Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Brooklyn Tattoo Artist

When you step into a tattoo studio in Brooklyn, you see the final product: a client in the chair, ink flowing, and incredible designs coming to life. But what you don’t always see is everything that happens before, during, and after that moment. Being a tattoo artist isn’t just about drawing on skin, it’s a craft, a lifestyle, and a commitment to both art and people.

At InkCrafters Tattoo Studio in Industry City, we know that tattoos are more than just body art. They’re about preparation, creativity, professionalism, and connection. Let’s go behind the scenes and explore what a typical day in the life of a Brooklyn tattoo artist really looks like.

Morning: Preparing the Studio

A tattoo artist’s day usually starts with getting the studio ready before the first client arrives. Cleanliness and organization are everything in this business.

What happens in the morning:

• Sterilizing equipment and setting up individual workstations.

• Checking appointments and reviewing client notes from previous consultations.

• Sketching or refining designs that will be used that day.

• Preparing inks, needles, and supplies for specific tattoos.

  
  

At InkCrafters, our tattoo artists take this step seriously. A clean, well-prepared space sets the tone for the entire day and gives clients confidence that they’re in safe hands.

Midday: Consultations and Design Work

Not every tattoo artist jumps straight into tattooing first thing in the morning. A big part of the job is consultations.

During a consultation, the artist will:

• Discuss ideas, styles, and placement with the client.

• Show sketches or create quick mock-ups.

• Talk about healing, pricing, and time estimates.

• Answer questions, especially for first-time clients who may feel nervous.

  
  

Brooklyn tattoo artists thrive on collaboration. Many clients come in with a loose idea, and it’s the artist’s job to shape it into something that works on skin, balancing creativity with technical know-how.

Afternoon: Tattoo Sessions Begin

Once designs are finalized, the real action begins. A tattoo session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and complexity of the piece.

What you’ll see behind the scenes:

• Applying the stencil to ensure correct placement.

• Double-checking with the client before the first line is drawn.

• Setting up fresh needles and ink caps right in front of the client.

• Maintaining focus for hours at a time, even while carrying on conversation.

  
  

At our tattoo studio in Brooklyn, every artist brings their own personality into the chair. Some sessions are quiet and focused; others are full of laughter and conversation. Either way, the client always feels like part of the process.

The Energy of Industry City

One thing that makes working as a tattoo artist in Brooklyn unique is the environment. Industry City is a hub of food, culture, and creativity. Our artists draw inspiration not just from tattooing but from the neighborhood itself.

On breaks, you might see them grabbing ramen at Japan Village, sipping coffee at Sahadi’s, or taking a walk through the courtyards filled with murals and art installations. Being surrounded by creativity helps fuel the artistry that happens back in the studio.

Evening: Wrapping Up and Tattoo Aftercare

When the last client of the day leaves, the work isn’t over. Tattoo artists spend time cleaning their stations, sterilizing equipment, and making sure everything is spotless for the next day.

End-of-day tasks include:

• Breaking down the workstation and disposing of all single-use supplies.

• Sterilizing reusable tools.

• Entering client notes for follow-up appointments or touch-ups.

• Answering messages and scheduling future bookings.

  
  

And of course, there’s a big emphasis on aftercare. Tattoo artists take time to walk each client through healing instructions, making sure they know how to protect their new tattoo in the days ahead.

The Balance Between Art and People

Being a tattoo artist is about much more than just drawing. It’s about connecting with people and helping them express something meaningful. Every day is a balance between technical skill and emotional presence.

Brooklyn tattoo artists see clients of all kinds, people getting their very first tattoo, parents commemorating their children, friends marking milestones, or seasoned collectors adding to their body art. Each interaction adds something new to the day.

Challenges of the Job

Like any profession, being a tattoo artist has its challenges:

• Long hours on your feet.

• Intense focus for extended periods.

• Physical strain on hands, wrists, and back.

• Emotional energy spent reassuring nervous clients.

  
  

But for artists who love what they do, these challenges are part of the reward. The satisfaction of seeing a client’s reaction when they look at their tattoo for the first time makes the effort worthwhile.

Why InkCrafters Stands Out

At InkCrafters Tattoo Studio, we see each day as an opportunity to create more than just tattoos, we create experiences. From the first consultation to the final wipe of ink, our artists work with professionalism, creativity, and care.

Being located in Industry City means our tattoo studio in Brooklyn is surrounded by inspiration, and our clients get to enjoy an environment that’s as creative as the art on their skin.

A Day in the Life of a Brooklyn Tattoo Artist

Behind every tattoo is an artist who has spent hours preparing, designing, and focusing on the details. A day in the life of a Brooklyn tattoo artist is full of creativity, collaboration, and hard work, but also joy, connection, and the satisfaction of helping people express themselves.

At InkCrafters, we’re proud to show clients what goes on behind the scenes, because we believe the process is just as meaningful as the final design.

So the next time you walk into our tattoo studio in Brooklyn, you’ll know that what you see is only part of the story and that every artist you meet has already poured time, effort, and care into making your experience unforgettable.