Artist Compensation

If it isn't too much trouble to ask-- I'm working in conjunction with several artists to open a tattoo shop/art gallery within Portland, Oregon. Many of the logistics of any commercial space are known to my business partner and I, after investing in several other types of businesses. However, this field is one we have been passionate about for most of our lives, though neither of us is an artist. I've worked in medical for quite some time and am familiar with sterilization standards, hygienic practices, and removal of bio-hazardous materials. We are less than sure how to connect with all other health standards, but we expect to find help with that through local civic resources. One thing we cannot find through similar means, is that answer to artist compensation. We would like to offer our contracted artists a percentage of their hourly rates, rather than charge them a rental fee. We believe that this will offer incentive to our artists, though also to ourselves, for we want to have very good reason to extend ourselves through great marketing and networking. Do you have an opinion as to what is a fair/common split, as far as a percentage of compensation goes? There are many questions we are having answered by the artists collaborating with us to open this shop, but in regards to that question, we would like to know what industry standards are before committing. My partner initially wanted 50/50, though I wanted 60/40 in favor of the artists, in order to avoid resentment. Opinions on this matter? Thank you so much for your response.

Go 50% split for all new artist for first month.If they prove worthy and produce good work then bump up to 60% sort of a trial period see if artist fits and stays and such. best of luck.

Its 60/40 artist they supply there own disposables. paper towels, needles, etc...or 50/50 you supply the stuff they just need machines, ink, power unit, tubes, you supply everything else. http://facebook.com/TheFleshArtist