Private appointment-only tattoo studio

Adults wanting custom or flash tattoos, cover-ups and memorial pieces, often found through Instagram and word of mouth.

Hourly rate or fixed price per piece, with a deposit taken to secure each booking. Prices rise as your skill and waiting list grow.

• Proven tattooing ability and a strong portfolio
• Drawing and design
• Strict hygiene and cross-contamination control
• Clear communication and calm manner with clients

• Tattooists and premises usually need to be registered with the local council, so check the rules and fees where you live
• Check your council's requirements on hygiene, waste, and sharps disposal, including clinical waste collection
• It is illegal to tattoo anyone under 18, so check ID every time
• Public liability insurance, and ideally treatment risk cover, is expected by most councils and clients
• Check your lease allows tattooing and whether you need planning permission or change of use
• Consider hepatitis B vaccination and first aid and blood-borne virus training
• Check the rules on piercing separately, as councils can require registration and some procedures have age limits

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on the room or unit, equipment, hygiene supplies, insurance and fit-out. These are estimates, so get quotes for each item before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many clients you book, your pricing and the strength of your portfolio. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check whether you and your premises must be registered with your local council, and its hygiene, waste and sharps requirements. Remember tattooing under-18s is illegal, so check ID. Also check insurance, your lease and any planning or change-of-use needs.