Tattoo Design

Do you have to buy insurance or have a license for doing individual tattoo business?

I have a tattoo license. Is it enough for any of my tattoo business? I am thinking to work in stores, but I am not the owner of the store. So if I work there, should I buy extra business license/insurance? I heard there is a difference/requirement between being tattooist and the owner of tattoo parlor. I am in NYC. Please show your answer with prove.

Yes you should get liability insurance for your business. Also you need to legally file papers to start a business and make it a corporation NOT a proprietorship. because say something bad happens and you get sued. Well if you are a proprietorship or partnership they can sue you and take away your house and everything you own in your personal and professional life.
However if you set up the business as a corporation the person suing you can only take equity out of the business. That means all your personal belongings like a home, your car, your boat, etc cannot be taken in the lawsuit.

Also you need to make sure you have a professional tattoo license AND that you have a business location that meets all board of health codes.
If you work at a store for someone else I suggest that you get liability insurance for yourself just in case. Also as an employee of that shop you cant do any side business like do them at home etc. So dont risk your license (and liability insurance would only cover work you do at the tattoo parlor not anywhere else) by doing illegal tattoos.

ArtIsLife tattoo artist:Mike Jones