How to Start a Tattoo Artist Business
For tattoo artists working for themselves: the questions to ask local officials, where you'll tattoo, the paperwork and your first custom-piece invoice.
Going independent as a tattoo artist starts with two sets of questions: what your local health department and your state's licensing agency ask of artists and studios, and whether you'll rent a booth or open a studio. Then register, get a tax ID, arrange insurance and decide how to bill custom work. The tattoo artist invoicing guide linked below explains deposits and multi-session pieces.
Ask both offices before you book clients, and ask your city about zoning for a studio. The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "The licenses and permits you need from the state, county, or city will depend on your business activities and business location."
A custom piece in sample figures: a design drawing at 1 × $140.00 and 3 hours of tattooing at 3 × $150.00 = $450.00 bring the invoice to $140.00 + $450.00 = $590.00. Use your own figures; these are only an illustration.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your tattoo artist business on solid footing.
- 1
Ask your health department and licensing agency
Find out what your local health department and your state's licensing agency require of you and of the place you'll work, before you take bookings.
- 2
Decide between a booth and a studio
Compare renting a station in an existing shop with leasing your own space, including who handles the shop's permits.
- 3
File your business registration
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Visit your Secretary of State’s website to find out which permits and licenses you need."
- 4
Get an EIN
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number." The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN."
- 5
Talk to an insurance agent
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Business insurance can fill in any gaps in coverage." Ask the agent which policies fit a tattoo business in your state.
- 6
Quote and bill custom work
Send a quote with the design and the expected hours, then invoice the final session against it.
Tips for starting your tattoo artist business
- Keep signed consent and booking records with each client's invoice.
- Put money aside for tax each month. The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026) says "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%."
- Photograph finished pieces, with each client's permission, to show future clients.
- Keep receipts for ink, needles and supplies. The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated May 1, 2026) says "You must be able to prove certain elements of expenses to deduct them."
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Estimate Attachments
Billed's features page says: "Attach important files and images with your estimates."
Convert An Estimate To Invoice
Billed's features page says: "Convert your estimate to invoice with a single click after getting approval from your client."
Estimate Notes
Billed's features page says: "Add important notes for your clients in estimates."
Payment Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Send payment receipts to your clients after they have paid for your invoices."
Frequently asked questions
Bill Your First Custom Piece
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Question | Who to ask | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Artist and studio requirements | Local health department, state licensing agency | Pointer |
| Permits | State, county and city offices | SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) |
| Tax ID | An EIN, at no fee | IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) |
| First invoice | Design, hours, any deposit | Tattoo artist invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
Apprentices and artists employed by a shop can skip these steps for now; they're for artists running their own business.