Customizing the Body (PDF file) - Print My Tattoo

87 The Tattooist
Finally, being the proprietor of one's own studio/shop, either as
the sole practitioner or-ideally-as an employer of others, is a
goal sought after by most tattooists (cf. Schroder, 1973: 263­
299).11 Working solo affords independence from the demands of a
boss and allows one to choose his or her own work schedule.
I like working for myself. That's a big part of it. I like living an
independent life-style. Tattoo artists probably have this
personality trait where they aren't good at taking orders from
someone else. Most people I know in this business are
independent. It's nice to be making a decent piece of change
without having to work in a factory or something. I'm not
getting rich by any means but I'm keeping my sanity and
feeding my family. Everytime I start getting pissed off or bored
with it I think, "It sure beats working on the loading docks and
it sure beats not working at all and it sure beats punching in
at 7:30 at (local factory)."
Most of the interviewees who were employees expressed the desire
to have their own studio. However, these tattooists also recognized
that owning one's own shop is not without its liabilities.
I have the fantasy of haVing a nice comfortable liVing. I'm not
out to make a million. If I had a chance to apprentice under a
well-known artist like H-- I'd be crazy not to do it. They
made it and they made it starting out not knOWing anything
and working their way up. My goal is to have my own shop. I
see the money pass through my hands. I make 20 cents on the
dollar. I would like to make 85 or 95 (cents) on the dollar. But I
don't have the headaches or the overhead now. I come out at 10
o'clock and get in my car. If the place burns down (the owner)
is the one that has to account for it.
Similarly, the one employee/tattooist who explicitly stated that he
did not aspire to ownership (and who defined himself as a competent
"stencil man" rather than a tattoo "artist") expressed satisfaction
with his position.
I guess I will stay in the business, at least until it is
modernized enough so I can't stand it ... like little franchises