Tattoo Guest Spots and Artist Opportunities
If you're looking for tattoo guest spots in Scottsdale and Mesa, or you're an artist looking to join a shop full time, here's exactly what working with Old Town Ink looks like, no vague promises, just what you actually get.
We work with a lot of artists this way, some passing through after a convention, some referred by an artist we already trust, some just reaching out cold because they liked what they saw on our page. Whatever brought you here, this breaks down guest spots, full-time openings, what we provide, and how to actually get in touch.
Guest Spots at Old Town Ink
If you're an artist we know through another shop or through a convention we're networked with, a guest spot at Old Town Ink is a solid way to build your book in a new market without starting from zero. You get to use our name and our shop as a reference point going forward, and clients who book you here become part of your following, not just a one-off appointment that disappears the second you leave town.
Guest spots typically run a few days to a week, depending on your schedule and how much interest builds once we start promoting you. It's a low-commitment way to test a new city, meet local clients, and walk away with real work to add to your portfolio, all without the overhead of figuring out a temporary setup on your own.
The split is straightforward: 30% commission goes to the shop, you keep the rest. No hidden fees, no surprise cuts, just a clean arrangement built so guest artists actually want to come back.
What We Provide, So You Don't Have to Travel Heavy
You don't need to haul your whole setup across the state or across the country to guest with us. We provide the station, client furniture, professional lighting, and standard shop infrastructure. You'll bring the machines, inks, and personal equipment specific to your technique, but the parts that are a pain to travel with are already set up and waiting.
We'll Promote You While You're Here
A guest spot only works if people actually know you're in town. We push guest artists across our social channels before and during the spot, so you're not just tattooing out of an empty chair hoping walk-ins find you. Our following sees that you're here, gets introduced to your work, and has an opportunity to book while you're in town. That promotion doesn't stop when your spot ends either, the work you do here can continue introducing clients to your style after your guest spot ends.
Full-Time Opportunities at a Fast-Growing Shop
Beyond guest spots, we're actively growing and we're currently looking to add several full-time artists across our Scottsdale and Mesa locations. This isn't a shop treading water, we're expanding, and we're looking for artists who want to grow with us rather than just fill a chair for a paycheck.
What we're looking for is a strong portfolio first and foremost, work that shows range, technique, and a clear point of view. An existing client book is a real plus, it tells us you've already built trust with clients elsewhere, but it's not a strict requirement if your portfolio speaks for itself. We'd rather bring on an artist with real skill and a smaller following than someone with a big following and inconsistent work.
Full-time artists get the same setup guest artists do, station, furniture, lighting, and standard shop infrastructure, plus ongoing promotion across our social channels and the benefit of working under a shop that's already carrying two recognized locations and a growing reputation across the greater Phoenix area.
How to Apply
Skip the formal application forms. If you're interested in a guest spot or a full-time position, reach out directly through our Instagram DMs. To help us get back to you faster, include:
Portfolio link or recent work
Preferred styles
Guest spot dates or desired location (Scottsdale or Mesa)
Whether you're looking for a guest spot or a long-term position
Current city or shop
Existing client following, if applicable
Instagram handle and contact information
Why Artists Choose to Work With Us
A few reasons artists keep coming back for guest spots or make the jump to full-time:
A ready-made station means no lost days setting up or breaking down equipment
Real social promotion, not just a mention buried in a story
A fair, transparent split with no surprise deductions
Two established locations across Scottsdale and Mesa, with a reputation already built in the local market
A shop that's actively growing, not stagnant, so full-time artists are joining something with real momentum
FAQ: Guest Spots and Full-Time Positions at Old Town Ink
How do I book a guest spot at Old Town Ink?
Reach out through Instagram DMs with your portfolio. We work with artists we know from other shops or through conventions we're networked with, so a quick introduction and some recent work goes a long way.
What's the commission split for guest artists?
30% goes to the shop, you keep the rest. No hidden fees or surprise deductions.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Just your personal gear, ink, machines, whatever's specific to your style. We provide the station, client furniture, professional lighting, and standard shop infrastructure, so you're not traveling with the heavy stuff.
Are you currently hiring full-time artists?
Yes, we're currently looking to add several full-time artists across our Scottsdale and Mesa locations. A strong portfolio matters most, an existing client book is a plus but not required.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you're passing through for a guest spot or looking to plant roots somewhere that's actually growing, Old Town Ink gives artists the infrastructure, promotion, and fair split to make it worth their time. No travel-heavy setup, no getting lost in an empty shop hoping for walk-ins, just a real station, real promotion, and a shop that wants you to build something here.
Ready to guest with us or talk full-time openings? DM us on Instagram with your portfolio, or reach out directly at contact@oldtownink.com.
