Why Choose a Private Tattoo Studio?

A Private Studio Can Make or Break Your Tattoo Experience

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve poked around on my website or Instagram and gleaned that I work from a private studio. This is not particularly common in tattooing and most people envision a shop with a lot of stations, artists and maybe even a front desk person. So why do I choose this arrangement? It comes down to personal preference and client happiness.

I began renting my current workspace in early 2018 which as I write this is a little over 5 years ago. I was ( and continue to be) seeing clients as an aesthetician and focusing a lot on cosmetic tattoos, predominantly eyebrows. I was only just starting to offer decorative hand poked tattoos at that time. I had never had a private work space before, I just found an amazing studio with ample parking in a fantastic location that was way cheaper than the loud room I had been previously renting in an old building nearby.

Frankly I was pretty freaked out about taking on the responsibility when I first moved in. It seemed HUGE for my needs (it’s a converted one bedroom apartment, roughly 800 sq ft) and maybe just a little too good to be true. I couldn’t really believe my good fortune at finding such a great spot. As I began to get settled in and seeing clients, I realized how much I loved the peacefulness. It suits my introverted and highly sensitive nature. I loved and still love the control I have over the client experience.

The noise levels, the music, the smells, the bathroom cleanliness, etc. There were no co-workers' energies to navigate, just my own and my client’s. This has allowed me to expand as a professional and a creative in ways I don’t think would be as feasible in a shared environment.

I’m now very dug into my little nook. To love one’s work space isn’t dissimilar to loving one’s home. I care for my studio with the same care as my house. I think the best part of that is that my clients feel relaxed as though they are visiting a friend. I predominantly see female identifying clients and so many of them have expressed relief to not be in a traditional shop while receiving their tattoo. It turns out a lot of female clients (or perhaps softer energied clients, no matter how they identify on the gender spectrum) feel intimidated by traditional tattoo shops, or like they don’t belong. I am truly honored to offer a space that feels peaceful, welcoming and sacred even when experiencing some physical discomfort.