For Artists

Key Takeaways Winter skin is different: Cold air, indoor heating, and hot showers all compromise the skin’s protective barrier. Pre-session prep matters more: Have clients moisturize daily for 3 days before their appointment. Stencil adjustments: Warm the skin slightly, use thin layers of transfer gel, and allow extra dry time. Reapply glide more often: Dry skin absorbs product faster than summer skin. Studio environment: Consider a humidifier and minimize direct airflow on the work area. Know when to reschedule: Severely compromised skin won’t give good results. February. Your studio is warm. Outside is brutal. And every client walking through your door has the driest skin they’ve had all year. ...

Key Takeaways Pre-booking conversation matters: Ask about timing, design preferences, and experience level before scheduling. Scheduling options: Back-to-back, simultaneous (two artists), or split days each have pros and cons. Complementary > identical: Designs that work independently often age better than exact matches. Double the aftercare: Two fresh tattoos means two supplies and separate instructions for each partner. Know when to redirect: Hesitant partners, recent relationships, or pressure situations are red flags. Valentine’s season brings a predictable wave: couples wanting matching tattoos. Hearts, coordinates, initials, puzzle pieces, you name it. Some have been planning for months. Some booked yesterday after a romantic dinner and too much wine. ...

Key Takeaways Same questions, every time: Clients forget aftercare instructions the moment they leave. Written instructions get followed. Confidence matters: When you recommend products and give clear instructions with certainty, clients trust you and follow through. Normal aftercare signs: Itching, peeling, light scabbing are all part of the process. Give clients clear guidance on what’s normal vs. when to see a doctor. Downloadable template: Use our aftercare card template to save yourself from midnight text messages. You’ve done beautiful work. The client is thrilled. They’re admiring their fresh ink in the mirror. And then: ...

If you’ve been in the industry for any length of time, you know: January is busy. New year, new me. Fresh starts. That tattoo they’ve been thinking about all year finally feels like it’s time. Your booking calendar is probably already filling up. Here’s how to make the most of the January rush while setting your clients up for success. Why January Brings New Ink The psychology is simple. People use the new year as a mental reset point. That sleeve they’ve been planning? This is the year. The memorial piece they’ve been putting off? Time to honor that commitment. ...

You’ve probably seen the term “stencil-safe” on tattoo products. Maybe you’ve experienced the frustration of applying glide and watching your carefully placed stencil smear or disappear. Let’s talk about what stencil-safe actually means—and why it’s not just marketing fluff. The Stencil Problem Here’s the scenario every artist knows: You prep the skin. Apply your stencil with whatever method you prefer (spray, stick, etc.). Get the placement perfect. Client approves. Then you apply your glide to begin work. ...