How to open a tattoo studio? Step-by-step guide

According to various estimates, there are approximately 3000-3500 professional tattoo studios operating in Poland. In turn, the number of unregistered tattoo artists, working from home and among friends, can be counted in thousands. If you are linking your professional future with the art of tattooing, we definitely recommend opening a studio and creating your own brand that will inspire trust and allow you to carry out ambitious, truly profitable projects. We also understand that you have concerns about bureaucracy and hundreds of matters to deal with, but the initial effort can pay off. Read our article, where we advise you on how to open a tattoo studio step by step.

Business Registration

To legally run a tattoo studio, you must establish a business (we omit the option of unregistered activity – it is too heavily limited by revenue limits). Consider operating as a sole proprietorship or a company. Also choose the method of taxation – based on general principles, flat tax, or lump sum. It is best to discuss all this with a tax advisor who has experience in establishing and operating businesses.

Ars Tattoo Expert Advice:

There is no separate PKD code for a tattoo studio. Therefore, choose code 96.09.Z (Other service activities, not elsewhere classified), which covers the services of tattoo artists and piercers.

Find a suitable location for the studio

A tattoo studio does not have to be very large, especially if you are aiming for a boutique business and intend to tattoo clients personally, eventually hiring additional tattoo artists in the future. It is important, however, that the studio is located in an attractive area for clients – pay attention to the availability of public transport stops and the possibility of separate parking spaces.

When looking for a premises, do not be guided solely by the rent. Also, make sure that it meets sanitary criteria regarding, among other things, the storage of tools, the availability of social facilities, a bathroom, etc. The studio should be large enough to be able to separate a waiting room for clients.

BDO

BDO, or the Product Database, is a term that every future tattoo studio owner should become familiar with. When running such a business, you must register with BDO, as your studio will be a source of many diverse types of waste. This waste must be recorded – it is cumbersome, but unfortunately necessary.

You submit the application for entry into the BDO at least one month before the planned start of operations.

Gather the necessary equipment for the tattoo studio

This is a crucial stage. Tattoo studio equipment determines the comfort of your work, the range of services provided, and how clients perceive the studio. You can be sure that many will give up on getting a tattoo if they judge that you are using low-quality equipment. Take care of the salon's brand image!

Everything you need to equip your tattoo studio, from basic accessories, through machines and lighting, to professional furniture, including tattoo chairs and swivel stools, can be bought at Ars Tattoo. Doing it online will save you a lot of time and allow you to calmly compare different products in terms of functionality, quality of workmanship, and of course, price. You can also take advantage of completely non-binding and free advice from Ars Tattoo experts – just contact us and we will help you equip your new tattoo studio.

Summary

In this article, we omitted such obvious issues as renovating the premises to adapt it for a tattoo studio, marketing, insurance, or preparing sample contracts and declarations for clients. There is much more to it, so if you are considering opening your own studio, prepare well for it and give yourself at least a few months to launch the business.

You can also start with a smaller scale of operations and instead of a studio, receive clients at home or provide mobile tattooing services, for which there is a huge demand today. Consider various options, calculate the budget, and remember that ultimately, the greatest impact on success in this industry is the quality of work, so do not skimp on equipment and regularly practice and create your own designs.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How much does it cost to equip a tattoo studio?

The cost of equipping a studio naturally depends on its size, the number of stations, and the quality of the chosen elements. Conservatively, you can assume that you need a minimum of around PLN 50,000 to start tattooing in comfortable, professional conditions.

What PKD code for a tattoo studio?

There is no separate PKD code dedicated to tattoo studios. When establishing such a business, indicate code 96.09.Z, i.e., Other service activities, not elsewhere classified.

Is it worth opening a tattoo studio?

Yes, a tattoo studio is a profitable business, provided, of course, that you are able to offer clients high-quality tattooing. It is estimated that one in ten people in Poland already has at least one tattoo, and even every third tattoo owner is considering getting another one.

What is needed in a tattoo studio?

A professional tattoo studio requires full equipment with specialized accessories, tools, and furniture. The long shopping list must include, among other things, tattoo machines, needles, cartridges, stencil transfer equipment, chairs and swivel stools, and lighting.

Is a tattoo studio subject to BDO?

Yes, the owner of a tattoo studio must submit an application to the BDO at least one month before starting operations.