How Tattoo Artists Already Operate Privately—But Don’t Know It
Most tattoo artists and studios are already halfway into the private domain… they just don’t realize it.
Let’s break it down:
The Tattoo Waiver is/as a Private Agreement
Nearly every tattoo client signs a waiver or release form before receiving service. These forms:
Include the artist’s or studio’s name (often under a DBA, LLC or incorporated structure)
Customer waive their rights and limit liability
Gather health and private client information
Secure agreement and agree before services are rendered
In form and function, this is already a private agreement—and potentially already, a trust arrangement.
The artist agrees to provide a service.
The client agrees to the terms, often waiving claims and accepting risk.
A relationship is established through a voluntary contract.
This is the definition of private law.
Customers Aren’t Just Customers, However—They’re Patrons
Tattooing is deeply personal. Clients don’t choose artists off a shelf—they choose based on:
Style
Reputation
Trust!
Relationship
Over time, they become patrons, not just customers. They follow an artist’s career. They support the shop’s growth. They recommend friends and family. They show loyalty.
Clients already feel a sense of membership—they just haven’t been invited into one.
The Power of Membership
When a tattoo studio becomes a Private Membership Association, clients are no longer just signing a waiver—they’re becoming members of something exclusive, meaningful, and protective.
And guess what? Most will love it.
It feels more elite, personal, and intentional
It deepens their connection to the artist and studio
It makes them feel part of a community, not just a transaction
“Membership” strengthens the bond between the artist and their clients—and protects them both in the process.
What’s Missing? The Shield
Despite these powerful connections, artists remain exposed to public law and liability. Why?
Because:
They are licensed by the state, meaning they operate under public jurisdiction.
Their business is registered with the state, making it a public entity.
Their waiver lacks jurisdictional language to place it in the private domain.
There is no express trust, PMA, or private governing charter attached.
That’s the missed connection—and it’s costing them everything.
Operating as a Licensee Means Waiving Your Rights
A license is permission to do something that would otherwise be unlawful. Tattooing under a state license means:
You agree tattooing is unlawful by default.
You waive your right to contract privately without state oversight.
You accept liability, regulation, and taxation by the state while the state walks away free and clear of liability.
You lose your ability to enforce private protections, because you’re voluntarily operating under public law.
The Fix: Complete the Transition
Tattoo artists already:
Use private property (leased or owned)
Operate under private agreements (client waivers)
Manage personal health data and consent forms
Build dedicated communities of loyal patrons
What’s missing is the jurisdictional shift.
By:
Creating a Private Membership Association (PMA)
Adding jurisdictional language to their client waivers
Framing agreements as private trust contracts
Operating under private governance, not public regulation
…artists can complete the connection and finally shield themselves from public interference—while strengthening client loyalty.
Why This Matters
With the proper structure:
Clients become members, not customers
Services are rendered by private contract, not public accommodation
Artists operate outside statutory regulation, under natural and contract law
Liability becomes limited, private, and non-judicable
Clients feel a stronger sense of identity and loyalty to the studio