The Realities of Being a Tattoo Artist in Your First Years

5-6 min read

Let’s get real for a second: being a tattoo artist isn’t the constantly booked, glamorous life we see all over Instagram. Yeah, we have tools like Facebook ads, Instagram, and Google ads that can help you blow up quickly—but is that the reality for everyone? Not quite.

Some people are absolutely killing it, sure, but what about those who aren’t as comfortable with social media or paid ads? It’s a powerful tool, no doubt. But not everyone leverages it the same way. Some artists thrive in person, others behind a screen, and both approaches work—if you know how to work them.

So, what if you’re not hitting that visibility jackpot online?

Adapt or Get Left Behind

Here’s the truth: if you’re not taking advantage of online tools, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. And like any other industry, tattooing is evolving fast. If you don’t keep up, you risk getting left behind.

Are you relying on walk-ins? It’s still a valid way to build a client base, especially in the right shop, but you’ve got to face the facts: walk-ins are seasonal. And with that comes a lot of unpredictability.

Why Foot Traffic Is Not Enough

Foot traffic has its ups and downs. During summer, when the sun’s out and people are on the streets, business can be great. But winter? When it’s freezing and rainy, people aren’t thinking about tattoos—they’re staying in, saving up for Christmas, or keeping their money tight for essentials.

Relying on walk-ins means relying on the weather, the season, and the flow of people outside. And if you don’t have a strong online presence to back that up, those slow months can hit you hard.

So, How Do You Adapt?

If your business depends on foot traffic alone, it’s time to get creative. Think flash sales, special event days, or even collaborations with other local businesses. Consider hosting late-night tattoo sessions with a vibe—maybe live music, art shows, or just some beers and chill vibes. Get people in the door, even if they’re not getting tattooed right away.

You don’t have to be a social media wizard, but you do need a strategy. In the off-seasons, your business needs a spark to keep it going. And the truth is, if you’re not adapting, you’ll be stuck in that feast-or-famine cycle.

Why Some Artists Struggle—and Why Others Thrive

I’ve seen artists give up when the slow season hits. They start looking for “stable” jobs because they think tattooing isn’t working out for them. But here’s the thing: tattooing gives you a freedom that most jobs can’t touch.

Yes, you’re your own boss. You manage your time, your money, your vacation days. And while it might feel risky, it’s nothing like being chained to a 9-to-5 job with 28 days of paid vacation. You’ve got the freedom to build something that’s yours.

Freedom Comes with Responsibility

Of course, with freedom comes the need for discipline. You can’t blow all your cash during the good months and then wonder why you’re struggling during the slow ones. It’s about learning how to manage your money and your time, so that when winter comes around, you’re ready.

The Grind is Worth It

Being a tattoo artist is a grind—just like any other self-employed creative. It takes hustle, it takes grit, and it takes learning from the seasons. Some months are going to be packed with clients, and others might leave you twiddling your thumbs. But if you learn how to market yourself, adapt to the seasons, and manage your business, you’ll find that tattooing gives you something far better than a “stable” job: freedom.

It’s all about having that fighter spirit. Keep pushing through the slow months, stay hungry, and remember why you got into this business in the first place. The freedom to create, the ability to be your own boss, and the potential to make this career everything you’ve ever wanted.

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