A backroom is the back-of-house area of a tattoo studio, a private space reserved for the artists. Clients usually never see it. Artists use it to prepare designs, draw, rest between sessions and store supplies.
What is a backroom for?
A large part of the work that never happens in the chair takes place in the backroom. The artist refines the sketch, prints the stencil and plans upcoming sessions. It is also where inks, needles and single-use supplies are kept, away from the areas clients move through.
Keeping the back-of-house separate from the treatment area makes it easier to stay tidy and hygienic. The rules for clients in our studio are set out in our studio terms.
The backroom in tattoo culture
Among tattoo artists, the backroom also has a social meaning. It is where artists swap experience, including guests working at the studio on a guest spot. Many design ideas start in backroom conversations.
You can see how a tattoo comes together, from the first message to the finished piece, on our process page.