Private appointment-only tattoo studio

Clients wanting larger custom pieces or a more private, relaxed experience, usually booked through your portfolio and social media.

Hourly or per-piece pricing with deposits, plus income from renting chairs to guest or resident artists once you have space.

• Experienced, confident tattooing
• Strong personal style and portfolio
• Bookings, budgeting and basic business admin
• Infection control and keeping the studio compliant

• Studio licensing, registration and fit-out standards differ by state and council, so check before signing a lease
• Council approval may be needed for the premises, and home-based tattooing is often restricted, so check before considering it
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire or take on staff
• Waste handling for sharps and clinical waste, and strict sterilisation records
• A lease and fit-out are fixed costs that continue in slow months
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $70,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, sterilisation equipment and supplies. A lease and fit-out are fixed costs that continue in slow months, so plan for them.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $24,000, depending on your pricing, how many clients you book and whether you later rent chairs to other artists. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week.

Studio licensing, registration and fit-out standards differ by state and council, so check before signing a lease. Also check council approval for premises, restrictions on home-based tattooing, sharps and clinical waste handling, insurance, workers compensation and GST.