Tattoo artist renting a chair in a studio

Individual clients who want custom or flash tattoos, cover-ups and touch-ups, usually after a consultation.

Per piece or per hour, often with a deposit to secure the booking. You keep what is left after booth rent and supplies.

• Strong drawing and design
• Steady hands and patience
• Clear communication with nervous clients
• Strict hygiene habits

• Check provincial and municipal rules for personal service settings and any artist licence or registration
• Commercial general liability insurance, and whether the studio's cover includes you
• Age rules for clients, consent forms and records you must keep
• Rent is due even in slow months, so winter or quiet spells can squeeze income
• Self-employed tax set-aside and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $2,000 to $7,000, depending on your equipment and supplies and the studio's rent terms. Rent is due even in slow months, so check the arrangement carefully before agreeing.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many clients you book and your session prices. This is before rent and costs. Expect at least about 15 hours a week.

Things to check: provincial and municipal rules for personal service settings and any artist licence or registration; whether the studio's insurance covers you; age rules, consent forms and records; and GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.