Tattoo Do's and Dont's!

Jennifer Aniston was recently spotted in NYC showing off her very first tattoo: the name "Norman" on the inside of her right foot. The fresh ink is a tribute to the 42-year-old actress's dog Norman, a Welsh corgi-terrier mix that passed away in May at 15 years old. "Memorial tattoos are a serious and often necessary thing, but Jennifer chose one of the worst places of all time to get it," says "NY Ink's " Ami James. "The foot is consistently being exposed to the elements, naturally exfoliating itself and being exposed to constant friction. Even a good tattoo will not withstand that for much time at all," the expert tattoo artist explains. "Jennifer will be lucky if that tattoo looks decent for even a few months."Tuesday, July, 5, 2011, 5:5 PM


Renowned tattoo artist Ami James became a household name, thanks to the groundbreaking series "Miami Ink," which debuted in 2005. As the first tattoo artist to gain such celebrity, James gave us an inside look into the tattoo culture on the hot streets of South Beach. After taking the industry by storm in Miami, the sharp-tongued, quick-tempered James brings his talents to the Big Apple this summer with "NY Ink" (Thursdays at 10pm on TLC). Click through this slideshow to see James's take on some of the most talked about celebrity tattoos.Friday, July, 1, 2011, 3:1 AM

The tattoos on Angelina Jolie's upper left arm show the map coordinates for the birthplaces of her children. The tats have been inscribed in the same spot where a tribute to the 36-year-old actress's ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton once lay. His name, along with a Chinese dragon, were surgically removed after the pair divorced in 2003. "Tattoos last a lot longer than most romances," James says. "Thank god for laser."Friday, July, 1, 2011, 3:1 AM

Newly engaged couple Nikki Reed and Paul McDonald wasted no time getting matching tattoos. After a two-month-long whirlwind romance, the "Twilight" actress and her "American Idol" alum beau inked each others' first names on their respective right-hand ring fingers. "I think when you have thought and effort, added with good taste, even the most simple tattoo concepts can be turned into something really nice," James says of the duo's expression of love.

"Heroes" starlet Hayden Panettiere is often pictured showing off the tattoo she has running down the left side of her back, despite it being misspelled. In full, it reads, "Vivere senza rimipianti," which is meant to be "to live without regrets" in Italian. Unfortunately for the 21-year-old actress, her tattoo reads "rimipianti" instead of "rimpianti," adding an extra "i." "She got the wrong person for the job," James says. "A reputable shop double checks spelling." Although initially horrified about the misspelling, Panettiere says she is proud of her tattoo and wants to "live up to what it means."

This is Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko's(notes) new tattoo. It takes up his entire back, it was done by a person whose Twitter account can be found here, and it's ridiculously frightening.

Not only am I suggesting to children that they not get a tattoo that looks like this, I am suggesting to children that they not read Ball Don't Lie for the next day or so, until we can compile enough posts to push this one into the website's archives. It's a lovely spring day, go play outside.

And try not to have nightmares about Andrei Kirilenko's new tattoo.

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The tattoo parlor business is a good way to earn money. Do you want to open your own tattoo parlor business? This article gives you an overview of the business.

First things first, before you can make tattoos (or own a tattoo parlor for that matter) you need to submit yourself to an apprenticeship program or have a partner use his for the licensing.


Sin City Ink Tattoo Shop
$10.00 Tattoo and Piercing Specials.

http://www.mysincityink.com

I'm the owner of Sin City Ink in Las Vegas NV. I am an investor/owner. This is my second shop. I have owned a tattoo supply shop and have been over a drug testing lab as a CEO.

I want to share that owning a tattoo shop is a great way to invest your time and money. It's all about business smarts and being able to understand the dynamics of the shop. Your not dealing with corporate America. Many of the same principles and financial structures are the same as any business.

First off before opening any business, Some planning should go into cost, demographics and marketing.

You can search on Google key word discovery on how many people in your area, "demographic" are searching for tattoos/piercings. This will obviously give you a good indication of how high the demand is for your business.

Second. Along with purchasing equipment ie. computers, chairs, flash, etc. It makes just as much cents if not more, developing your advertising. With little to know money you can set up free local listings with Google, yellow pages, Bing, merchant circle,brown book...
You can also make or have a website built and begin creating some search traffic. It WILL take a little time for people to find your shop once you have opened one but you can always set up your web real estate and get it recognized. When you have 10 to 15 calls a day ready to come in its easy to make $$$.

Get rid of any pre-conceived ideas of how to market. throw out slogans to capture you clients attention. Throw adds on craigs list. Throw fliers to bars, clubs, Collages, everyone. Throw out low minimums for holidays and promotions. You can always raise them. Give out free things and shoot out $5 $10 $15 $20 tattoo's or piercings. When they come in they can see your minimum is $40 to $100 and then be eligible for the ridiculously low $5 $10 $15 $20 whatever. Bottom line you have to get people through your doors. One small tattoo or piercing will lead to 3 or 5 more from that persons friends.

You have to be a great marketer. Over half the tattoo community misses the importance of even having a web site. Look for your self! You have to treat this like a business and take the ego out of it.

Take care of the paper work as soon as you can. You'll need more time for everything else.

Create your:
Shop Policy.
Tattoo/piercing consent forms.
File with the Secretary of State.
Decide if youll be operating as a Sole Proprietor,LLC,C Corp or other.
File with County clerk for a fictiouse name if needed.
get the paper and guidelines for the city health department.
You'll need to call business licensing.
Decide if you'll be selling anything and contact the Department of Taxation.
Prior to all this you'll want to find a location of course and then contact planning and zoning to make sure a tattoo shop is allowed in that area. "Its always cheaper taking over a pre-existing shop."

You may have to order a spore test for your autoclave. Contact 1 (800) 9 UNIMAX it will only cost you $8.00.

So here is some additional random things.

Its great money. You can bring in $18 to $26 thousand dollars easy. Your half 50% of course and that's roughly $10,000.00 before bills. Own 10 shops and you can make a million a year.

After you start the business licensing you'll probably need to contact the building inspector for clearance as well as the fire department and scheduled health inspection. The small details can hold you up weeks to months if you don't move quickly once you've made the first months rent.

Most properties will give you two to three months free rent. You have to set your expectations high.

Buy a touchscreen monitor and download flash for a less expensive way to display flash. You can buy flash on ebay and craigs list.

For god sake don't hire artists with bad ass attitudes. There a head ache and you'll loose other good artists. Treat all your artists with respect but be cognizant of there creative needs and individuality.

Set up video surveillance and an alarm system. Other tattoo shops may be jealous of the competition.

Keep perfect records. Its easy for some one who is dishonest to fudge paperwork.

Make sure you always answer the phone with enthusiasm. The other shops usually won't and that makes you shine.

There is obviously so much more. Its a great industry.

ANYONE WANTING ADVICE MAY CONTACT MYSINCITYTATTOO@YAHOO.COM ASK FOR BEAU.

I also have partners that can assist in helping you set up your business.  

  73 Responses to "How to Start a Tattoo Parlor". 1. Tino on 5/1/2009 3:49:19 AM What if I just want to be the owner and hire experience tattoo artist to do the artwork and I run the shop?

2. Zaza on 5/19/2009 4:38:29 AM I have the same question as tino, I want to run the business and hire tattoo artists??

3. Larry on 6/14/2009 7:12:34 PM I also have the same question as Tino

4. Julie on 6/17/2009 8:23:30 PM I also have the same question as Tino! I just want to run/own my own tattoo parlor. And hire my own artists or piercers.

5. jimmy on 6/20/2009 10:22:32 AM some friends and i do parties. i'm on here now trying to get all the info for opening a shop here in baltimore where i live. i know there is a pathogen cert i need to get but where do i go to see exactly what the regulations are for opening a shop?

6. mard henderson on 6/29/2009 4:07:43 PM I have a guy that owns a shop and has all the permits I am going to spend the money and have an artist. My artist is going to work under the others permits. Is that legal? After a couple months we are going to get our own permits. The guy that owns it is selling it to us kind of under the table. I am kind of skeptical about this any advice.

7. will on 7/1/2009 2:17:18 AM tattoo shop

8. ashley on 7/14/2009 9:13:57 AM Hey sorry to go off subject but does anyone know any body piercers willing to do an apprenticeship in baltimore or close? Please respond.

9. wyatt on 7/29/2009 12:12:09 PM Same Question as everyone, Can I open a shop with out being a tattoo artist? Thanks

10. Gina on 8/6/2009 6:15:26 PM Same question as well.. Open a shop w/o being an artist? I would have a manager who has been a licensed artist for 4 years..

11. villain on 8/30/2009 7:53:19 AM you need to take a phlebotomy course and its about $1000 or more now days... to do piercing you all will need insurance unless you wanna get wacked by a lawyer & judge... the health dept..has a one day course most the time its free to attend and you get certified or a paper to hang on the wall(lol) and you will need to pay a permit fee around 25 dollars from your city tax dept to do business ... the insurance is about $80 a month for 350,000 public liability.. but you will also need malpractice insurance in-case you mess up or some one thinks you cause there infection, remember the world we live in .. and lawyers are free for victims ....??

12. villain on 8/30/2009 7:56:44 AM also most artists will NOT work for a skimmer ''' so you guys that don't shoot ink. looking to slave you up some talent '' nice try .. that don't work anywhere i've ever been. seen or heard of... with good work.. maybe get into property ...if you wanna be a land lord...

13. TommyT on 9/3/2009 8:42:33 PM Want to open a tattoo shop in Houston, Texas, and dont know how, or need an artist for this business? Send me an email, maybe we can work it out.... asylum_tattoo@yahoo.com not everyone has the cash at hand to start up one, like me, so if you got the money, I got the experience

14. AlexiaS. on 9/18/2009 9:14:46 PM Hello, I agree with Villain No one wants to work for someone that doesn't either pierce or tattoo. I know because I work for someone that has a total different job and just comes to pick up the drop once a week. Its annoying. Everyday you do your job and he is never here and comes in just to get the drop and complains about every little thing and then leaves. And for advice going through an apprenticeship its best to go find someone that has a really good portfolio and ask them how to begin an apprenticeship because every county and state is different.

15. paulo on 9/24/2009 3:41:49 AM i would like to run the business and have some artist work for me, is possible? thank you

16. Jeremie Miller on 10/1/2009 3:30:00 AM You can be the owner, but if you don't know how to tattoo you will never attract experienced professionals. There are just too many things that put you at a disadvantage when you are ignorant of the trade. Tattooing has come a long way until recently and that is because of the flood of non tattooist owners. It hurts me whenever someone comes in my studio and is only looking for a bong, dong, or anything other than a tattoo/piercing. Please leave ownership to those who live it.

17. Tat2Diva on 10/12/2009 1:36:16 AM Oh, ya'll don't have to worry! Those who don't live it and love it, won't have a true gem of a shop! It's an insult that they think its so easy. They are no better than these scratchers out here smearing the business. We work hard to be respected in the game. So do what you do, and leave the tattoo business to the tattoo ARTISTS!

18. Crash on 10/12/2009 2:12:33 PM I disagree with those who believe only an artist should own a shop, I think a collector, a person with knowledge of the skill and training it takes for the artist to do good work could take the burden off the artist to do what they do best, the art. Not to worry about the business. I have been collecting tats for 20 years and know the dedication it takes for the tattooist, I'm going to open my shop soon and cant draw a lick...but I'm going to provide the ARTIST a great environment to work in, and let them do what they do best, the ART.

19. bidyot jyoti hazarika on 10/21/2009 4:17:50 AM is it necessary to take authorization or i can start this tattooing without any authorization?

20. prettypunkey on 10/28/2009 11:22:50 AM i think that 2 diva is rude as hell and i do think people should be aloud to open their own tattoo studio just because you don't have experience doesn't mean you don't want to learn, it is extremely hard to actually find even apprentice work let alone actual work and most tattoo studios don't even want women working for them. personally myself would love to have a studio and have a pro working for me. teach me

21. T on 10/31/2009 9:28:29 PM I love the bullsh*t that 'artists' give wanna-bes about years of training and how hard it is. Little egos need defending. Now great art isn't easy, but tattooing someone with a butterfly or flower, any monkey can do that. I started my shop with nothing but a months practice on pig ears and I am already one of the most in demand artists in the area.

Don't be scared people. Think of all the morons who are tattoo artists. Are they smarter than you?

22. Tattoo_chickypoo on 11/4/2009 4:13:13 PM frankly i think thats a load of b.s. wut pretty punkey said, It doesn't matter what f*ckin private part you have, its sexist for someone to not hire you just b/c of what sex you are. If you are a true artist and have a skill for it, doesn't matter if you are a guy or girl...and if they don't hire a skilled female its their loss. I just got into tattooing a few months back and have designed tattoos for people since i was 16 years old. (now 25) ...I think it helps to have a female in the shop, some ppl feel more comfortable with an skilled female tattooist.

23. corey on 11/8/2009 7:26:17 PM i have the same question as most, can i open a shop and just hire artist?

24. Candie on 11/11/2009 5:02:38 PM I'm looking into opening a small shop just room for myself and another artist here in Dallas, Texas need all the advice i can get. So if you got any I'm all ears.

25. frank on 12/6/2009 12:53:52 PM Eighth Element Tattoo: 8756 Warner Avenue., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 - USA

Nothing is ever as easy as it may appear or seem to be! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

If opening a tattoo shop is so easy, then why are so many closing these days!? Just because you have the initial opening cost of at least $15,000 - don't forget the cost of maintaining it and staying in business if you have zero customers for a year.

The best way to open a business is alone - no partners or investors - PERIOD! Someone, somehow will eventually take more from the cookie jar and things will go sour within partnerships - if you actually survive the first year or make any money at all.

If you're not a tattoo artist or a piercer - you really have no business owning a tattoo shop. It's like owning a bakery and not knowing how to bake. What if your employee calls in sick or quits? Who's gonna be working now? And if the artist is there and you're not - someone's gonna short change YOU! Or worst - quit and open their own shop with YOUR customers! These are only a few things to keep in mind.

It doesn't matter what you name your tattoo shop or how you decorate it - if you don't have customers, you're gonna lose money! And if you don't have workers that are happy, they'll leave. Simple as that. It's a gamble like stocks. Don't put your money into company stocks that you don't know or understand. Play it smart, save your money, time, and headache and go into business doing whatever it is you do best rather than trying to find an easy way of making money or worst - thinking you can do it fast! The best investments in life are in yourself - literally! Good luck!

26. frank on 12/6/2009 1:00:36 PM Hey Candie, The best thing for you is to find a shop and stay there for as long as you can. Whatever the cut is 50 - 60%, just be happy you're not the owner. It's not that easy owning a shop - you get BILLS! Lots of them! If the shop you're working at now as well as the other local shops are barely getting by or worst if you don't have customers - what makes you think by opening up your own shop, customers will come to you!? And realistically, most customers will not follow you if you relocate more than 5 miles. So stay where you're at, build up your clientele and save as much money as you can! This is the worst time to open shop - and many cities are so desperate to make money that they are allowing tattoo shops to just open up anywhere. And the sad part is, there are just as many shops closing too! Good luck.

27. mohammed khalid on 12/11/2009 12:52:46 PM new york, new york, usa. I have empty space. and i would like to hire a tattoo artist.

28. Eric on 1/4/2010 11:18:02 AM Was reading and saw comment from Candie who was asking about opening up a tattoo shop in Dallas, TX. Actually looking for 1-2 more tattoo artist for shop I am trying to open up in same area. I live in Addison, TX and have 2-4 other possible artist but want to keep my options open and looking for the best talent possible. Just let me know if you are interested, thanks and have lots of client base with the great work including portraits that my other guys do

29. Elizabeth Taylor on 1/10/2010 2:28:23 AM I am trying to find out the order to open the doors. I have the building. Now I need the order. CO, tattoo and piercing license, ETC. I am in Dallas, Tx. If anyone has any info please let me know. Thank u.

30. kain on 1/15/2010 2:36:42 AM i'm in the music industry and i wanted to open my own tattoo shop with a family member that has his profession as a tattoo artist i think that the previous people that were saying leave the tattoo business to the artist sounds like a play for job security to me and maybe that's why a lot of shops are closing and this is America and capitalism should be shared by all how love tattoos and think that they can bring something new to the industry. i mean i dont tattoo or pierce but i love the industry and i have great business talent to help artist and clients and i'm willing to learn but i know where my talents are and i dont want to be stepping on toes plus i got the money the artist family member dont lol

31. danielle on 1/21/2010 12:38:57 PM i think a lot of you artists are rude as hell, the problem with a lot of you artists is yea yall might have went through apprenticeship and became an artist but i know a lot of artists who work in a shop, and really dont even belong in there, because there work sucks, now i've seen a lot of awesome work come from people who may not be certified to tattoo but will beat a lot of you artists work any day. just because your an artist and work at a shop, doesn't mean you are good, face it and get over your ego trip, and stop hating on those who want to become artists and learn. you are too busy worrying about someone wanting to take away the business when you need to be concentrating on yourself, and to answer a lot of ya'll questions "YES YOU CAN OPEN A SHOP, WITHOUT BEING A TATTOO ARTIST"

32. Miguel on 1/28/2010 11:16:47 AM I have a question. My question is how to obtain permit/license with out apprenticeship? I have been doing tattoos for 6 years, self tought, and i have my own clientele/ regular customers and own most equipment already needed to start up. I have a game plan and goal which I meet every year, so how can I get the license to charge money and pay tax?

33. zach adams on 2/19/2010 11:51:28 AM dude the best thing to do is get the apprenticeship because it just adds to your background and it gives you a better name. i started when i was 17, tattooing my friends for free just to get practice i'm a great artist now and own my shop in downtown dallas its hard but just do what u need. dont DO NOT cut corners.

34. Rachyl on 3/5/2010 3:21:07 PM Anyone looking for an apprentice in Illinois? How old do you have to be in order to work at a tattoo shop/parlor? Sorry, I'm a little off subject.

35. MIAMI in ny on 3/8/2010 11:09:22 PM OK, I READ EVERYTHING WHAT EVERYONE SAID. NOW MY THOUGHT ON IT IS THIS. I AM AT THE POINT IN MY LIFE WHERE I AM READY TO OPEN, I'VE DONE EVERYTHING, LIKE TAKE THE TEST AT THE HEALTH DEP AND WENT TO GRAB A BUSINESS PERMIT. I GOT THAT NOW ALL I NEED IS FOR MY SHOP TO BE UP TO CODE. I FOUND ONE AND IT WAS A FORMER TATTOO SHOP THE OWNER LOST HIS LICENSE FOR TATTOOING A MINOR AND NOT SHOWING UP FOR COURT. NY HAS THE MOST REGULATIONS. NOW I'M READY, AND I INVESTED 5G ALREADY. EQUIPMENT EVERYTHING I NEED. I KNOW IT IS HARD TO GET CLIENTS TO FILL MY BOOKS SO I CAN MANAGE MY BILLS. BUT SOME DAYS YOU WIN SOME DAYS YOU LOOSE. IF YOUR WILLING TO DO IT. IT IS ALL WORTH IT. I'M TOO INTO IT I CANT TURN BACK. JUST FOLLOW YOUR LOVE FOR IT AND IT SHALL BLOSSOM. AND FOR THE COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BUY A TATTOO SHOP AND NOT TATTOO, IF YOU ARE WILLING TO LET THE ARTIST WORK HIS BUSINESS MAGIC AND YOU STAND BACK AND COLLECT THATS FINE BUT IT REALLY SHOULD BE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO AND REMEMBER NOT TO INTERFERE WITH. I SHOULD OPEN UP IN 2 WEEKS, GOODLUCK TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW CAUSE REMEMBER EVERYONE WANTS A TATTOO. EVEN ARTISTS AND I TATTOOED A 74 YEAR OLD YESTERDAY SO BUSINESS IS IN HIGH DEMAND.

36. will on 3/14/2010 1:29:45 AM I want to own my own tattoo parlor for the love of tattoos and the lifestyle but I don't know how to tattoo. I would like to be very hands on in the shop, since I don't know how to tattoo would it seem like I'm "lowering my rank" if I was acting as shop manager? Might be a dumb question but was on my mind. Would appreciate some input, thanks.

37. Papi on 3/24/2010 2:40:24 PM I've been painting and drawing ever since I was six years old and although I loved doing it I have never really had the confidence to do anything with it other than the occasional portrait here and there. That is, until now. Now people go crazy when they see my work. (which is a great confidence booster). The thing is every time I show someone my work they ask me if I do tattoos. (Never done it other than design a few for friends) So I would like to give it a shot. So My desire to open a shop comes from a need to gain that experience from professional artists as well as learn how to do it right. Having said all of that...Can I be an apprentice/owner? On another note. I know several people who can't draw a stick figure but they do tattoos. They use patterns and trace and all sorts of WTF!! So I am not so sure about the term "tattoo artist" Just because you work in a shop doesn't mean you are an artist or have love for the game.

38. cid on 3/31/2010 3:48:29 PM I would love to do an apprenticeship. But how do you try and get someone to even give you a chance. I used to own a salon/skin care shop. HELL YEAH...It is so much harder to be an owner than an employee. The employees aren't the one going home at night trying to figure out how to pay the rent, phone, electric, supplies, permits, etc. IF anyone knows who may give me a shot. HOLLA

39. julian on 4/5/2010 2:04:58 PM i cant find any apprenticeships, i live in philly where there is plenty of artist, and tell them i'll do little chores around the shop

40. Needle Richard on 4/18/2010 1:35:51 PM There were times when I'd have liked working for a non-artist/owner manager, and have just been free to do the art. Twenty years ago I did my first apprenticeship out in San Diego, I paid the "old school artist" 2k, worked his shop cleaning, making needles, and drawing flash for close to a year before I was allowed to do my first tattoo. Most of what I learned there is now considered to be bad practices. I left with a letter and had to agree not to work in a competing shop in the area. Even after completing a apprenticeship it was hard to make a go of it. Eventually I got a full time day job, and went from tattooing in the evenings to just tattooing close friends to not tattooing at all. Now I'm returning to the craft. First of all, Tattooing "new school" is better, there are artist today that have changed the medium forever. Self taught is bad for the clients....but we're all self taught to a degree. Its by experience that you learn what really works. People will come in and ask you to do what will be ultimately a bad tattoo....and its gonna be what they think they want. If money is your motivation.....you can guess the rest. Anyway I am an artist, and I have nothing but respect for those who've been there and done it. This is America you're free to do what you want, just humble yourself a little, and take some free advice. If you want to be a "old school artist", get an apprenticeship. If you want to be a "new school artist" then get a apprenticeship with the best. If you want to staff your shop with artists that's fine....but get ready to give up control of your shop....because you won't have it. You'll be very dependent upon your people, so you'd better get ready to pay for the best.

41. Kathy Constantin on 4/20/2010 12:40:53 PM like most of the people who commented, I am only interested in owning the shop itself. This information is very useful and yes i would love to learn all the basics and health protocols but i am not interested in being hands on and tattooing people.

42. Bianca on 4/21/2010 5:17:37 PM I think if you make your own business it will make it more easier for you and everyone else. And when you work you would not have to listen to that person and you would only doing your own thing in your shop.

43. trey on 4/29/2010 1:30:03 AM tattooing has to be a passion and really have the will to want to do it i mean anybody can go to a school or apprenticeship you have got to want to do it and love doing it even pro artist still have something to learn its a never ending learning process i've been doing it for 2 years and i have pro. artist wanting me to give them advice.

44. John on 5/14/2010 9:23:00 PM Los Angeles California 90023. If i open a tattoo shop how much should i charge them for working in my shop how does the cash go. Do i get some cash for every tattoo or do i get a certain amount every month from them? How much is it for the tatto artist to work at at shop just a main cash balk part?????

45. sheila on 5/18/2010 4:53:34 PM i think that some of the comments that have been put on here are so rude! i have over 30 tattoos and i have so much respect for the artists that do them! i want to start my own shop even though i cant tat but not because i think its easy its because i love the environment and the artist n all the ppl you meet n because it would be challenging! i think anyone should do what feels right no matter anyone else's opinion!

46. chris on 5/20/2010 2:00:30 PM I HAVE A TATTOO ARTIST THAT IS VERY WELL KNOWN AND IS AWESOME NOT JUST IN TATTOOING BUT IN ALL FORMS OF ART. HE DOES A LOT OF FREE HAND WORK NOT TRACING. HE'S BEEN DOING ME AND MY FRIENDS FOR AT LEAST SIX YEARS NOW. HE JUST GOT FIRED FROM THIS SHOP WHERE HE WAS THE ONLY REAL TATTOO ARTIST. I'VE TRIED TO GET HIM TO OPEN HIS OWN SHOP BUT HE WOULD RATHER NOT HANDLE THE BUSINESS END SO I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT OPENING A SHOP FOR HIM AND I KNOW HE CAN BRING MORE ARTISTS IF WE NEEDED IT AND BETWEEN ME AND MY FRIENDS I KNOW WE CAN GET THE CLIENTELE. MY QUESTION IS WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO OPEN OUR PARLOR. IF SOMEONE COULD PLEASE SEND ME SOME INFO ON WHAT TO DO I WOULD SERIOUSLY TRY TO DO THIS FOR HIM. AND I DO WANT TO LEARN TO BE AN ARTIST MYSELF. IF YOU HAVE WHAT I NEED PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. MY EMAIL IS saintchristopher81@yahoo.com. I'M IN WACO TEXAS. PLEASE HELP ME.

47. Cass on 5/25/2010 1:23:28 PM Wow... Reading all the comments are kinda funny, and a tad bit saddening. that Frank dude, and the Miami in NY (or something like that) sound like they got their sh!t together. I'm planning on starting a shop here in the next year or so. It's an exciting decision for me, but at the same time its scary as sh!t. I'm an artist in Lafayette, IN, been tattooing for close to 9 years, and I'm a Registered Nurse working in one of the local Emergency Rooms full time. However, I like to think of tattooing as the full time job, because whenever I'm out of uniform, I have a machine in my hand and the tunes cranked up. I'm not famous, but I am well known in my city and award winning. I like to think I'm good enough to hold my own in most competitions, but in a business sense the competition is crazy. I agree with most of these comments,... anyone can tattoo, and most artists suck... blah, blah, blah. Who cares... we seem to be getting away from the point. It's all about starting a shop, right?

Tattoo artist vs. Not a tattoo artist...The difference is an artist who owns a shop is bettering him/herself for him/her and his/her family, using his/her talent to pay the bills, and then some. No artist is ever gonna truely feel successful lining someone elses pockets. Most people think artists are "ballers", but people don't take into account the 50-60% commission. There's nothing wrong with loving tattoos, and trying to help out family by giving them a place to make their mark, but for the folks looking to make a buck, but got jack when it comes to putting it to the skin.... who's the one making the bank? Being an artist, with hopes of starting my own shop, and pursuing a dream..... I'd rather not compete with a bunch of folks who are only in it for the cash, and on top of that artists, of any media, feed off of each other (in an inspirational sense), so I would hope that any aspiring artist would rather work in the vicinity of someone who understands the skill. Everyday is a learning experience, in this industry, in all aspects art, medical, and business - and business should always fall last for anyone passionate about what they do..........

48. Dirty Money on 6/9/2010 10:38:48 PM i've been underground tattooing for 2 years and no i'm not a "fu**ing scratcher" i was trained by a professional that thought i had a good portfolio of sketches, once i learned the basics and how to keep a clean work area i started practicing outlines on friends for free until my work got better now i am doing great tattoos and i cant get hired by anyone they all talk shit like i was out there passing diseases or scarring people or they want to RE-apprentice me for 5 grand what do i do? lie to them by saying i was in a shop? open my own shop with no experience on owning a business? or just keep it underground until someone takes me under there wing

49. tattoo lover on 6/17/2010 7:42:44 PM We are starting a family owned shop in a rural area and have went through all the processes to start a business, have all the equipment ordered and even have a couple artist that have established clientele ready to work. My question is this: Do we have to have a licensed artist at the shop in order to open and run a tattoo shop??

50. Owner&Artist on 6/22/2010 4:33:06 PM Some of these questions are disturbing. If you are already in the process of opening up shop, you should already be familiar with your state's department of health regulations. Every state, county, city have different regulations. Get familiar with it if you're serious about this.

51. mike on 6/25/2010 1:19:00 AM HOME BREW TATTOO Williamstown Pennsylvania . first off all i'd like to say i started tattooing in prison got out and picked up an apprenticeship fairly quickly. after working for this shop for a little over a year with another artist and non tattooing owner i left because there wasnt enough money to go around while only making 40% off the work i was doing. so while at the shop i saved bought an autoclave chair ultrasonic tubes decent machines ect ect ect. and after my contract was up i left and took everything with me and i make a better living now than ever by traveling TO my clients and some travel to me here at home i have a nice sterile environment set up and make enough money to keep me in supplies. what i'm getting to is if your an artist be an artist owning a shop shouldn't limit you from doing what you love. and im not saying that a non tattoo artist cant own a shop, but there are better buisness investments than that because the tattoo trade rises and falls periodically and you could end up losing money. i love my trade and a studio on every corner in every street in america would bring a smile to my face but just know what your getting into before hand

52. Julian on 7/7/2010 7:25:09 PM I've read a lot of the comments. I'm looking to open a tatoo parlor. I don't tattoo but respect the art form. Can there be a balance of respect between the owner and the artist? If the facility provides all needs for the artist and the customer. I might know how to give tats, but I have no problem marketing and promoting the shop and making a name for everyone and giving to the tattoo community. ARIZONA INK COMPANY Phx, Az

53. JezzyMarie on 7/21/2010 1:50:24 AM Well I was looking into a tattoo shop but after reading a few of the comments, IF ANY ONE JUST WANTS TO HIRE ME! I can do that. I learned with my dad did it for a year from home then for a few months in his friends shop but now I'm back home miles away from there so I figured search for a job or open my own shop.

54. jon f on 7/26/2010 1:53:48 AM wow the issue was mentioned like 10 times and people still ask the same thing over and over- if you dont tattoo YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS HAVING A SHOP. you are essentially asking for pointers on how to start a business in which you will be making bank off others talent and dedication and anyone in the biz would not help you accomplish that. go find your own calling and leave us the f- alone...

55. T on 7/27/2010 6:16:34 PM To all of you who keep asking about hiring artists and just owning the shop, there's a lot more to having a great business than paying bills and in this case, tattooing people. Everything on the list of how to start the parlor does apply to you, except for getting the tattoo license, for now. There's a lot you can do as the owner to help the artist and make the clients happy. Stencils of designs need to be made, the designs need to be perfected, the clients don't want to sit there bored, and a lot of them are probably scared. You could offer drinks to keep them comfortable, give massages where the clients are to be tattooed to calm them and make them feel ready, and just talk to them so they don't get bored and leave. Working in a shop, you're going to learn a lot about the hygiene, taking care of the tattoo once it's applied, what the clients want, and maybe even about designing and tattooing. It's going to be a lot to take care of, but if you want a good business and to find an artist that enjoys working for (WITH) you, you need to make their job as simple as you can. You'll have a lot to take care of, but if tattooing is really something you're passionate about enough to want to open a shop, you'll think the work is worth it.

56. low on 7/30/2010 3:53:32 PM I just spent about 5 months at a shop owned by a couple and neither of them tattoo. I started to feel bitter towards them for WHOR*ING ME OUT.

Let me rewind... I have been tattooing for a year now. I am self taught. I started as everyone does... on myself and friends. I dedicated myself to it. I drew everyday... I would offer PORTFOLIO PIECES for free on myspace.... and would you believe that with in 6 months I got hired at a shop. Yes - I was very honest about my experience level as there were certain styles I wouldn't be comfortable doing (realism).

Well I stayed there for a few months but the business was slow and even though I was hired as an Artist / Apprentice I wasn't taught sh*t! So, I pack up and head out scouting more shops... I find another one and they hired me on the spot. I gave them the same run down... I have been doing it x amount of time - some things I might not do because I wouldn't be confident in my exp. level as of yet... OH NO PROBLEM... We think you will do well. Ok cool...

Next thing I know they are pushing me into my room with people wanting exactly what I wasn't really cool with doing (FOR THE MONEY). Now... I pulled it off because I study styles and what not on a daily... I study all kinds of artists out there and watch their videos (Nikko Hurtado, Joshua C., Mike Devries, Brandon Bond, etc). Here's the kicker - they hired another artist who was always asking me if I wanted to do his work? Seemed like once a day - You wanna do this one man? WTF... and he wouldn't touch anything other than cartoony sh*t... So, he is off one day... a guy comes in wanting realism... I am starting to get a little comfy with this but I see what he is wanting to do and I tell the owner I am not the guy for that piece. He gets mad and I hear a door slam - some sh*t gets thrown around and I think to myself ---

Oh here's another fun fact... he always wants to design our tattoos for us to do... HE DOESN'T Tattoo!!!! We do... so chill with that sh*t... So, the guy is still in the shop (the shop was super nice too... they dropped like 60 grand for something they rent lol) So I tell the guy as he was in my room - you know the other guy does great designs... even though he doesn't tattoo I think he's eager to help you design this tattoo... (He just pulls sh*t off of google images like most do) - Tell you what - go back out front and see if you see him and let him design it for you... the minute he walked out of my room - I packed my sh*t and bounced...

What's funny about this? Well being that I have been eager to work with someone that is really good so I can finally have that mentor kind of relationship - I am working with a guy who has been tattooing for 5.5 years and I can't learn jack off of him... I am working for a spoiled a** daddy's girl who is never at the shop but owns it... she treats her boyfriend (the tattoo designer but doesn't tattoo) like a b**ch and he is there all the time. She won't even let him take a day off... how sad...

So, when I left this place I have made a promise to myself... either work at a shop with a quality artist that I can actually learn something that I haven't already taught myself or better myself where I lack OR - Open my own shop... Cause see... you can hate on me for being self taught but guess what I did before I ever tattooed the first person... I got a business license... I got health dept. permitted and started a HOME Business as my studio was a divide part of the house. So, shops couldn't shut me down... and everything was legit... why did I do this? I couldn't get an apprenticeship anywhere because they already have apprentices... so I do sh*t on my own... I just hate that I moved out of that state or I would re-open that home business... man I was doing good there lol...

I can now tell you that I have now worked with people that have years in the business and look like kitchen magicians to me... but they still have that big head ego thing going on... like they are a tattoo god or guru - just makes me laugh... why am I ranting... I don't know just because I have to let this sh*t out....NOT EVERYTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE!!! If you want to who*e people out and make good money start an esco*t business... leave the art form to the artists... you will never be respected because you are a money hungry p*mp with no talent... JUST NOT COOL! That what I was trying to say...

57. sam on 8/18/2010 6:28:30 PM I have owned a tattoo studio for 10 years and I just a year and a half ago opened a second tattoo studio. I myself do not tattoo, I do however pierce and my wife does permanent cosmetics. I am at one of the shops every day. There are some really good tattoo shops owned by artists in our area and we got voted best in the county for 2009, I am very proud of that. Its like anything if you treat your people with respect pay them well and let them do what they do it works out great. What I do is pay for everything the artist needs..everything except a tattoo machine and power supply the rest I cover needles inks tubes supplies autoclaves stencil paper everything, all they do is show up and tattoo. I promote them and there work in the media, radio billboards and such. I pay liability insurance for them. I give them paid vacations and time off. An artist working at a shop another artist owns is competing with that artist I have seen that become a major issue at shops around mine and I have gotten some very good artists because of it. Each Artist at my shop earns 50 percent and some have weekly guarantees. While I can build a machine tune it and repair power supplies. My talent is not tattooing its running a business and providing a professional environment where an artist can grow and prosper.. So far it has worked out pretty well for everyone..but to each his own. The only respect I'm looking for is from our customers everyone else can kiss my a**

58. Ironleg on 8/19/2010 6:52:06 AM Phx AZ. I am presently researching and doing the planning for opening a shop with my brother who is an artists. I am not an artist myself but am very familiar with the trade. Although it is a bit of a gamble based on getting clients and advertising to set up a solid base it is not much different than any other business venture in that it takes proper planning and a good business sense to get off the ground. Saying someone shouldn't own a tattoo parlor unless they can do the art themselves is ridiculous. Has Jerry Jones every played pro football?? No but he owns a team. Yes I agree you must love and respect the art and the business. I have been taking my time and making sure I know the market in my area, which happens to be Phx Az. Here are some of the things I have done in preparation for opening a shop. I have researched for about 6 months and plan to start up in about 4 months. Researched the average startup, profit in relation to the monthly overhead for keeping the door open for first year based on location of the shop, number of artists and of course quality of work and patrons. I have all the information on the initial as well as continuing costs on licensing, insurance, medical and safety requirements to include health codes and legal statutes, expendable and fixed supplies and equipment and the average utility costs, ie electric, phone etc. I added a margin of error for repairs and unforeseen expenditures that arise from day to day operation. I contacted realty agents to provide me a list of possible leasing and buying options in the area I thought would be most beneficial and took into account those that were already set up for the needs of the shop and any costs related to remodeling to make them up to code. I have a list of suppliers for all the equipment and "tools of the trade". Researched advertising costs and options to include business cards for my artists and onsight and offsight advertising. In all this planning the most important thing I have done is sat down with the artists themselves and asked the questions. What do YOU need to work and how would YOU like to see things done as it pertains to hours, location, advertising, contracts for payments etc. At the same time showing them what my costs would be and helping them understand the business side of making a profit for them and myself. The idea is to get 4-5 artists who want to work for me and will be happy working for me and enjoy the environment they work in so I can maintain a long term client base and not have to worry about losing business by losing an artist who was unhappy. All that said I put start up between 20-25k which is a bit higher than a typical start up of around 15K due to the fact that I will also have merchandise to sell and do body piercing as well which adds to the start up. These are just a few basic start up things that may be of use to some of those asking questions. This is not my first rodeo, I have set up and sold other business ventures and am familiar with the routine of small business. I am starting this one because of my enjoyment and love for the art and the profit of the business is a benefit of enjoying what I do and being around like-minded people. I hope this helps some of you and good luck to those wishing to break into the business. The best piece of advise I have read in all of this is from SAM. It is the customer who keeps you in business not the artist, the owner or anything other than quality and happy customers who keep coming back and keep bringing their friends.

59. Laurel Van Straaten on 8/20/2010 6:10:45 PM Red Wing, MN. I am a tattoo artist trying to open a shop with my husband. But i believe it is the wrong place, wrong time and not enough money at all with only one investor on a budget. And my husband is all about going below the cut and making do, which is fine but i believe something should be done all the way right or not at all. I know most of the steps in order, but it all boils down to a money problem. And relying so much on an investor for every little thing is scaring me. I don't want to get into something that could fall apart so easily. My husband has been tattooing for 11 years and he had taught me everything i know for the past 2 years, besides the art part i was an artist before i met him. And just because my husband wants this so badly, do i let him fall into a business trap? Or convince him that we should get into someone elses shop? I desperately want to get out of Minnesota although my money is extremely tight! Anyone hiring? Oh and about having someone who isn't an artist run a shop, thats okay by me because as an artist all i want to do is art and tattooing. Do i really want to struggle over paperwork beyond my understanding, no, but it is a beautiful luxury owning your own shop.

60. AK on 8/24/2010 11:28:27 PM I live on the northshore of Massachusetts' It's not easy to open in the area that i'm in but I have a buddy that want's to make the dream come true and I'm gonna make it possible I would love support please hit me back with any help you can do .

61. Anthony on 8/31/2010 9:46:50 AM This is a sad, sad thread! Seriously, all of the NON TATTOOERS on here really should consider a hot-dog stand, pizza shop, head shop, record store, gay nite club, card shop!! All of you tattooers allowing this kind of crap should be ashamed! It's one thing for someone to "loan" you money to start, but keep them out of what they have no business getting involved in! If you want to start a business, start one you have first hand experience in!!

62. MAG on 9/2/2010 12:38:31 PM Nobody has the right to tell u what to do with your cash. If you have the balls to start a business, go for it. There are no f#@$ing rules other than your state laws in the tattoo business. This bu**$hit about owning a shop and not being an artist is a bunch of crap. Many artist in my area wouldn't have the slightest idea on how to open a shop much less the cash. Some can throw some damn good ink, but they couldn't sell $hit due to their arrogance. A high percent of artist who have come by my studio looking for work are a bunch of ex-cons who learned the trade while serving time. I can do tats, piercings, etc., but I choose not to. If I'm the f@#!ing owner of my place I can do what ever I want. Thats the beauty of being an owner. An old man like me has learned to listen to all the bu**$hit, but also have learned not to take everything to heart cause there alot of stupid people full of crap. Thats why I like the sticker that I had on my Hog which read, "you have to be young, dumb and stupid before you get old and WISE". You folks wanting to open up a shop you need to learn not to listen to everybody. Get your info. from your health dept. and start doing some research. While doing your research, you can decide what is it that your trying to start up. For example, do you want a big studio with private rooms (Plenty of space) or a barber shop style place where people are right next to each other separated by a curtain or a divider of some kind. Again, don't worry about negative people. Do your thing and live. Laterzzz, Texas

63. eli on 9/6/2010 11:37:39 PM mag is right your money your choice, only thing you have to think about is if you have one artist or an upset artist what do you do if he cant work. what do you demand if he wants different options once he starts. most shops are that the artist is not the owner its going to be a partnership otherwise why would he want to pay you

64. neeta .r. pardeshi on 9/11/2010 11:48:00 AM i am a tattoo artist. i am 23 yrs of age. i stay in mumbai @ i am opening a tattoo studio. how should i start my business. is there any seminars for tattoo so that i can gain more knowledge. thank u.

65. doin-it on 9/16/2010 1:48:01 PM The reason lots of tattoo shops go out of business is because they are run by artists. This is a BUSINESS that requires accounting, tax preparation, withholding, quarterly sales tax payments etc etc etc. Even if the artist is a business oriented person, when does he/she have the time to do the lousy legal and book keeping work? This business isn't like a kid's lemonade stand on the corner, you know!

66. artistx on 11/18/2010 11:20:33 AM p.s. i'm guessing the ones that are "complaining" about someone "skimming" has noooo clue about how to run a great business. customers come first! they are your bread and butter! remember that! i am both an artist and a business woman i WISH! i had someone to do the paperwork and i just do art! sigh

67. Mario on 11/29/2010 10:36:09 PM Is anyone in the Fort Worth TX area looking for a Artist / Apprentice?

68. Dre on 12/1/2010 9:54:45 AM Anyone looking to hire an Artist, 17 yrs old, much experience in DFW TX Area?

69. SWANKZ1 on 12/13/2010 1:07:04 PM SWANKZ INK STUDIOS, Louisville,KY. I agree w/ the guy who never tattoed and started a shop because of wanting to learn at your terms. I mean for real it makes you a better tattoo being an artists BI#$H for 1-2 yrs. NO thank you ...I have great work ethic and believe if you have time to lean you got time to clean. Now back to being an apprentice if you open up a shop,hire a Bad AZZ artist entrust that person and give them the responsibilities of running it like it their own! then advertise advertise advertise!!!!! That is the key and word of mouth is awesome and also giving coupons and gift certificates helped my bus/. out! SO dont get frustrated it is a gamble but if you can find the artists( treat and pay them GOOD),location, and an awesome atmosphere! You will succeed! Just because you're an artist at a tattoo shop also doesnt mean nothing!~ I know people who tattoo at your house and are forced to because every shop they work at cant run it long enough to keep them busy!

70. Nick on 12/18/2010 4:08:58 AM i dont understand why people are being so negative here, i plan on opening a tattoo shop in pasadena tx, and i wish the artists, or those who claim they are artist, would just take it as a complement, that some of us love tattoos and the tattoo industry but dont have the talent, i know i dont, i wish i did, but i have the means to open a shop and help the artists who do have the talent, and stop saying that the owners are only about the money, do the artists do it for free, no, its all about money, weather you have the means or the talent, we all seem to love tattoos, just have to find a way to make everyone happy, the artists get paid for their talent, and the owners get paid for funding the place, its a circle that can make everyone money if people would stop being arrogant and just take it as a job rather than acting like they are Picasso or someone famous, just take it as a compliment if someone who owns a shop gives you a chance

71. TattooTommy on 1/4/2011 1:23:56 PM Hey all. In my opinion (tattin since 1987), anyone who has a negative attitude or discourages anyone interested in opening a tattoo shop as a business is an idiot and probably gets treated like an idiot in the shop they work in. Running the business is completely separate from the artists/artwork, unless of course the owner is an idiot too. The owner/manager though needs to understand the artists and treat them well because the business needs to keep those who work hard, do great tattoos and aren't tardy, calling in sick and missing appointments, self-righteous fu**sticks like some of the guys I've worked with in the past, most of which by the way weren't very good and looked at tattooing merely as a way to get their math money. In my opinion (again) 85% of tattoo artists AND shop owners are a**holes and aren't worth their salt anyway. But then there are those who set themselves apart with their artwork and their great attitude toward tattooing, like Donovan Stringer, one of the best artists out there...look him up on Facebook! They understand that if they are to thrive, the shop has to thrive, so they understand that they do not punch a timeclock giving back to the shop is a necessity (one bad seed can rot the fruit). I plan to open a shop (probably many) after I retire from my current full-time occupation and I will hire quality artists and pay them very well for their experience and hard work, and I will shit-can those who have a bad attitude and leech off the business. Hopefully Donovan will run these shops with me...whatcha say, brother?

72. rich on 1/8/2011 1:18:33 PM Wow, lots of good advice. Lots of angry people out there. I want to open a shop in Michigan but want to learn the business first. I cant draw worth a dumb but my wife can. Anyway, Is it that taboo to have a business and not know how to give a tattoo? I have spent several years in prison and have seen some real sh*ty work. My goal is to become one of those shops that specializes in cover-ups. Is that a bad idea?


    

Finding the best male tattoo for your body is not an easy task. These guy tattoo design ideas should help you along on your quest and even give you some direction. Remember, you don't have to settle for the free artwork you see on the internet that is plastered all over the place. You can easily find great, original tattoos without having to settle for a Google search. Finding the perfect male tattoo doesn't have to be hard.

Male tattoo styles are constantly changing. While this is always going to happen, you should never pick a tattoo design just because it is the "in" thing to get. You should spend quality time when choosing a tattoo. You want your tattoo to be original, right? Keep this in mind when selecting the right tattoo styles for you body. Now, on to choosing a male tattoo design.

New School Tattoo - As a male, you have probably seen this style all over the place, whether it's online, or on someone's body. This is what would be considered the new version of the old sailor tattoos that included anchors and swallows. These classic tattoo designs are now making a comeback and many tattoo artists are creating designs that will blow you away. This is definitely a design that you can make into your own style. Males, and even females, are getting these types of tattoos now and placing them strategically on heir necks. This is an overall great male tattoo.

Japanese Kanji Tattoo - A lot of the male tattoo designs in this category seems to be on men as a "full sleeve". They are usually huge pieces of art, flowing nicely on the upper arm and shoulder area. The most popular Kanji type design happens to be the Koi Fish. This guy tattoo design is always a classic art piece.

Tribal Art Tattoo - The male tribal tattoo design has been around for a very long time. As the tribal has become a mainstream tattoo, you really need to find ways to make your tribal unique. Gone are the days of picking a tribal off of the wall and getting it inked. Many males are now getting tribal tattoo styles in color, instead of just using black or green. Overall, this is a fantastic male tattoo design.

Whatever style or design that you happen to pick, please, take your time when choosing. Never settle for the first thing that you happen to see. There is a lot of artwork out there that might look good on paper, but they will not look very good on your skin. This is because a lot of the art that you are seeing was not specifically made to become a tattoo. While there are so many fresh, original make tattoo designs out there, you should always take your time when finding a guy tattoo that will fit your particular body.

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Feminine Tattoos - A Delicate and Beautiful Art Feminine tattoos are gaining popularity world-wide. Ready why. Tattoos were often considered to be the stuff of macho bikers that wanted to show that they can stand all that pain. Today tattoos have become part of mainstream culture and are being used by people who wish to show their appreciation for art and beauty. During the early days of this change the art of tattooing was more or less confined to men. It is only in recent that more and more women are going in for tattoos. This is because of a vast change in social perception where women tattoos are no longer frowned upon. There are several celebrities that have got tattoos and this has increased popular appeal for this form of art and also increased the social acceptance of tattoos on women. Because of this there are now new designs that specially appeal to feminine tastes.

Feminine tattoos are generally smaller and far prettier than those for men. Whereas male tattoos often include animals, logos, and other intimidating symbols tattoos for women feature flowers, butterflies, fairies, and similar concepts that represent delicacy and beauty. Tattoos for women feature thinner lines with more delicate coloring. They are not as aggressive in appearance as male tattoos. However, even this trend is undergoing a change because the increasing popularity of female tattoos has resulted in some women going in for heavy tattoos of the sort preferred by men.

Tattoo artists are now reporting that their largest clientele is made of women. They also state that women are better than men when it comes to the application of tattoos. For women, the design of tattoos is as important as the placement. Women spend far too much time comparing and selecting designs based on the body part where they intend to apply it. Though women are increasingly going in for heavier design elements their focus still remains on the sophisticated and the beautiful.

Two areas are generally preferred by women and these are the lower back and the tail bone areas. The lower back area is quite tantalizing and a sensitive spot for a woman to have a tattoo on. It is visible only in glimpses and like all things that are doled out in rare flashes this increases its appeal. Most of the designs for the lower back area tend to follow a V shape in order to accentuate the figure of the female form. Some of the most commonly used designs for this area include butterflies, angels, lions, hearts, insect wings, serpents, and several sorts of flowers. Nearly all designs are elaborated with wings or tendrils for a more balanced look. The lotus flower is supposed to represent the past, present, and the future. Flowers and animals are representative of femininity and fertility. Serpents and dragons are hints of trouble. The eagle represents courage and determination.

Another preferred area is the foot or ankle. These tattoos represent purity and simplicity. Professional and career minded women usually prefer foot or ankle tattoos because they are highly personal and not overbearing in any way.

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Lily Tattoo Designs – Exotic Beauty There are a variety of different tattoos that people can get for their bodies. These tattoos come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors. One thing that is common between most tattoos is that they have some sort of special meaning behind them. When someone is looking specifically for lily tattoos, they may want to know more about the meaning of the lily before deciding. This tattoo is one of the most popular floral tattoos for women, and features different flower colors. Each of these colors has a special meaning associated with them.

The lily flower is native to Europe. It was imported to many other countries as people loved the beauty of this flower. Traditional lily flowers are the color white, and they are associated with purity and innocence. This is what many Christians view them as today. The Greeks thought this same flower symbolized fertility and procreation. This flower is also featured on the French coat of arms as a legend says King Louis VII had the flower brought to him by an angel. It is supposed to ensure the prosperity of the royal line in this country.

Different colors of lily tattoos include yellow, pink, and white. These colors all have different meanings associated with them. The yellow lily tattoo is a symbol of nobility. The white lily has different meanings including virginity, purity, and majesty. This is a very popular color for a lily tattoo for women. The pink colored lily tattoo is a sign of vanity.No matter what color a women chooses when getting this tattoo, she will be sure to love the design of the lily.

Many different women will enjoy lily tattoos because they are very beautiful. These women may want to get this tattoo as a sign that they are proud and strong. They can get this tattoo in different areas of the body, but one of the more popular areas is on the  back. This area gives them plenty of room to have a large image of a lily. Many different colors can be combined to make the entire flower as the middle may be a different color than the petals. Anyone thinking of getting a tattoo will want to make lily tattoos their first choice.

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Frog Tattoos Posted on 25 December 2009. Tags: animale tattoo

Frog Tattoos – Frogs are another popular animal tattoo.

They are the symbols of:

• Life
• Fertility
• Harmony
• Licentiousness

Many Christians, these days, are getting frogs tattooed on their body because of the anacronym : Forever Rely On God.

Musician Tattoos: Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Elvis… June 17th, 2009 by matt We are starting a new music tattoo pictures section on the site feel free to link to your favorite tattoo pictures in the section this page is dedicated to music tattoos.
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John Fitzgerald
Jim Morrison
Slave to the Needle Tattoo & Body Piercing
508 NW 65th Street ¦ Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: 206.789.2618
Chris Thompson
Slave to the Needle Tattoo & Body Piercing - East Location
403 N.E. 45th St. ¦ Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: 206.545.3685


Bobtyrrell.com
Tupac
Eastpointe, Michigan
Private Studio


Bobtyrrell.com
Neil Young
Eastpointe, Michigan
Private Studio


Bobtyrrell.com
Johnny Cash
Eastpointe, Michigan
Private Studio


Deano Cook
Jimmy Hendrix
Psycho Tattoo
1289 Roswell Rd. Suite 400
Marietta, GA 30062

Heather McLean

Pavel Angel

Nate Beavers
Tom Waits
Off the Map Tattoo
March 12, 2009 - March 16, 2009
Easthampton Ma 01027


Nikko Hurtado
Gwen Stefani
Ignition Tattoo
APPLE VALLEY , CA US

Paul Acker
Phish
Deep Six in Philadelphia, PA

Rob Hernandez
Trent Reznor

Rob Hernandez
Ray Charles

Rob Hernandez
Jimmy Hendrix


Anil Gupta
Bob Marley
Inkline Studio
62 Rivington Street, #1-B
Bet. Allen St & Eldridge St,
New York, NY 10002
212-228-3393


Anil Gupta
Frank Sinatra
Inkline Studio
62 Rivington Street, #1-B
Bet. Allen St & Eldridge St,
New York, NY 10002

Tags: bob tyrrell, Chris Thompson, Deano Cook, deep six, Heather McLean, Ignition Tattoo, john fitzgerald, musician tattoos, nate beavers, Nikko Hurtado, off the map tattoo, paul acker, pavel angel, rob hernandez, rock star tattoos, slave to the needle, tattoo designs, Tattoo Pictures
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The Power of Tattoo January 26th, 2011 by MJones There will never be an end to the opportunities that tattoos can present.  Some of these opportunities are good and some are, well…not so good.  But when all is said and done, as long as tattoo retains the popularity that it has gained over the last few years, there will always be an unlimited range of possibilities.  I think that any smart or clever celebrity knows exactly how to wield tattoos in their favour as well.  Take a look at the news on any given day of the week and you most likely will find something about this or that celebrity who has just acquired their most recent tattoo.  The media love it and the celebrities themselves can’t get enough of the attention and press that a new tattoo presents them with.

Unsurprisingly enough, the world of the internet matched with the promise of a tattoo can bring an additional wealth of attention to a celebrity.  At least that’s something that UK based, Sri Lanka born musician M.I.A plainly recognises.  This past year saw the release of M.I.A.’s third album, MAYA.  The album, which dealt with issues of government repression and Western society’s apathy as a result of its technological achievements, was panned by most critics as well as many of M.I.A.’s own fans.

After what amounted to something of a rough summer for M.I.A., she has switched things around in 2011 and is instead using the evil internet for her own personal gains.  This time, she’s promised that if 200,000 fans join her on her Twitter page, she’ll get Born Free tattooed on to her fingers.  Born Free was the title of the first single from MAYA (and arguably the best on the album) and it was only once a fan sent M.I.A. a photo of herself with the Born Free tattoo on her own fingers that M.I.A. decided that she wanted the same thing.



It’s funny to think that an artist would be capitalising on the success of another form of art in order to increase their own profile.  I mean really, people aren’t going to be joining M.I.A.’s Twitter page because they love her music, they’ll be joining because they want to see her get a tattoo.  If you really want to be cynical and critical about it, the entire thing has nothing to do with M.I.A., her politics or her music.  It has to do with the love and fascination that the public have for seeing celebrities get tattooed.

Tattoo Blog Art that adorns the flesh…

Tattoo Blog » Celebrity » Mane Concern

Mane Concern January 27th, 2011 by MJones Regrets…I’ve had a few…

Hey, who hasn’t had regrets at one point or another in their life?  I guess it’s only natural.  Yet somehow, it seems like there are certain people who shouldn’t have regrets when it comes to their careers and the work that they do.  Doctors, lawyers, guys who work at bungee jump places and believe it or not, tattoo artists.

This is all of course, just a matter of my opinion.  I do think that however, that a tattoo artist should always be in control of their environment as well as how they operate within that environment.  I have much respect for tattooists who don’t take any shit, tattooists who once you’ve stepped into their world are for the most part, calling the shots.  Sure, a tattooist is responsible for tattooing what the customer wants, where the customer wants, when the customer wants.  But what about the case of rapper Gucci Mane, who last week had an ice cream cone tattoo done on his right cheek?  Mane has obvious mental health issues, having been released from a mental health institute just before getting his latest tattoo from Atlanta based tattooist Shane Willoughby at Willoughby’s Tenth Street Tattoo.  Is this irresponsible work on the part of Willoughby?



Look, I’m not trying to point fingers or suggest that Willoughby is a bad tattooist.  I’m just trying to understand where the line should be drawn when it comes to tattooing.  I’ve known tattooists who will tattoo anything on anyone, even if they’re drunk.  At the same time, I’ve known others who won’t tattoo anyone who has been drinking.  Is one more responsible than the other or is it simply a different manner of working?

‘”I was [hesitant] like ‘Are you sure you want to put that much [ink] in that area?,’” said Willoughby. “He came straight to the counter and that’s where he pointed.” The artist also assured people Gucci was sober. ”I won’t tattoo anybody if their [drunk] or high because I can’t stand the smell of weed… [Gucci] seemed completely sober. He knew what he was doing.”‘

Despite believing that Mane was sober, is that enough?  I think there’s a difference between knowing what a customer wants and giving it to them and giving a mentally ill customer a tattoo.  Is there the possibility that Willoughby gave Mane his ice cream tattoo because of Mane’s celebrity status?  Perhaps.  But in the end, I do believe that Willoughby was just trying to do his job.  Unfortunately, I also believe that he made the wrong call when he agreed to do Mane’s tattoo.

Should tattooists take more accountability for the tattoo work they do?  Normally I would say no, that it’s up to the customer and entirely the customer’s responsibility.  Yet when the mental status of the customer is questionable, I think that an artist has a certain moral responsibility to uphold.

‘Many readers questioned if Mane will regret this tattoo down the line, he certainly didn’t immediately after. “He was stoked. Had no regrets… was jumping up and down. That’s the way he rolls,” said the Tenth Street Tattoo owner. ”I don’t think I’ll ever do [that] again… no matter how successful [the celebrity],” he added.’

Tags: Atlanta tattoo, Celebrity, Dislike, Gucci Man face tattoo, News, Shane Willoughby tattoo artist, Shane Willoughby tattooed Gucci Mane, Stories, Tattoo Artists, tattoo blog, Tenth Street Tattoo, Workforce
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