Tattooing is Competitive. Then again, what isn't?
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How Competitive Is the Tattoo Industry? And Why That’s Actually a Good Thing
If you’ve ever wondered whether the tattoo industry is too competitive to break into—especially as a new artist—you’re not alone. The truth is: yes, the tattoo world is competitive. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, the competitiveness of this industry is part of what makes it exciting, rewarding, and ultimately worth pursuing—if you’re willing to put in the work.
At Toronto Tattoo School, we’ve helped hundreds of artists launch their careers. And we’ve learned that the artists who succeed don’t shy away from competition—they thrive in it. Here's why the competitive nature of tattooing shouldn’t scare you. It should motivate you.
The Truth: Yes, It’s Competitive (But So Is Everything Worth Doing)
Let’s be real—any career where you get to be creative, independent, and financially successful will have competition. Tattooing is no different. Especially now that tattoos are more mainstream, more visible, and more in-demand than ever.
There are more artists entering the space, more shops opening up, and more clients looking for top-tier work. That’s a good thing.
It means:
- The industry is growing
- Demand is strong
- There’s room for new talent
- The art form continues to evolve and elevate
If you're good—and committed—you can absolutely carve out your own lane. But it takes skill, consistency, and professionalism.
Why Competition Shouldn’t Scare You
1. It Forces You to Level Up
In a competitive industry, there’s no room to coast. And that’s great news for your growth.
You'll constantly be:
- Honing your technique
- Evolving your style
- Learning from peers
- Innovating creatively
That drive to improve doesn’t just make you a better artist—it makes you more marketable, respected, and in-demand.
2. There’s Room for Every Style
Tattooing is one of the most diverse art industries on the planet. There's realism, traditional, neo-traditional, dotwork, blackwork, Japanese, tribal, script, fine-line... the list goes on.
You don’t have to be the best at everything. You just have to be excellent at your thing.
Clients are looking for someone who understands their vision. So if your style speaks to them—they’ll book with you over someone more “established.”
3. The Industry Rewards Consistency and Professionalism
While skill matters, what really sets top tattoo artists apart is how they treat their craft like a career.
The artists who succeed:
- Keep a clean and safe station
- Show up on time
- Communicate clearly with clients
- Follow health regulations
- Post quality content regularly
- Maintain a professional vibe
These simple habits make a huge difference—and give you a major edge over talented but inconsistent artists.
4. You Don’t Have to Compete With Everyone—Just Be Better Than Yesterday
The only artist you really need to outdo… is you.
Yes, study other artists. Yes, be inspired by great work. But your journey is about progress, not perfection.
The more you:
- Tattoo regularly
- Practice on synthetic skin
- Take courses
- Seek feedback
- Build your portfolio
…the better you’ll get. And over time, you’ll create a style and reputation that no one else can replicate.
5. What Career Isn’t Competitive Anymore?
Let’s put things in perspective: every career worth doing is competitive.
Think about it:
- Barbers compete for loyal clients and Instagram visibility
- Real estate agents hustle to close deals and earn trust
- Personal trainers compete with online workouts and influencers
- Car salespeople, chefs, athletes, makeup artists, and content creators—everyone’s battling for attention and credibility
Why should tattooing be any different?
The truth is, if you want a creative, flexible, and financially rewarding career, competition is the price of admission. That’s not a disadvantage—it’s a filter. It separates those who dabble from those who commit.
So when someone says tattooing is “too competitive,” what they’re really saying is: “You have to work hard to make it.” And if you’re willing to do that—you’re already ahead of 90% of people.
The Market Is Bigger Than You Think
Some people assume the industry is saturated. That everyone who wants a tattoo already has one. But that’s far from the truth.
In fact, tattoos are more mainstream than ever:
- 1 in 3 Canadians under 40 has a tattoo
- People are getting multiple tattoos (not just one)
- Tattooing is now common in all professions—from creatives to healthcare workers
- Social media continues to fuel tattoo trends and awareness
Plus, there are so many niches you can tap into:
- Minimalist tattoos
- Cultural and tribal work
- Fine-line micro tattoos
- Cosmetic tattooing
- Cover-up and restoration work
- Tiny tattoos (a growing trend we teach in detail at our school)
The demand is there. The opportunity is real. You just need to show up and do the work.
Tattoo School vs. Apprenticeship in a Competitive Landscape
Many aspiring artists think an apprenticeship is the only way in. While that’s one route, it’s not the only one. And honestly, the competition to even get an apprenticeship is brutal.
That’s where structured training—like what we offer at Toronto Tattoo School—gives you an advantage.
We provide:
- Hands-on training in a studio setting
- Small class sizes for individualized attention
- Proven curriculum to build your foundation
- Guidance on health and safety
- Help building your portfolio
- Connections to real-world apprenticeship opportunities
We’re not here to replace the grind—we’re here to accelerate it.
5 Ways to Stand Out in a Competitive Tattoo Industry
Want to rise above the rest? Focus on these 5 things:
1. Master the Fundamentals
No shortcuts. Learn the tools, the techniques, the machines. Build muscle memory and precision. Clients and studios respect solid fundamentals more than flashy tricks.
2. Develop a Signature Style
Don’t try to do what everyone else is doing. Find your visual voice. The bolder and more consistent your style, the easier it is to attract your ideal clients.
3. Show Your Work (Professionally)
Your online portfolio is your resume. Post clean, high-quality photos of finished tattoos, healed work, and behind-the-scenes process. Be active, engaged, and easy to find.
4. Respect the Craft
Cleanliness. Etiquette. Safety. These aren't suggestions—they’re non-negotiables in a serious career. The fastest way to earn a bad rep is to cut corners.
5. Be Teachable and Persistent
Even the best artists are students for life. Don’t get discouraged. Every artist was once where you are now. Keep learning, stay humble, and never stop drawing.
What We’ve Seen at Toronto Tattoo School
We’ve been doing this since 2007, and here's what we’ve seen:
- Competition in the industry is real
- But the opportunity is even bigger
- The artists who succeed are the ones who stay consistent, humble, and hungry
We designed our programs to complement the other ways of learning—like online tutorials and apprenticeships. But nothing beats our hands-on approach and the confidence students gain by working in a real shop environment.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Too Late. You’re Right on Time.
The tattoo industry isn’t “too full.” It’s just waiting for the next great artist who’s willing to put in the work.
Why not you?
If you’ve got the passion, the drive, and the discipline, this industry will reward you. Competition doesn’t mean you’ll fail—it means you’ll earn your place. And trust us: that makes it even more worth it.
Ready to get started in a competitive, creative, and rewarding career?
Check out our Tattoo Courses and let’s build your future in ink—together.
