Jack of All Trades or Master of One? A Tattoo Artist’s Journey Through Ego, Business, and the Art of Balance

The tattoo industry has evolved dramatically over the years, and so has the role of the artist. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you’ve likely seen the shift: from the classic street shop vibe with flash art plastered on the walls to the rise of “artistic” custom studios, where every tattoo is a masterpiece, and every artist is expected to be a specialist. It was a time of hype and exclusivity, and many tattooers seemed to feed off the glamour of being “art stars.” But as we stand on the precipice of change again, it’s time to ask: should tattoo artists specialise or become masters of versatility?

The Rise and Fall of the Ego

When I first picked up the needle in 2007, the industry was all about street shop energy—flash on the walls, clients flipping through designs, and an approachable, no-frills atmosphere. Fast forward to today, and the game has changed. Studios became sleek, “high-end,” and yes, a little pretentious. Suddenly, tattoo artists weren’t just ink masters—they were artists, celebrities even, charging sky-high prices and curating their own visions at the expense of client input. The ego skyrocketed. It became less about the craft and more about the persona.

But here’s the thing: I’ve met rock stars who have sold out arenas, and you know what? They were far more humble than some tattoo artists I’ve encountered. Sure, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own fame, but when the hype fades, and you find yourself struggling to book appointments, you realise just how fragile that inflated ego can be.

What happens when the trend you’ve mastered is no longer in vogue? What happens when you have hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, but your flash day is a ghost town? It’s a brutal wake-up call, and I’ve seen it happen. A massive online following is great, but if none of those followers are in your city, sitting in your chair, ready to pay for a tattoo, what’s the point? It’s like sending thoughts and prayers—nice sentiment, but no tangible benefit.

The Debate: Specialise or Be a Jack of All Trades?

We find ourselves in a paradox: On one hand, there are voices preaching the value of specialisation—become the best at one thing and dominate it. On the other hand, some tattoo artists are proving that a broad skill set is the key to success.

Tattooing isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. Some artists say, “If you’re not specialising, you’re just a generalist.” Others claim that by sticking to only one style, you’re limiting your reach, your skill development, and your ability to survive in a rapidly changing market. And then there are the so-called “guru” figures, promising success if you pay them for their wisdom. But is that advice really the golden ticket, or is it just another attempt to cash in on struggling artists?

The truth? It’s about what *you* want. Do you want to feed your ego and chase that elusive Insta-fame, or do you want to be a reliable, well-rounded tattooer who can pay the bills, support your family, and leave your clients satisfied?

Balancing Ego and Practicality

We’re currently in what some might call a “quiet period” in the tattoo industry. There’s a growing belief that the market is oversaturated, that tattoo shops are everywhere, and clients are becoming more discerning. Maybe tattoo artists have spent so much time feeding their egos that they’ve forgotten the true essence of what we do: provide a service.

The idea of specialisation is slowly shifting back toward a more versatile approach. Artists are starting to realise that being able to tackle a variety of styles doesn’t mean abandoning your specialty. It means you’re adaptable, and that’s crucial for long-term success. Sure, it’s great to have a niche, but you don’t want to box yourself into a corner where you can’t do anything outside of your chosen style.

I’m not a globally famous tattoo artist with 50K followers, but I’ve made a conscious effort to be versatile. I don’t just focus on one style—I do a little bit of everything. And you know what? Today, I went to buy a new car, and the salesperson knew who I was. That’s the power of being a well-rounded artist. I’m not just appealing to a niche crowd; I’m reaching a wider audience.

When you’re capable of doing a variety of tattoos, you’re more likely to get repeat clients. A small tattoo can lead to bigger projects down the road. And you never know—maybe the guy you tattoo will end up recommending you to a friend, or you’ll bump into someone in a parking lot who’s been dying to get a piece of your work. You can’t predict where that next opportunity will come from, but you can prepare yourself by being open to all styles.

The Business of Tattooing: Don’t Let Ego Cost You Clients

Let’s be real for a second: there’s a lot of advice out there that feeds the ego of the artist. And it’s easy to fall into the trap of turning away clients because “it’s not your style” or “it doesn’t fit your brand.” But let’s face it—what other business would tell its customers, “Sorry, we don’t like to do that here”? Especially when they are more than capable.

Tattooing isn’t about turning away money; it’s about serving your clients, even if that means stepping outside your comfort zone. Of course, there are exceptions—offensive or racist tattoos, for example—but if you’re capable of doing a tattoo and the client is happy, why would you turn them away? That’s the kind of mindset that will keep your business alive.

It’s easy to say, “Just specialise,” especially if you’re running a larger shop with multiple artists. But what if you’re a solo artist? If you turn away clients because they’re asking for something outside your specialty, you risk losing the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Invest in Yourself, Not in Guru Advice

Some advice is worth its weight in gold; other advice is just a money-making scheme. Rather than spending your hard-earned cash on tattoo “gurus” promising to unlock the secret to success, invest that money into your own business. Focus on advertising, marketing, and building your personal brand. Invest in your skills.

Being proficient in multiple styles doesn’t just open up more financial opportunities—it makes you a more skilled tattoo artist. The more styles you’re comfortable with, the more clients you can attract, and the more diverse your portfolio will be. This approach is a win-win for both you and your clients.

The Takeaway: It’s All About Balance

When it comes to being a tattoo artist, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You’ll hear plenty of opinions about whether you should specialise or be a jack of all trades, but the truth is that it’s about finding balance. You can still have a niche and specialise in what you love while also being open to other styles. This approach will not only make you a better artist—it’ll help your business thrive in the long run.

Remember: a Jack of all trades is a master of none, *though oftentimes better than a master of one.*

So leave the ego at the door, keep learning, and focus on doing great tattoos in a variety of styles. That’s how you build a lasting, successful career in the tattoo world.