Establishing a new tattoo studio, indeed requires a lot of vigilance, skill and patience. Not only does one have to deal with a number of beginner dilemmas but one also has to ensure that his/her social, legal and personal requirements are adequately met. Thereby, it is extremely important to perfectly understand and analyze certain aspects before you embark upon the task of setting up a tattoo studio. Considering that you are going to commence operations in one of the most sought after businesses of the modern day, here is a list of things which you must bear in mind in order to gain a strong foothold in the field and thus make a sturdy beginning.
1. Health requirements
Catering to the health requirements of the local county, is the first step to be taken. It has been found that tattoo needles can prove dangerously infectious, thus causing numerous health problems. So, it is vital that you oblige the criterion set forth as a standard by the local health department and obtain a plethora of health based certificates. These include tattoo licenses, first aid certificates and health & safety compliance measures. Moreover, you will also need to purchase an ultrasonic cleaner device in order to sterilize your needles after use. Once you have obtained these set of permissions, remember to register yourself exclusively with the health department. This will help you gain legal recognition. More so, it must also be kept in mind that different counties may have varied health guidelines. You must, therefore, know of each of these in detail and must comply with them in totality.
2. State permits
Apart from obtaining the health and safety certificates, you also need to apply for a state permit to open a tattoo studio. All states lay down standard codes of conduct which must be strictly adhered to. In order to be on the right side of the law, you have to follow these regulations with adequacy and sufficiency. Consult the state offices to know what the exact procedure is and fulfill all the requirements as desired by law. Display the certificate of permission you obtain, in front of your studio, so that you are spared the horror of surprise checks and raids. Additionally, a state permit will boost your sales too as law abiding citizens would prefer to be your frequent customers.
3. Location and recruits
It is of primary importance to have the basics of setting up a studio ready after you have obtained the requisite certificates. You will need to spot a feasible location to set up the studio. While doing this, you must conform to the application of the local building codes. Moreover, a risk assessment and an environment impact assessment study will have to be carried out, so as to determine the suitability of your operations and their impact on the society. Also make sure that the recruits you hire as tattoo artists are licensed. In case they are not, conduct an elaborate test of their skills and then help them get registered with the stated authority.
4. Business requirements
Opening a tattoo studio, is ultimately a form of business. Thus, it is of immense importance that you cater to the needs of your business in the most appropriate and rewarding manner. Ranging from getting hold of a DBA certificate to writing a business plan and from arranging finances to preparing an inventory- you must broadly consider and integrate the operation of all such business activities. This collectivism will help you ascertain the economies of scale for your tattoo studio in the long run. Additionally, you will also have to balance the factors of supply and demand so that your costs of input and output remain equal.
5. Innate desire
Finally, you need to have an burning desire to put your skill as a tattoo artist to good use. You must nurture the aspiration of serving the needs and specifications of many, while deriving personal satisfaction out of it. Moreover, if you plan to hire artists who would work under your supervision, you will also need to have an iota of team spirit coupled with persistence. It is only when all of these factors are clubbed that your tattoo studio will get the initial sparks.
Despite being a beginner, the right mix of legal, social and health aspects will undoubtedly give you a definite edge over others in the field!
