Thinking about becoming a tattoo artist in the UK? First off — respect. You’re about to enter a craft that’s equal parts art, precision, and obsession. But let’s get real: what does it actually cost to get started?
We’re breaking it all down. No fluff, no upsell. Just what you actually need — and what it’ll cost you.
🎯 The Essentials (What You Can’t Skip)
| Item | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tattoo Machine (Rotary) | £90–£300 | Pen-style beginner machines work best |
| Power Supply + Foot Pedal | £20–£60 | Don’t cheap out here |
| Needle Cartridges | £9–£40 (per pack) | Get trusted brands, avoid eBay kits |
| Inks (Practice + Pro) | £12–£60 | Dynamic, Radiant, World Famous |
| Practice Skins | £6–£30 | Start here before real skin |
| Stencil Paper & Gel | £7–£20 | Spirit + Electrum = gold standard |
| Hygiene Gear (Gloves, Wrap, etc.) | £25–£50 | Includes clip cord sleeves, tape, etc |
Total Minimum Cost: ~£250–£400 (Realistically)
🛒 Optional But Smart Investments
| Item | Cost Range | Why It Matters |
| Tattoo Chair / Armrest | £80–£150 | Comfort = cleaner lines |
| Metal Tray / Rolling Cart | £30–£80 | Organised setup saves time |
| Light Ring / LED Setup | £20–£60 | Visibility is everything |
| Dummy Arm or Leg | £25–£60 | More realistic than flat skins |
🧨 Avoid These “All-in-One” Kits
They’re everywhere — full kits for £80 or less. Sounds good, right? Not so fast.
Here’s why to skip them:
Unbranded or unsafe cartridges
Weak machines that break or scar
No membrane protection = hygiene risk
Random inks with unknown ingredients
They cost you more in the long run — and could ruin your first tattoos (or worse: someone’s skin).
🔄 Apprenticeship Costs (If You Go That Route)
Some UK studios offer paid apprenticeships, others charge you. It varies.
| Type | Typical Cost |
| Apprenticeship Equipment Fee | £500–£1500 |
| Ongoing Studio Use / Training | £0–£200/month |
If you’re lucky enough to get a free apprenticeship: show up, shut up, work hard.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Don’t Overbuy, Don’t Undersell
You don’t need the most expensive gear — but you do need reliable, safe, and tested tools.
Start simple. Learn clean. Upgrade when your work demands it — not just your ego.
Looking for gear that won’t screw you over?
Check out our beginner-approved starter kits and practice tools — tested by real artists in UK studios.
