In basements all over the world, the soft hum of a tattoo gun races across the surface of someone's skin. Wipe after wipe, an image begins to emerge. Some of us have them, some of us want them, and some of us don't want anything to do with a tattoo, but the reality is that tattoo home businesses are popping up everywhere and they are making good money.

But being a great artist doesn't always translate into being a successful tattoo artist. The "brick and mortar" commercial tattoo shops we see every day, open up and close like restaurants, but never because of the lack of talent. It is usually the overhead that kills. No worries, there are steps that can be taken to ensure you have the best chance of success in your new home business.

CLIENT BASE

So, you think you have what it takes, but don't have the funding to rent that great commercial store on the corner. The first focus should be creating a client base. Try setting up a small area in your home and spread the word that you would like to do some tattoo work and their cost would cover the ink only. Bring along a scrap book of drawings and tattoos you have done. This will certainly bring in the clients. Go to your local office supply store and have some business cards made up and pass them out. Change your answering machine message to something professional and relevant to your new home business.

IMPRESSIONS

You spent time marketing yourself and have a few new clients coming in at a pace you are comfortable with. Your tattoo work will always be the topic of discussion with your clients as they show off their new art work to their friends. Word of mouth advertising is cheap and very powerful. You need to ensure that your environment that you work in doesn't degrade from the service you are providing. Impressions are everything and it doesn't matter how great the tattoo is, if your environment is not clean, it will hurt your client base fast! Keeping your place clean, organized and decorated will certainly make a great first impression! Try to resolve bad odours and put on some music that is fitting for your clients.

PROFESSIONALISM

Getting clients into your home business for their first tattoo is difficult. The success of your home business will depend on repeat customers. If you exude professionalism, most of your clients are going to feel safer doing business with you. Make new clients feel welcomed and comfortable. Make them feel special and they will come back for more.

LEGALITIES

Keeping the safety of yourself and your clients should be a priority. Have emergency numbers handy and attempt to know your customer before they arrive into your home. Check local, state, and provincial laws in your area and comply with all safety and health requirements. You may need to beg and borrow cash to purchase sterilizing equipment, needles, tattoo guns, ink and other tools, but you will be able to pay that debit back in no time.

As you plan this new home business, remember the tattoo shops that you have been to in the past. Write down what you liked and didn't like and try to duplicate what you liked and fix the things you didn't. There's nothing worse than a talented artist failing because of factors that can be easily taken care of. Let your artistic abilities make you money, but don't let your lack of business acumen keep you from making more.