Temporary Tattoo Artist Success Stories [2026]
Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B.
The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist requires a lot of commitment and hard work.
Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.
In this list, you'll find real-world temporary tattoo artist success stories and very profitable examples of starting a temporary tattoo artist that makes money.
1. Forgotten Mermaids ($12K/year)
Anslea, the creator of Forgotten Mermaids, came up with the idea for her business while living out of her van and working as a freelance graphic designer. Inspired by the abundance of mermaid-themed products in the touristy Florida town she was living in, she used her digital illustration skills to design mermaid temporary tattoos and launched her brand on Etsy. With steady growth and plans to transition to her own storefront, Anslea is building a business that suits her mobile lifestyle.
How much money it makes: $12K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100
How many people on the team: 0
Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months.
