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Imagine walking into a buzzing tattoo studio, where creativity meets skin in a dance of ink and artistry. Behind every bold line and vibrant color is a tattoo artist, a master of their craft.
As we all know tattoo art has a form of self-expression and its demands continue to rise. This has made everyone curious, what these artists earn for turning bodies into canvases
Here in this blog we will be looking into the factors that influence the tattoo artist earnings. How much effort they will put into this for making their career. Let’s explore about do tattoo artists make good money?
Who is a Tattoo Artist?
He is a skilled professional who has been creating permanent designs on the skin using specialized tools and techniques. Their responsibilities are to capture your client’s imagination in tattoo design.
They use artistic abilities to translate these ideas into unique and personalised tattoos. They will discuss the design concepts with you and provide recommendations as well.
Although tattoo artists have detailed understandings for designs by using tattoo machines and other equipment. To become a tattoo artist you must complete training with a licensed tattoo artist for at least three years. Requirements vary from state to state so before pursuing the career you should know everything in detail.
They employ combination of digital and physical design techniques to create their artwork:
Digital Design Techniques
Nowadays tattoo artists use computer software such as Adobe Photoshop or illustrator to create and manipulate the digital designs. It allows them to experiment with different elements, colours and compositions before getting done with the final design. Once it gets done, it can be printed for the actual tattooing process.
Physical Design Techniques
There are some tattoo artists who always prefer to work with traditional mediums like pen and paper. They may get started with the sketching of the initial design concept by hand either for gangster tattoo ideas or statue of liberty. This could be especially for incorporating client’s ideas. It can refine the design by adding details, shading and texture for creating unique and personalized tattoo design.
Freehand Drawing Techniques
It requires a high level of skill and confidence in the artist’s abilities. You need to have a deep understanding of techniques and client’s preferences. Tattoo artists seem to create designs to meet the expectations of clients.
What are the Job duties of Tattoo Artists?
Here are the following job duties of tattoo artists as per the different job descriptions:
Meeting with Clients
Tattoo artists schedule appointments with clients to discuss their tattoo ideas, preferences and desired design.
Discussion on custom tattoo design
It’s essential to discuss all the aspects of custom tattoo design with clients. What else they are looking for from design choices, sizing and placement of the design will be discussed.
Draw Tattoo Designs
Artists will use their artistic skills to create unique and customized designs based on the specifications given by clients. They could have opted digitally or paper technique before getting started with the design creation.
Prepping up the work area
Tattoo artists should prioritize hygiene and safety by strict sterilization procedures. They need to make sure all equipment and work surfaces are properly sanitized to prevent the spread of infections.
Tattoo Application
Latest tattoo machines, needles and ink are used onto the client’s skin. They carefully control the depth and speed of the needle to make sure precise and accurate line and colouring.
Maintaining records of client consultation
Keep the consultation records which will help to prevent any ambiguity. It tracks the progress of design development based on client feedback and preferences.
Tattoo Artist Salary
The average tattoo artist salary in the United States varies on the basis of experience and skills. Inexperienced tattoo artists’ salaries would be between $25,000 to $45,000 per year. Experienced and established tattoo artists can earn higher salaries from $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
The more you improve their skills, expand their knowledge and build a strong client reputation to increase the earning potential. Portfolio building will make you better and more experienced. You will also find the people who are willing to pay more for your work.
Here we have mentioned the difference between Entry-Level and Experienced tattoo artists:
| Factors | Entry-Level Artists | Experienced Artist |
| Salary Range | $25,000 – $35,000 | $50,000 – $100,000+ |
| Skill Level | Developing skills, limited experience | Highly skilled, extensive experience |
| Client Base | Building a client base, establishing reputation | Established client base, repeat customers |
| Portfolio | Limited and developing portfolio | Extensive and diverse portfolio |
| Specialization | Generalist with limited specialization | Specialized in specific styles/themes |
| Reputation | Building reputation within the industry | Established and respected reputation |
| Pricing | Lower rates to attract clients | Higher rates reflecting skill and experience |
| Marketing | Building online presence, social media engagement | Established online presence, industry networking |
Income of Tattoo Artist: Per Day, Monthly & Yearly
| Career Level | Per Day (approx.) | Monthly (approx.) | Yearly (approx.) |
| Beginner | $50 – $150 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| Intermediate | $150 – $500 | $3,000 – $10,000 | $36,000 – $120,000 |
| Experienced | $500 – $1,000+ | $10,000 – $20,000+ | $120,000 – $240,000+ |
What could be the Profit-Boosting Factors of Tattoo artists?
To become a profitable tattoo artist you need to pay attention to the following factors:
Skill Level and Experience
The level of skills and experience of the artists increase the demand for profitability. They can increase the higher rates for their work with high quality tattoos that demonstrate expertise in designs.
Reputation
Pay attention to recommendations and online reviews to increase online recognition. Encourage your clients to give feedback when they get done with the service because a strong online reputation will attract the higher paying customers.
Prices
Setting competitive and fair pricing is important for a profitable career as a tattoo artist. Although the income of a tattoo artist varies from experience to expertise. Make sure you are regularly reviewing the pricing as per the market demand.
Marketing strategies
Effective marketing strategies can help to attract clients. Social media platforms are the best to showcase the work and followers engagement. It increases the exposure and profitability.
Additional Services
Artists who offer additional services can boost revenue. It could be providing aftercare products or touch-up services for tattoos.
Continuous Learning
Staying updated with the latest trends is important. Make sure you are aware of techniques and equipment in the tattoo industry. Continuous learning and improving skills attract a huge range of clients to contribute profitability.
Highly Paid Tattoo Artists for Inspiration
1. Kat Von D
Kat Von D is known for renowned appearances on reality TV shows. He has established herself as a successful tattoo studio in Los Angeles and her own line of beauty products.
2. Ami James
He is also one of the well-known tattoo artists who gained recognition through appearance on Miami Ink. He has expanded his business to multiple locations including Dubai, London and New York City. His work helped him to get a prominent reputation in the industry.
3. Bang Bang
His real name is Keith McCurdy who is based in New York City. He has already tattooed various celebrities like Rihanna and Justin Bieber. He got substantial financial success.
Final Thoughts
These are the factors that we have gathered to help you in making more money. It’s essential to follow all the instructions with a professional mind-set to achieve success. It will show professionalism and dedication.
