Tattoo Artists Deserve More. So Why Are We Settling for Less?
Hey, Nando Mondragon here.
Alright, let’s get real. The tattoo industry has been around for decades, and we still see the same problems. Artists working for peanuts in shops that treat them like cogs in a machine, making it all about THEIR brand instead of YOURS. We’ve got talented tattooers out here—creative geniuses—who are stuck hustling under someone else’s rules, someone else’s vision. And why? Because the “traditional way” is all we’ve ever known. That’s the elephant in the room that nobody’s talking about.
It’s almost laughable, right? Like, here we are in 2024, and we’re still pretending that artists should be grateful to squeeze into these old-school systems that only benefit the ones at the top. It’s about time we shook things up.
The Problem With the Tattoo Industry (Spoiler: It’s Not the Clients)
You know what I’m tired of seeing? Artists pouring their heart into their craft, only to be told what they CAN’T do. “Oh, you can’t take walk-ins, those are for the junior artists.” “You can’t set your own rates, that’s not how we do it here.” It’s like, since when did tattooing become about gatekeeping and rules instead of the art itself? And don’t get me started on the studios that prioritize their brand over the artist's—acting like the artist is just a tool in their box. Nah, man. That’s not the future of tattooing, that’s the past.
It’s Time to Flip the Script
Now, I’ve been in this game for over 18 years, and I’ve seen every type of shop out there—from the dark and dingy spots that feel more like a biker bar than a place to create art, to the fancy, sterile studios that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie but have ZERO soul. None of that’s working for the real artists, the ones who actually give a damn about their clients, their work, and their freedom.
That’s why I started Certified Tattoo Studios—to make it about the clients AND the artists. To build a place where the art comes first, where the client’s vision matters as much as the artist’s. And you know what? It worked. 8,000+ 5-star reviews later, it’s proof that if you do right by your clients and your artists, you create something unstoppable.
But We Need More Than Just Studios. We Need Suites
Here’s the thing: Not every artist wants to work under someone else’s banner, including mine and that’s cool. I get it. You want your OWN space, your OWN vibe, and you want to keep most of your hard-earned money in your own pocket. And that’s exactly why I’m launching Certified Tattoo Suites—a new space where tattooers and piercers can have it all.
Think about it—no boss breathing down your neck, no gatekeeping. You set your schedule, your prices, your rules. You bring in your clients and keep the majority of what you earn. And it’s not just about freedom; it’s about having the support you actually need. We’re talking tattoo-specific amenities like sharps disposal, business coaching from yours truly (and the Tattoo Empire Builders), and a suite you can customize to fit YOUR vibe.
A New Day for Tattoo Artists and Piercers
Certified Tattoo Suites isn’t just another spot to rent. It’s a movement. It’s about building YOUR empire, not someone else’s. It’s about giving artists and piercers what they deserve—autonomy, support, and the tools to succeed. Because let’s face it—if the tattoo industry is going to grow, we’ve got to let the artists grow. We’ve got to give the new generation a chance to build something better than what we had.
So, if you’re tired of the same old thing—tired of playing by someone else’s rules—and you’re ready to step into a space that’s built for you, come talk to us. Because this is where tattooing is going. And we’re just getting started.
Build your empire. It’s time.
Nando Mondragon
Ceo and Founder Certified Tattoo Studios