Tattoo Shop

Hi, I know this has already been asked, but just wanted some feedback. I am NOT a tattoo artist, but I was interested in opening up a shop sometime in the near future. I am going for marketing and advertising, and alot of my good friends work at shops along the new england coast. I could get artists, and space and equipment and everything in between, just wondering if you have to be an artist to make a profit? I have been doing piercings for a few years so I would do that also. And what is a "normal" percentage cut, depending on an artist? Thanks.

I'd read the backposts on this. You may change your mind. I'll be the first to tell you that you can expect to receive alot of negativity on this... Ask yourself- what can you contribute to the tattoo world and why does the tattoo world need another person who just wants to make a buck from it? Plenty of other ventures to make $$ from, without offending anyone or making enemies.

If you have been piercing for years as a professional then you should already know the answers to your own questions.If you have been piercing "on the scab" that is out of your house or in anything other than a professional surrounding then you have absolutely no business trying to sneak in the back door of this our sacred art. The answers to all your questions are right on this site...all ya gotta do is look at the old posts and listen to Joe Capobianco,Krystof and others...DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!! E-mal me if any of this is not clear...Taz

How did I do Krystof and Joe...Piercing for years and needs info on opening a studio?....Jeeeeeeeesh!!

No, I am not taking the art for a joke taz- i worked at lifestyles, and at a tattoo shop piercing for about 4 years, and a year apprenticing.

Perhaps the most diplomatic answer for you then would be to contact an old co-worker [after 4 years you probably are on pretty good terms with at least a few] and talk to them about it. This forum is responded to by professionals and nutjobs alike. So cut your losses now and talk to real people in person, instead of random e-people who are: 1) going to tell you what you want to hear and perhaps give you bad advice (the nutjobs) or 2) in about 2 posts from now are going to start chewing you out (the professionals).

Perhaps the most diplomatic answer for you then would be to contact an old co-worker [after 4 years you probably are on pretty good terms with at least a few] and talk to them about it. This forum is responded to by professionals and nutjobs alike. So cut your losses now and talk to real people in person, instead of random e-people who are: 1) going to tell you what you want to hear and perhaps give you bad advice (the nutjobs) or 2) in about 2 posts from now are going to start chewing you out (the professionals).

Hi its Vanitynumber I didn't want to really respond on the tattooNow website but I emailed you this as well, just wanted to tell you that I am not some shady girl who does piercings in her living room to her friends and stick saftey pins in their belly buttons. I actually love doing it. However, although I worked for a tattoo shop, it doesn't mean that I know how to run one. I was always left in the dark about how it was run. I told them what I needed, they ordered it- I came to work did my job and left. Please, don't try to make me look like some underachiever or moron on the tattooNOW website, I am sure there have been worse questions asked. I don't know the normal cut, because each artist is different depending on how good/expierence/etc... I am trying to finish up school and I am not trying to just make a buck. I want to establish a place where I know good artists are and have something I am proud of. Sorry for trying to make a living. And that is why I asked the question- can you own a shop without being a tatoo artist, because all of the shops Ive been to and know of, the owner is also a tattoo artist. I know most of what I need to know I will have to figure out myself (location,costs, and so on) but a little in put would of been helpful- I will go somewhere else. Thank you. Vanitynumber

Hi its Vanitynumber I didn't want to really respond on the tattooNow website but I emailed you this as well, just wanted to tell you that I am not some shady girl who does piercings in her living room to her friends and stick saftey pins in their belly buttons. I actually love doing it. However, although I worked for a tattoo shop, it doesn't mean that I know how to run one. I was always left in the dark about how it was run. I told them what I needed, they ordered it- I came to work did my job and left. Please, don't try to make me look like some underachiever or moron on the tattooNOW website, I am sure there have been worse questions asked. I don't know the normal cut, because each artist is different depending on how good/expierence/etc... I am trying to finish up school and I am not trying to just make a buck. I want to establish a place where I know good artists are and have something I am proud of. Sorry for trying to make a living. And that is why I asked the question- can you own a shop without being a tatoo artist, because all of the shops Ive been to and know of, the owner is also a tattoo artist. I know most of what I need to know I will have to figure out myself (location,costs, and so on) but a little in put would of been helpful- I will go somewhere else. Thank you. Vanitynumber