Rent vs. Commission Tattoo Shops: What Artists and Clients Should Know

sara phillips
Jan 8
2 min read

When stepping into the world of tattooing—whether as an artist or a client—you’ll often hear about rent-based studios and commission-based studios. Understanding the difference between rent vs commission can help artists choose the right work environment and help clients understand how their favorite shops operate behind the scenes.

At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, a female-owned, inclusive tattoo shop in Lombard, IL, we believe in transparency and education for both artists and clients. Here’s a breakdown of the two primary business models for tattoo studios—and how we’ve chosen the model that best serves our team and our clients.

A tattoo artist wearing purple gloves uses a tattoo machine to outline a floral design on a client’s leg, which already features a hummingbird, bee, and pink flower tattoos. — Emma, one of B&B's artists hard at work

Rent-Based Tattoo Shops

In a rent-based tattoo shop, artists pay a fixed weekly or monthly fee to the studio to rent their chair or private room.

Pros for Artists:

Full control over schedule and bookings
Keep 100% of tattoo income after paying rent
More independence and flexibility

Cons for Artists:

Responsible for their own client base, marketing, and supplies
Income can fluctuate during slower weeks, but rent remains the same

What Clients Should Know:In rent-based studios, the artist you book with often manages their own calendar and payments. The client experience can feel highly personal and independent, since you’re working directly with the artist.

Commission-Based Tattoo Shops

In a commission-based shop, artists split a percentage of their earnings with the studio. For example, an artist might keep 60–70% while the studio takes the remainder.

Pros for Artists:

Reduced financial risk since they only pay a percentage of what they earn
Studio often handles marketing, walk-ins, and supplies
Easier for newer artists to start without the pressure of fixed rent

Cons for Artists:

Less income per tattoo compared to rent-based models
Less independence, as schedules and bookings may be controlled by the studio

What Clients Should Know:Commission-based shops often have a more centralized booking system and may offer more walk-in opportunities. Artists may rotate clients based on availability.

Why Bone & Blossom Chooses Rent-Based

At Bone & Blossom Tattoo Studio, we operate as a rent-based studio that prioritizes our artists’ well-being and career growth.

Full Autonomy: Our artists control their schedule, rates, and booking process, giving them the freedom to balance creativity and life.
Artist Support & Growth: Even with full independence, our team is deeply supported. We promote both the shop and our individual artists, ensuring they get visibility and client opportunities.
Continuing Education & Community: We hold monthly meetings and skill shares to encourage collaboration, communication, and professional development.
Focus on Well-Being: Our mission is to foster a positive, creative environment where every artist thrives while delivering the best experience to our clients.

This unique approach allows Bone & Blossom to combine the independence of a rent-based shop with the supportive community of a collective, making it a truly inclusive, female-owned tattoo shop in Lombard, IL.