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5 Things All Tattoo Artists Need in Their Studio

Start Your Studio Today

By Sheryl WrightPublished 5 years ago 3 min read

Are you preparing to open up your own tattoo shop? Tattoo shops are not just artist studios. Tattooing is an occupation that will require the use of a very specific set of equipment. Tattoo artists need not only art supplies, ink, stencils, but also medical equipment such as needles and bandages. The more of these items you have in advance, the quicker you will be able to satisfy the needs of your customers. Here are the top 5 items that every tattoo artist needs to have in their studio.

1. You'll Need the Right Kind of Chair

One of the very first items that you need to have in your shop is the right kind of tattoo artist chair. This is an absolute must if you want to give your customers the highest level of comfort during an admittedly sometimes awkward and painful experience. The right kind of chair will give you the leverage you need to do a great job for your client.

2. Make Sure You Display Your Art Portfolio

One thing that you will definitely see in the studio of every reputable tattoo artist is their portfolio. There will be a special corner of the studio set aside for you to check out all of the very best examples of their work. This is a way for tattoo artists to show off the depth and range of their skills for your benefit.

Take a look at the portfolios that other artists have in their own studios. You can get a very good idea of their style and what they do best. You should model your own portfolio on the artists that you respect the most. This way, you can learn to show off your own skills in a manner that is sure to whet the appetite of the public.

Make sure to stock up on ink as well. Ink is probably one of the most important things all tattoo artists and shops need in stock. Be sure to buy only safe and approved ink for tattooing, and get a variety of colors. If your displayed work has color included, make sure you have those specific colors also available to your clients.

3. Stock Up on High Tech Safety Supplies

When it comes to the safety of your customers, you can't afford to cut corners. This is an area where the latest tattoo safety supplies will be an absolute necessity. It will be your task to make sure that you have all that you need to keep your customers safe, happy, and comfortable as you provide them with your services.

4. Buy a Top Shelf Tattoo Gun

One of the most obvious supplies that you will need for your tattoo shop will be a gun to do the actual tattooing with. If you are just starting out in the business, you may want to choose a gun that is made of either aluminum or steel. These are a bit more lightweight and easy to handle than the machines that are made for experienced pros.

There are many different types of guns available on the market. As you get more experienced, you can switch to a heavier unit that is made of copper or iron. The heavier guns will give you more precision to work with. Once you're able to use a heavier gun, you can offer more complex and detailed tattoo options for your customers.

5. You'll Need a Reliable Power Supply

The power supply that you will need for your tattoo studio consists of a number of easily identifiable components. You will need to have the power supply itself as well as a footswitch for easy access. You'll also need a spring clip cord as well as a feeler gauge in order to guarantee the maximum amount of mobility and precision.

It's Time to Stock Up on Supplies

The time is now for you to stock up on all of the various supplies that you will need to make your tattoo studio an instant success. Lucky for you, these are cost-effective items that you don't need to break your budget to obtain. All of them are absolute necessities you will need to keep your customers safe, happy, and fully satisfied.

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