Upgrading your business with tattoo portfolio ideas
Here’s the thing about working as a tattoo artist: You can be the most talented artist in the world, but if you’re not displaying your work well, chances are, you’re going to struggle to bring in clients. Trust us, word of mouth can only get you so far. Clients want to see your work, and they want to feel confident that you can deliver. Having a professional portfolio can ensure that all your creative tattoo ideas are displayed in the best possible manner.
Here are some tattoo portfolio ideas to get you going:
1. Create a professional website
First off, a website is a must-have for any business, and it’s especially important for a tattoo artist. Your website should showcase your portfolio of work, services, and prices, as well as provide contact information. You can also use it to accept bookings and appointments. If you don’t have a professional website set up, you’re leaving money on the table.
2. Use social media
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great ways to connect with potential clients and showcase your work. While you don’t have to spend all day every day on your social media, keep in mind that many clients find their tattoo artist exclusively on Instagram, so making sure your profiles are professional and up-to-date is critical.
3. Create a blog
Another great element of a website that we recommend tattoo artists implement is a blog. Again, this is another area where you don’t have to spend too much time, but just putting in a little effort can go a long way.
If you’re not sure what you would do with a blog as a tattoo artist, a blog is a great way to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with your clients. You can also use it to showcase your work and give tips and advice to your clients.
4. Make videos
In today’s day and age, video content is where it’s at. Yes, even with tattoos.
While tattoos should certainly be photographed using professional tattoo photography ideas, don’t miss out on video content. You can make videos of your work, behind-the-scenes footage, and even live streaming of your sessions. To do this, you can use your social media (i.e. Instagram live or create a story).
5. Use a photo editing app
Speaking of professional tattoo photography ideas… We also highly recommend investing time, energy, and possibly even some money into photographing your work.
While snapping a pic on your iPhone can work to some extent, we think strategies like this can only get you so far. Investing in a good photo editing app will help you to make your photos look even better. You can use it to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color, and to remove any blemishes.
We wouldn’t recommend going overboard with this—you don’t want to alter the photo to the point that the tattoo is no longer recognizable— but those little changes can make a big impact.
6. Create a brand/cohesive feel
Just as your tattoos themselves should have a certain style and feel, so should your website/portfolio.
Don’t forget, you’re trying to attract a specific customer with your portfolio/website. In order to do this, there should be a look and feel that would be attractive to that audience.
Consider things like font, colors, images, and logo.
7. Make your portfolio user-friendly
And lastly, but equally as important as all the other points, your portfolio and website should be user-friendly and easy to navigate. For instance, if you offer different styles of tattooing, make sure this is separated out on your website (i.e. if you offer makeup tattooing then have a whole section to makeup tattoo ideas on your website).
If your potential client can’t find what they are looking for, or they’re struggling to navigate to different parts of your website, chances are, you’re going to lose them before they even have the opportunity to discover your creative tattoo ideas.
