Collaborating With Local Artists & Businesses

Tattooing may be a deeply personal art form, but building a sustainable career often means reaching beyond your own studio walls. Partnering with other artists and businesses not only expands your audience—it also fosters mutual growth, creative inspiration, and a stronger community.

Sara and Rhys the B&B photographer we collaberate with regularly

At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, a female-owned inclusive tattoo shop in Lombard, IL, collaboration is woven into our philosophy. Whether we’re partnering with local Lombard businesses or joining forces with other industry professionals, we believe in using our platform to uplift others.

One of our most exciting new ventures is The Ripple Affect, created in collaboration with Emily Fong, owner of Evergreen Studio in Chicago.

The Ripple Affect: Empowering Women and Marginalized Artists

The Ripple Affect was born from a shared vision between Emily and I: to create a support network for female business owners and marginalized artists in the tattoo community.

Our mission is to:

• Share our experience as female tattoo shop owners navigating an often male-dominated industry.

• Promote continuing education by hosting workshops, panels, and industry talks.

• Provide accessible resources for artists at every stage of their career, from apprentices to seasoned professionals.

• Create a safe space for discussion, mentorship, and collaborative growth.

We believe that when women and marginalized voices in tattooing are supported, the industry becomes richer, more diverse, and more sustainable for everyone.

We want to learn more about your needs as a tattooer so we can better help you find the resources you need. Consider taking out surveys, Tattoo Artist Life & Career Longevity Survey, Tattoo Artist Business Growth & Education Survey.

Staying Connected to Our Local Community

While The Ripple Affect has a wide reach, our roots remain firmly planted in Lombard. Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio strives to be an active part of our local community—not just as a business, but as a neighbor.

• We participate in local events that bring people together and celebrate creativity.

• We collaborate with local businesses whenever possible, from pop-up markets to cross-promotional merchandise.

• We aim to make our studio a welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

This balance—working locally while also contributing to industry-wide conversations—keeps our work grounded and relevant.

Why Collaboration Matters for Tattoo Artists

Partnerships like The Ripple Affect and local business collaborations can:

• Expand your reach by tapping into each other’s audiences.

• Offer fresh inspiration from creative minds outside your usual circle.

• Strengthen credibility by associating with trusted and respected partners.

• Encourage industry change through shared goals and community impact.

Tips for Building Impactful Partnerships

If you’re a tattoo artist looking to collaborate:

• Seek shared values: Partner with people or businesses that align with your mission and ethics.

• Make it mutually beneficial: Both sides should gain from the partnership, whether through exposure, sales, or creative fulfillment.

• Stay consistent: Long-term partnerships often make a bigger impact than one-off events.

• Be community-minded: Look for ways your collaboration can benefit others—not just your bottom line.

Final Thoughts

Collaboration is more than a marketing strategy—it’s a way to create meaningful change in both your local community and the tattoo industry at large.

Through The Ripple Affect, Emily Fong and I are committed to supporting women and marginalized artists by sharing our experiences, offering educational opportunities, and building accessible resources. And through Bone & Blossom’s continued involvement in Lombard events and partnerships, we aim to keep creativity and connection at the heart of what we do.

Because when we lift each other up, the impact ripples far beyond the studio walls.