Tattooing can be a profitable and enjoyable way to earn a living while using your artistic talents. As you gain experience in the tattooing industry, you may decide that opening your own tattoo shop is the right choice for you. Opening a tattoo shop in Illinois can be more challenging than in other states since shops and tattoo artists operating in the state are strictly regulated. However, following the proper steps can help you enjoy owning a creative business in Illinois.
Instructions
1. Obtain the necessary Federal Employer Identification number, or EIN, from the IRS, and register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can obtain an EIN online by completing the online interview on the IRS website. You must be the business owner or a responsible party to apply for an EIN. To register with the Illinois Secretary of State, you must obtain the necessary forms through your local County Clerk's office. Mail the forms to the Secretary of State with the required payment, which can be up to $300 depending on your type of business formation. Tattoo shops, like all businesses in Illinois, must have these items before commencing business.
2. Lease a business space, preferably in an area with high foot traffic. Although some people plan their tattoos ahead of time, getting a tattoo is commonly an impulse decision. Placing your business in a high-traffic area can help increase impulse business.
3. Write a business plan specific to your tattoo business. Your business plan should detail how you will obtain startup and operating capital, how you will attract and retain tattoo clients, how many tattoo artists you will hire and what equipment you will need, such as tattoo machines, sterilizing equipment, stencil equipment and ink.
4. Purchase equipment to start your tattoo business. Tattoo machines and guns, ink, stencils, sample designs, and tattoo needles are all necessary for tattoo business operations. Illinois law also requires tattoo shops and artists to adhere to sanitation and sterilization requirements -- you will need an autoclave or other equipment to sterilize tattoo equipment, as well as antimicrobial cleaners to sterilize workspace surfaces. Equipment costs vary according to quality and quantity; however, most shop owners can obtain the necessary equipment for a tattoo shop for $10,000 to $15,000.
5. Obtain Illinois tattoo licenses for tattoo artists who are not already licensed. Illinois law requires all tattoo artists to pass exams and become licensed before administering tattoos to clients. Exams cover topics such as sanitation and sterilization, ethical tattooing practices and professionalism. License application fees, which include testing fees, are $200, as of June 2011. The license is issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Testing dates and locations vary -- contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for testing dates and locations.
6. Advertise your Illinois tattoo shop to begin attracting clients. Although word-of-mouth advertising is an effective way to keep your business running, you will need to advertise to obtain an initial clientele and begin generating referrals. Placing fliers on Illinois college campuses and advertising in Illinois alternative newspapers and campus newspapers can help establish clientele. Also, you can reach a broader audience through television, radio and mainstream newspaper advertising.
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