For Artists, by Artists

Our standard working hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, for senior artists, flexibility is granted, allowing work on any day of the week. 

Senior artists are required to commit a minimum of four days per week, with each day consisting of at least four-five hours dedicated to tattooing.

We are located in the bustling town center, right in the heart of Saltash, Cornwall. 

Conveniently accessible by various modes of transportation, you can reach us by personal car (just a 12-minute drive from Plymouth City Centre), bus (approximately 25 minutes from the City Centre), or train (only 8 minutes from Plymouth train station). 

Free parking is available on adjacent streets, ensuring a stress-free visit to our establishment.

Yes, we require prospective artists to have a portfolio to join our tattoo studio. 

A portfolio showcases your artistic skills, style, and previous work, allowing us to assess your suitability for our team.

 It gives us a glimpse of your talent, creativity, and technical proficiency, ensuring a cohesive fit within our studio's artistic vision. 

Our studio specializes in a wide range of tattoo styles, including traditional, blackwork, realism, and geometric designs. We encourage artistic diversity and welcome artists with various styles.

We value the creative freedom of our artists and encourage them to express their unique artistic vision. 

While we may have client requests and guidelines to consider, we strive to maintain an environment that fosters artistic expression.

As a tattoo artist in our studio, we employ various strategies to attract clients:

Online Presence: We utilize social media platforms, websites, and online directories to showcase our artists' portfolios and engage with potential clients.

Marketing and Advertising: We implement targeted marketing campaigns, both online and offline, to reach our desired audience and create awareness about our studio.

Referrals: Satisfied clients are encouraged to refer their friends, family, and acquaintances to our studio, helping us expand our client base.

Collaborations: We collaborate with local businesses, events, and organizations to promote our studio and reach a wider audience.

Positive Reputation: We strive to deliver exceptional tattooing experiences, ensuring our clients leave satisfied and eager to recommend us to others.

Networking: We actively participate in industry events, conventions, and tattooing communities to connect with potential clients and fellow professionals.

Online Booking Platforms: We leverage online booking platforms to make it convenient for clients to schedule appointments and access our services.

By employing these strategies, we aim to consistently attract new clients and provide you with a steady stream of opportunities to showcase your tattooing skills.

Our rates for tattoo services are based on an hourly rate, typically ranging between £60 and £90 per hour. The specific rate within this range is determined by the level of skill and expertise of the artist.

We manage cancellations at our tattoo shop through a fair and transparent approach. Both the studio and the artist maintain a shared cancellation list, which allows us to replace potential gaps caused by clients who may cancel or reschedule their bookings.

 It is the responsibility of both the clients and the artists to provide a minimum of 7 days' notice before a scheduled appointment. 

Failure to provide this notice will result in the client/artist forfeiting their deposit, while the artist's portion of the deposit will still apply. This policy helps ensure that cancellations are handled fairly for all parties involved.

Yes, artists at our tattoo shop have the freedom to work with any client they choose. We firmly believe that clients should have the autonomy to decide which artist they want to receive their tattoo from. 

We have no issues with artists servicing clients who were previously served by other artists. Fortunately, we have a substantial client base, and our artists are typically booked 1.5 to 3 months in advance.

This question requires a deep and honest reflection, one that delves into the intricacies of personal growth and the pursuit of a fulfilling career. It is undeniable that we often find ourselves at a crossroads, torn between the comfort of familiarity and the desire for professional advancement.

When contemplating the trajectory of our careers, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of our choices. While it may be tempting to remain in a place where we feel content and at ease, we must recognize that true growth lies beyond our comfort zones. By embracing new challenges and pushing our boundaries, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and opportunities for personal and professional development.

Imagine the satisfaction of achieving your full potential, realizing your aspirations, and making a meaningful impact in your chosen field. Picture the doors that could open, the knowledge and skills you could acquire, and the network of influential connections you could establish along the way. Visualize the sense of fulfillment that comes from continuously challenging yourself and reaching new heights.

Moreover, pursuing career growth not only benefits you individually but also creates a ripple effect in your personal life. As you enhance your skills and expand your horizons, you become a source of inspiration and motivation for those around you. You set an example for your friends, family, and colleagues, showing them the power of perseverance and the rewards that come from embracing change.

It is important to remember that embarking on a path of career growth does not mean severing ties with the people who have been part of our journey thus far. Strong friendships and professional connections can be maintained and nurtured, even as we strive for personal advancement. In fact, by pursuing our own growth, we become better equipped to support and uplift those around us.

In conclusion, this question is undoubtedly challenging, but through deep introspection and an honest assessment of our aspirations, you'll come to recognize the profound value of prioritizing career growth. By embracing new challenges, stretching our limits, and striving for excellence, you will not only create a brighter future for youself but also inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys.

The earnings of a tattoo artist at Taboo Art Gallery can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors include the artist's level of skill, the number of hours worked per month, and the rates charged for their services. 

With rates ranging between approximately £60/h to £90/h, the monthly earnings will ultimately depend on the artist's individual circumstances and clientele which should be between £1000-£4000. It's important to note that these figures are provided as an estimate and that actual earnings may vary. 

Additionally, factors such as tips, popularity, and demand can also influence an artist's monthly income.

We prioritise client consultations and believe in creating custom tattoo designs that meet their individual preferences and ideas. Our artists work closely with clients to understand their vision and provide guidance throughout the design process.

We have a dedicated appointment system to manage client bookings efficiently. Artists are provided with their own schedules and have control over their availability to ensure a balanced workload.

We adhere to the highest standards of hygiene, sterilization, and safety. Our studio follows strict protocols, including the use of single-use, disposable equipment, regular equipment sterilization, and maintaining a clean and sanitized working environment.

The time it takes to become a proficient tattoo artist varies and depends on various factors, including your dedication, talent, and the amount of time you invest in learning and practicing. 

Generally, it can take several years of consistent practice and apprenticeship to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. 

The apprenticeship period typically ranges from six months to one year, during which you learn under experienced artists. 

However, becoming truly proficient and mastering the art of tattooing is an ongoing journey that involves continuous learning, honing your technique, and gaining practical experience. It's important to remember that proficiency is a subjective measure, and each artist progresses at their own pace.

Yes, we are proudly sponsored by BarberDTS. As a result, our artists have the privilege of purchasing supplies at reduced prices ranging from 10% to 25% off. Additionally, there are no shipping fees involved, ensuring convenience and cost savings for our team.

We offer all the essential supplies needed for tattooing, excluding colours, as we believe in providing artists the freedom to curate their own unique colour palettes. 

Our artists have access to discounted high-quality machines, and a wide range of materials and tools necessary for their work due to our BarberDTS sponsorship. 

This ensures they have the resources they need to create exceptional tattoos while maintaining their individual artistic preferences.

We encourage and support our artists professional development. We provide opportunities to attend conventions, workshops (every day is a workshop day for us), and seminars (we have a large database of digital seminars in realism) to further enhance skills, stay updated with industry trends, and foster artistic growth.

We accommodate walk-ins based on artist availability. While we prioritize scheduled appointments, we strive to accommodate walk-in clients whenever possible to provide flexibility and cater to spontaneous tattoo requests.

At our tattoo studio, we prioritize trust and respect. Therefore, we believe that it is important for the artists themselves to handle the deposits. 

This ensures that they can have peace of mind, knowing that no one is holding the clients' money and potentially engaging in any unethical practices with their hard-earned funds.

As a tattoo artist, it is essential to recognize that the responsibility of finding clients is shared between you and the studio. While the studio will invest efforts in marketing and promotion, your proactive approach plays a significant role in attracting clients and building your reputation.

By actively promoting your work, maintaining a strong online presence, and networking within the tattoo community, you can contribute to client acquisition. 

Ultimately, a successful tattoo career is a collaborative effort, combining the studio's support with your proactive approach to attract clients and establish yourself as a skilled artist.

Our tattoo artists are typically booked 1.5-3 months in advance, depending on their level of skill and the specific tattoo style they specialize in. 

We have implemented a "no artist left behind" policy, where we proactively use paid ads to jumpstart their booking calendar if we notice it getting closer to the 1-month advance mark. This approach helps create peace of mind and stability for our artists. However, it is important to note that finding clients is not solely our responsibility. 

Since the day we opened, we have never left any artist behind and have always been dedicated to supporting them by providing tips and tricks to ensure they are successful in their careers.

Our compensation structure is based on a commission system, where artists receive 60% of the tattoo price, with the remaining 40% allocated to the tattoo studio. 

We prioritize transparency and fairness to ensure artists are appropriately rewarded for their work. The studio utilizes the 40% to cover expenses such as studio materials, rent, maintenance, repairs, paid advertising for a steady client flow, calendar and booking management, social media management, marketing strategy, company events, video seminars, tattooing books, and professional and educational support. 

This comprehensive approach supports both the artists and the growth of the studio.

Yes, we do! At our tattoo shop, we highly encourage our artists to collaborate on both small and big tattoo pieces. We believe that collaboration benefits everyone involved, including the artists and our clients. It's a truly special experience, and we are thrilled that it happens quite often in our shop.

As a tattoo artist looking to adapt to a studio, here are some recommendations:

1. Familiarize yourself with the studio's culture and atmosphere by observing and interacting with the artists and clients.

2. Communicate openly with the studio owner or manager to understand their expectations and guidelines.

3. Respect the studio's established processes and procedures, including appointment scheduling, client consultations, and hygiene protocols.

4. Collaborate with other artists in the studio by sharing ideas, seeking feedback, and learning from their experiences.

5. Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude while working with colleagues and clients.

6. Strive to continuously improve your skills and stay updated with the latest tattooing techniques and trends.

7. Adapt to the studio's workflow and be flexible with your schedule to accommodate client demands and studio operations.

8. Respect the studio's reputation and protect client confidentiality by adhering to ethical standards and privacy practices.

9. Contribute to the overall success of the studio by actively promoting your work and attracting new clients.

10. Embrace constructive criticism and be open to learning from other artists in the studio.

By following these suggestions, you can effectively adapt to a tattoo studio and contribute to its vibrant and collaborative environment.

To determine if tattooing is the right path for you, consider the following factors. 

Firstly, assess your level of enthusiasm and commitment towards the art form. If you find yourself constantly watching the clock at work, eagerly awaiting the end of the day, it may indicate a lack of fulfillment in your current job. 

On the other hand, if you feel a sense of excitement and fulfillment, and the hours seem to fly by when you're tattooing, it suggests that you draw energy from your passion for art. 

Secondly, evaluate your long-term goals and aspirations. Reflect on whether a career in tattooing aligns with your personal and professional objectives.

 Lastly, consider seeking hands-on experience through apprenticeships or shadowing established tattoo artists. This will provide valuable insights into the daily realities of the profession. 

Remember, finding the right career involves soul-searching and understanding where your true passion lies.

When considering a move to a new tattoo studio, it's important to handle the transition professionally and respectfully. Here are some steps you can take:

Communicate openly: Have a conversation with your current workplace about your intentions. Express your gratitude for the opportunities you've had and explain your reasons for seeking a new environment.

Give notice: Provide your current employer with ample notice of your departure. This allows them time to make necessary arrangements and find a suitable replacement.

Maintain professionalism: Throughout the transition period, continue to fulfill your duties and responsibilities at your current workplace to the best of your abilities. Be respectful and professional in your interactions with colleagues and clients.

Offer assistance: If possible, offer to help with the transition process by training a new artist or providing guidance during the handover period. This shows goodwill and ensures a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Keep relationships intact: Strive to maintain positive relationships with your current colleagues and employer. Remember, the tattoo industry is a small community, and maintaining good rapport is important for your professional reputation.

By approaching the situation with honesty, respect, and professionalism, you can minimize the potential for upsetting people at your current workplace while pursuing new opportunities at our tattoo studio.

Navigating a situation where colleagues and the owner of a tattoo parlour engage in abusive behavior while dismissing it as mere banter is undoubtedly challenging. It's important to prioritize your well-being and consider the long-term impact of such a toxic environment on your career and personal growth.

Abuse, regardless of its disguised form, should never be tolerated or normalized. Recognizing this is the first step towards advocating for a healthier and more respectful work environment. Engaging in honest and open communication with your colleagues and the owner may shed light on their intentions and provide an opportunity to express your concerns.

In these conversations, emphasize the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Highlight how mutual respect and collaboration can contribute to individual and collective growth, benefiting everyone involved. Remember, addressing this issue is not only for your own sake but also for the betterment of the entire team.

However, if attempts to address the situation fail to yield positive change or if the abuse persists, it might be necessary to consider alternative options. Prioritizing your career growth sometimes means making difficult decisions for the sake of your well-being. This could involve seeking employment elsewhere, where you can flourish in a more supportive and respectful environment.

Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that your personal and professional growth should never be compromised by abusive behavior disguised as banter. By standing up for yourself and seeking a healthier work environment, you create the opportunity for genuine growth and a brighter future.

Absolutely! We provide trial periods through guest spots or apprenticeship trials to ensure mutual compatibility. This allows both the artist and the studio to assess the work environment, team dynamics, and shared values before making a long-term commitment. We believe in creating a harmonious and supportive atmosphere where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents.

Certainly, I understand the importance of discretion. When communicating with the owner of our tattoo studio about your potential move, rest assured that your inquiry will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

I understand the challenges you're facing, as we've encountered similar situations in our own careers. 

It takes courage to consider a new opportunity that can provide more comfort, peace of mind, and help you progress in your tattooing journey. We recommend visiting our tattoo studio, connecting with our artists, and asking questions about Taboo Art Gallery. Read our reviews and understand that there's no such thing as a perfect studio. 

The key is finding one that can meet most of your needs and allow you to focus on your career.

In theory, it is possible for you and your colleague(s) who currently own a tattoo studio to join our team. As a relatively large tattoo studio, we understand the value of teamwork and would prefer not to break up your existing team. 

However, we need to ensure that we can provide enough available client space to accommodate this transition effectively. Additionally, please note that our studio has its own set of rules and considerations, including factors such as skill levels and adherence to our specific branding theme.

 Certain furniture, except for the armrest, may also need to be reviewed for compatibility with our studio's aesthetic.

Certainly! We appreciate your interest in joining our team. While it is theoretically possible for you and your colleague(s)/partner from another tattoo studio to join us, we need to carefully assess the available artist space and ensure a smooth transition. 

It's important to note that our studio has its own set of rules and considerations, including skill levels and adherence to our specific branding theme. 

We'll also need to evaluate the compatibility of certain furniture with our studio's aesthetic. Let's have a discussion to explore the possibilities and ensure a seamless integration.

We are thrilled to have you join our tattoo studio! When you come on board, please bring your personal equipment as we provide all the necessary furniture and most of the supplies (excluding the colour palette). 

We appreciate the enthusiasm, but we can only accept an armrest as additional furniture, as everything else needs to align with our studio's aesthetic.

1. Don't neglect proper hygiene and sterilization protocols.

2. Don't rush or compromise on the quality of your work.

3. Don't ignore or dismiss client preferences and requests.

4. Don't engage in unethical practices, such as copying other artists' designs.

5. Don't neglect continuous learning and professional development.

6. Don't overlook the importance of consent and thorough client consultations.

7. Don't engage in inappropriate or unprofessional behavior with clients or colleagues.

8. Don't neglect to keep your workspace clean and organized.

9. Don't ignore or disregard aftercare instructions for clients.

10.Don't forget to communicate effectively with clients and manage their expectations.

11. Don't re-book clients indiscriminately, as this practice should be reserved for exceptional circumstances rather than becoming a regular occurrence.

By avoiding these actions, you can maintain professionalism, ensure client satisfaction, and uphold the integrity of your craft as a tattoo artist.

Never tattoo a minor without proper legal consent and documentation.

Never tattoo someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Never discriminate against clients based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Never reuse needles, tubes, or other equipment without proper sterilization.

Never engage in any form of harassment or inappropriate behavior towards clients or colleagues.

Never copy or reproduce another artist's work without their permission.

Never tattoo someone without obtaining their informed consent and providing clear information about the process, risks, and aftercare.

Never compromise on hygiene standards or skip proper cleaning and sanitization procedures.

Never tattoo someone if you are not properly trained or qualified to perform the specific style or technique they are requesting.

 Never disregard or neglect proper aftercare instructions for clients.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain professional and ethical standards as a tattoo artist and ensure the safety and satisfaction of your clients.

Befriending colleagues, including other artists, the owner, or the manager, solely to gain unfair advantages or preferential treatment.

Exploiting personal relationships with colleagues for personal gain or to manipulate work-related situations.

Seeking special privileges, promotions, or benefits based on personal connections rather than merit or qualifications.

Using friendship with colleagues to undermine or discredit other team members.

Participating in unethical practices, such as engaging in favoritism or nepotism within the workplace.

Violating trust and loyalty by misusing personal relationships to gain an unfair advantage over other artists or employees.

Building professional relationships with colleagues, including artists, owners, and managers, is important. However, it is crucial to maintain ethical boundaries and avoid using these friendships to gain unfair advantages. 

Exploiting friendships for personal gain, such as receiving preferential treatment or undeserved benefits, is not tolerated in our tattoo studio. We value integrity, fairness, and equal opportunities for all. Engaging in such behavior can result in disciplinary action, including potential termination.

Engaging in any form of harassment, discrimination, or misconduct towards clients or colleagues.

Intentionally causing harm or injury to a client during the tattooing process.

Repeatedly failing to follow proper hygiene and sterilization protocols.

Violating local laws and regulations related to tattooing practices.

Engaging in illegal activities while representing the tattoo studio.

Displaying a lack of professionalism, such as consistently arriving late or displaying a disrespectful attitude towards clients.

 Sharing confidential client information without proper authorization.

Causing continuous drama, disrupting the workplace environment.

Coming under the influence of drugs or substances while on the job.

Stealing money from the studio or clients.

Continuously portraying oneself as a victim and seeking unwarranted attention.

Consistently self-diagnosing with mental or other diseases without proper confirmation from a medical professional.

Asking for the whole sum of money for the tattoo and not finishing it

 These actions not only undermine the integrity of the profession but also create an unsafe and unprofessional environment. Therefore, engaging in any of these behaviors can result in immediate termination.

*We would  have loved not to include this statement, as it implies that certain undesirable incidents are occurring in tattoo studios. While it is unfortunate that the tattoo industry has faced issues in the past, we want to assure our customers/artists that we prioritize transparency and take necessary measures to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Reflect on your decision: Take some time to think about your reasons for wanting to leave. Consider whether it's a temporary feeling or a persistent issue. Make sure you have a clear understanding of why you want to move on.

Communicate with the owner of the studio: Schedule a meeting with your employer or manager to discuss your feelings and intentions. It's important to maintain professionalism and express your thoughts openly. Be prepared to provide valid reasons for your decision and listen to their perspective as well.

Give notice: If you have decided to leave, it's customary to provide a formal notice period. Check the studio's policy to determine how much notice you are required to give. Generally, two weeks' notice is considered standard, but it may vary depending on your circumstance.

Once your decision is final, tie up any loose ends or pending tasks to ensure a smooth handover. Offer assistance to your colleagues/manager to minimize any disruption caused by your departure.

Stay professional until the end: During your remaining time at the tattoo shop, continue to maintain a professional attitude and work ethic. Fulfill your responsibilities and complete any ongoing projects to the best of your ability. Leaving on good terms can help maintain positive relationships and potentially serve as a reference in the future.