Total | $1,800-5,800 |
Get quotes from providers who specialize in tattoo/body art businesses. General insurance brokers often don’t understand the industry.
Step 7: Set Up Your Systems
Software Stack
| Tool | Purpose | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Booking + management | TattooPro.io or Porter | $29-149 |
| Accounting | QuickBooks or Wave | $0-30 |
| Payment processing | Square | $0 + 2.6% per transaction |
| Design | Procreate (iPad) | $12.99 one-time |
| Social media scheduling | Buffer (free) or Later | $0-25 |
| Email marketing | Mailchimp (free tier) | $0 |
Policies to Write Before Opening
- Deposit and cancellation policy
- Walk-in policy
- Aftercare instructions
- Photo release/consent form
- Artist commission agreement (if multi-artist)
- Opening and closing procedures
- Sterilization protocols
Step 8: Marketing (Start 3 Months Before Opening)
Don’t wait until opening day to start marketing.
3 months before opening:
- Start posting on Instagram (building hype, sharing buildout progress)
- Claim Google Business Profile
- Start building an email list
- Connect with local community
1 month before opening:
- Announce opening date
- Launch your website with portfolio and booking page
- Set up online booking system
- Invite regulars from your previous shop/studio
Opening week:
- Grand opening event or flash day
- Post heavily on social media
- Ask everyone you know to share
- Offer a booking incentive for the first month
Ongoing:
- 4-5 Instagram posts per week
- Weekly Google Business Profile updates
- Monthly email to your list
- Ask every client for a Google review
Step 9: Open and Adjust
Your first 3-6 months will be a learning curve. Expect to adjust:
- Your pricing (probably upward once you see demand)
- Your schedule (find the right days and hours)
- Your booking system settings
- Your commission structure (if you have artists)
- Your marketing approach (double down on what works)
Track everything: revenue per day, revenue per artist, no-show rates, new client sources, expenses. The data tells you what to fix.
Timeline Summary
| Month | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| Month 1-2 | Business entity, licensing, location search |
| Month 2-3 | Lease signed, buildout begins, insurance, equipment ordered |
| Month 3-4 | Buildout complete, health inspection, systems setup, marketing begins |
| Month 4-5 | Soft open (friends, regulars), final adjustments |
| Month 5-6 | Grand opening, full marketing push |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a tattoo business?
$50,000-150,000 for a brick-and-mortar studio. A private studio can start for $15,000-30,000. Costs vary significantly by location and size.
Do you need a license to open a tattoo shop?
Yes, most states require tattoo business licenses, health department permits, and individual artist certifications. Always check your specific state and local regulations.
How long does it take to open a tattoo studio?
Expect 3-6 months from planning to opening. This includes location search, buildout, permitting, and licensing.