How to Build a Studio That Clients Love

Tattoo branding turns your studio from “that shop down the street” into the place to get tattooed. And no, it’s not just about logos—it’s about how people feel before, during, and after they walk through your door. Make the whole experience unforgettable. 

1. Work on your socials, keep it tight and in your style. Give your clients the feeling they know exactly what to expect when they book with you and how the appointment will go. Explain your process. Make it uniform. 
2. Use the same lighting, point of view, background and ‘filters’ for your portfolio
3. Create plain and simple testimonials and reviews. Show that your customer experiences are stable. 
4. Have a website that reflects why you are special and follows your brand book. 

Forget corporate vibes. Tell people why you tattoo. Would you get tattooed by an anonymous artist? Honestly through, you won’t. Even if the art is amazing. You don’t want a robot  you want a person you can relate to. So show your clients your human side. 

1. What made you pick up the tattoo machine? 
2. What kind of tattoos do you love? 
3. Whats your specialism? Why?

“Your brand isn’t what you say. It’s what your last 10 clients say when you’re not in the room.” – Buck, founding beard

Consistency = trust. Apply this for ALL of your social profiles, website(s) and everything in and around the studio. Make it a vibe not just your tattoo branding. 

1. Same colors, same font, same logo, same lighting, same filters, same tone of voice.
2. Canva templates can save your life here. And building a small brand book to guide your through it is even better. 

Your tattoo studio is your brand in real life. Treat it that way and upscale it. Appearance matters.

1. Smell, sound, lights and colors. They all need to come together and fit the vibe. How does a tattoo studio smell? Exactly… 
2. Align your vibe with your ideal client. NOT YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE. Happens to be the same? Great. If not, you’re in your business not your living room. 

Ditch the formal stuff, lose the English when your clients are Dutch or German. Make the connection. Be a human even if it’s difficult then just act like one. If AI can do it, so can you. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re bold, be bold.

1. Don’t use “we at [studio] are excited to…” unless you’re a robot.
2. Use slang. Swear if that’s your voice… even make it disrespectful if that works for your audience. Doesn’t feel like a fit for you? That’s fine go and do YOUR thing that’s the point. 

Art by: Hori_tattoo ⬇️

Every step of the client journey should feel like your brand. Let the vibe win your clients over and make them truly loyal customers that will bring you in more work through work-of-mouth. 

1. Booking emails, aftercare sheets, even your thank-you texts
2. Bonus: Branded stickers, cards, and referral codes.
3. Give away a simple after care package
4. Team up with local businesses with the same vibe and create a goodie bag.