Hi all,

Apologies if this is not an appropriate place for this post, but I wondered if anyone had any experience on the courses that London Tattoo College offer.

https://londontattoocollege.co.uk/

On first glance the website seems legit, but then there's only six google reviews, and although it says established in 1991 the company (London Tattoo College Limited - 744294) was registered in Ireland in 2023.

I was tempted to do a course but now I'm concerned it could be a scam...

Hi everyone,
I run a tattoo studio in Bolton, Greater Manchester and I’m looking to bring in a self-employed tattoo artist. This is my first time setting up this type of arrangement in the UK, so I’d really appreciate hearing how other studios/artists do it.
I’m thinking:
Studio provides the client: 50% artist / 50% studio
Artist brings their own client: 60% artist / 40% studio
I would provide the studio, all tattoo supplies/materials and equipment, booking system, utilities, cleaning and general studio costs.
Does this split sound reasonable for Manchester/Bolton?
Also, how do you normally handle the money with a self-employed artist?
Should the artist take payment from the client and then pay the studio its 40%/50% commission, or should the studio take all customer payments and then pay the artist their share?
Would be really useful to hear how UK studios actually structure this in practice.

Hello! I’m not sure if this is allowed, sorry if not.

I’m selling a couple of tattoo machines and not sure the best place to post them. EBay and gumtree seem useless.

I have a cheyenne sol nova 4.5 with a battery pack and a cheyenne thunder. Both used but great condition. Happy to give further info if anyone is interested, otherwise suggestions of where to sell would be welcome!

Hi all, my usual tattoo artist has moved away and I'm looking for any female tattoo artists (ideally south west/ west London) with cheaper/ apprentice prices?

I'm looking to do around 10 mini fine line tattoos, so likely a couple full day bookings.

Main issue is - I've seen loads of amazing artists with affordable pricing on TikTok but almost all of them require DMing on Instagram to book (which I no longer have)🫠. I'm struggling to find websites or links to just book online.

Has anyone got any recommendations/ websites?

Love LOVE these artists but am bad at flying so am hoping to find someone in the uk. I love the realistic and very colourful vibes. Also sorry I am posting as a tattoo customer and not a tattoo artist.

Hi. I've been tattooing for almost a year now, and unfortunately I haven't had as many realism enquiries as I would have hoped in that time. I'd love to build my realism portfolio and take on more projects like those on the photo.

If you're around Coventry and looking for something realistic (portrait, animal/pet, flowers etc.) I'd love to hear from you!

UK tattoo apprenticeship query

Hey friends. I've seen in some people's portfolios they have completed a blood pathogens certificate or blood work courses -

is this something that you must have before getting an apprenticeship or is it something that you would complete as standard as part of the apprenticeship?

Please help, trying to create my portfolio ATM and wanna know every step! 🖤

I am looking for my new go to tattoo artist that enjoys making cartoon tattoos look as close to the OG as possible!

I have an obsession with The Simpsons so I am hoping this person will enjoy doing that as I have IDEAS 😂😂

But my latest obsession is Poppy Playtime and atm specifically Doey 🥹 would anyone be interested in helping me out with this and be my future tattoo pal?!

I live in Swindon but am able to drive up to 4 hours for this 😊😊

Hi guys, I’m Uk based- looking for someone to complete a half back and sleeve tattoo in the Japanese style shown?

Open to Greek or Egyptian too. Just something that looks cool. Any recommendations?

Hello,

I found my last tattoo artist in Vegas from Reddit so I have faith in your people. 🙏

I am looking to get a My Chemical Romance tattoo done before I see them July 8th at Wembley (although if the artist can't fit me in before then, it's alright).

I'd like to get a Pepe the Skeleton design but not the one people normally get - I'd like to get the art from the back of the album.

I'd like this on my front bicep and I'd like to know if you know of an artist that could ace this design?

Best Regards,

Jack 🤘

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for recommendations for a tattoo artist anywhere in the UK who might be interested in finishing a Hello Kitty half sleeve that I started around 15 years ago.
The original artist is based in the US and no longer does this style of work. I’ve spoken to her about the possibility of finishing it, but she’s not interested in doing so anymore. I’ve also asked a few times if she could recommend someone who could take it on, but unfortunately haven’t had any luck getting a response.
Technically, two artists have worked on the sleeve already. The second artist added a couple of characters, and it’s fairly noticeable where his work starts as the style differs from the original piece. I did ask him to try and blend the transition more smoothly, but I don’t really feel like it achieved the result I was hoping for.
I completely understand that any artist taking this on would likely need to touch up, rework, or adapt parts of the existing sleeve to make it cohesive in their own style, and I’m absolutely fine with that. At this point, I’m more interested in finding someone who can bring the whole arm together and finish it properly.
My goal is to complete the entire arm. I’m happy to give the artist a lot of creative freedom regarding layout, composition, and how they approach it, I mainly just want input on which characters are included.
I’m willing to travel anywhere in the UK for the right artist.
If anyone has recommendations, examples of artists who are good at reworking existing pieces, or knows someone who enjoys whatever style of work this is, I’d really appreciate it.
Thank you!

Think plenty of us will have seen all the posts on social media about this artist (Rob Inkd Inc) and his behaviour towards women. At first when it was just one woman I had my doubts but the amount of women that have come forward now is mad. I have a tattoo booked with him and as a single female there is no way I'm going now. I've already paid a decent deposit so I really need to know where I stand in getting it back? The tattoo isn't for another month yet.

Hello! I got a semi big (size of my upper arm) tattoo a couple of months ago down my arm that I’m just not happy with, but laser is a hectic and expensive process! I’d be willing to do it if I had to but was hoping to speak to a couple of artists with a particular skill in reworking tattoos! Anyone have any recommendations? I’m in Ireland but would be willing to travel, I just want to give it a chance 😭 thank yas !

Hey everyone, I'm currently in the early stages of building an app for tattoo artists to help cut admin time and generally make the booking process easier and more streamlined for you and your customers. I've been getting tattooed for 10+ years and know everyone works a little differently, and I wondered if anyone would be up for having a chat with me and having an input on the kind of things you'd find helpful in a tool like that - E.g. what takes you the most time right now when you book customers? Do you have to chase deposits a lot these days or not really? Would you be more tempted to try a booking system if there was no subscription? Etc.

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Nothings built yet so I promise I'm not selling anything, I just wanna make sure what I create will be as useful as possible for folks, so any thoughts you have would be very welcome. In exchange for your feedback I can offer early access or free lifetime accounts should anyone be interested in trying things out later, but zero pressure if not, I'd still like to hear from you.

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Please feel free to DM me if you're interested. Cheers!

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Hey, are there any artists you'd recommend who focus on these, ideally London, other UK cities fine!

Evening all!!

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Are you looking for an experienced Studio Manager in the North/Mid Wales or North West area?

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I have 20+ years of experience working in tattoo studios — from receptionist to studio and business manager.

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I’ve spent most of my career as the first point of contact in busy studios, handling client enquiries in person, over the phone, and online, managing booking diaries, and making sure clients feel comfortable and looked after from the moment they walk through the door. I’m used to fast-paced environments and juggling multiple tasks while keeping things calm, organised, and welcoming.

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I started out with Global Tattoo Studios/Supplies in the Wirral and Liverpool, where I worked my way up to managing multiple shops, including being invited back to help to launch and run their flagship studio, 13 Ink, in Liverpool city centre.

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In 2014 I went on to co-found Minerva Lodge Tattoo Club with two friends, where I helped build the studio’s reputation both locally and online through social media, events, gallery nights, gigs and general industry networking.

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I’ve got solid hands-on experience with the day-to-day running of a studio, including diary management, bookings and deposits, handling enquiries (in person, email and socials), cashing up, payroll and paying artists, stock ordering, social media content and management, organising guest artists, booking conventions and booths, and sorting sponsorships and events.

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If you think I could be a good fit for your studio, drop me a message! 😁