5 answers
Skylar
Student
Belton, Texas
1
Question
Updated
2391 views
How are you able to follow your dreams when money is such a restraint during the process? #Spring25
I am a senior in high school with the dream of having my own tattoo business, I want to go to Tarleton State University but am struggling to do so. #Spring25
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5 answers
Braisha Owens Mount
Fashion Designer
18
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Braisha’s Answer
Keep chasing your dream! While money is always a factor, even when you have plenty, don't let it make you feel like you need more. Focus on your dream with all your heart, and the money will follow when you're living your true purpose. To reach that level of success, you need to work hard. Learn from someone who owns a tattoo business or from experienced tattoo artists. Get mentorship to see if it's truly what you want to do, and to understand how to succeed.
Along the way, you'll discover opportunities like grants, sponsorships, and investors. Even having a regular 9-5 job can help fund your dream of owning a business. There are always solutions, so don't let money hold you back. When you're aligned with your purpose, money will flow, and you'll be so grateful for your talent that money won't be your main focus. Before you know it, your dreams will come true!
Along the way, you'll discover opportunities like grants, sponsorships, and investors. Even having a regular 9-5 job can help fund your dream of owning a business. There are always solutions, so don't let money hold you back. When you're aligned with your purpose, money will flow, and you'll be so grateful for your talent that money won't be your main focus. Before you know it, your dreams will come true!
Fallon Taylor
Art/Fashion Design/Modeling
16
Answers
Rowland, NC
Updated
Fallon’s Answer
Hi Skylar,
You have to believe in yourself. I know this may or may not be an easy task depending on who is reading this reply. It's taken me years to get their, and coupled with a holistic self-love, you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind to. I believe in you. The question is do you believe in you? If not, try to find it within rather than from external sources who may express various opinions.
I hope this helps!
-Fallon*
You have to believe in yourself. I know this may or may not be an easy task depending on who is reading this reply. It's taken me years to get their, and coupled with a holistic self-love, you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind to. I believe in you. The question is do you believe in you? If not, try to find it within rather than from external sources who may express various opinions.
I hope this helps!
-Fallon*
James Washok, M.Ed., M.S. IDT
Instructional Designer
11
Answers
Hurst, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
As others have stated, don't give up due to money. There are always opportunities out there that will bring money in, such as grants, loans, and scholarships.
The saying, "You have to spend money to make money," is sometimes true, and gaining and education and experience in a career that you love may be one of the more important ones.
As a former tattooist myself, I can tell you, I had to spend quite a bit (at the time - back in the early 1990s) to get started. Not only with equipment and supplies and training, but the "loss" of actual revenue due to having to start from the bottom and make a name for myself. I was practically giving work away to get clients in the door.
However, and over time, I became more and more widely known in the area I lived in (Erie, PA) and could gradually increase my rates to something more realistic. Slowly. I didn't want to just jump the gun one day and triple my prices or rates. I wanted to gradually increase them, explain to my regulars (who I still gave discounts to) why I was increasing my prices, and it all worked out.
Speaking of Tarleton, I got my first Master's Degree from there (M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Curriculum Development).
Good luck!
The saying, "You have to spend money to make money," is sometimes true, and gaining and education and experience in a career that you love may be one of the more important ones.
As a former tattooist myself, I can tell you, I had to spend quite a bit (at the time - back in the early 1990s) to get started. Not only with equipment and supplies and training, but the "loss" of actual revenue due to having to start from the bottom and make a name for myself. I was practically giving work away to get clients in the door.
However, and over time, I became more and more widely known in the area I lived in (Erie, PA) and could gradually increase my rates to something more realistic. Slowly. I didn't want to just jump the gun one day and triple my prices or rates. I wanted to gradually increase them, explain to my regulars (who I still gave discounts to) why I was increasing my prices, and it all worked out.
Speaking of Tarleton, I got my first Master's Degree from there (M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Curriculum Development).
Good luck!
Ethel Casey
Product Builder
6
Answers
Galway
Updated
Ethel’s Answer
What a great idea, Skylar. It's a valid and achievable dream. It blends creativity, independence and entrepreneurship.
Is the core of this plan to own a business? Become the artist? Create an inclusive space? Or all three!
For university, there's federal aid. There might be artist scholarships too. You can talk to the financial aid officer. Now is a good time, before the current semester ends.
You could also start your academics in community college and transfer to Tarleton later.
If university isn't accessible right now there are alternative ways of getting into the tattoo business. It is a skill based trade and apprenticeship is a strong option. Get to know the local tattooers and ask them for input. Most will have worked their way up to owning or renting their studio.
Work on your art, follow the diverse artists on social media and get used to the smell of disinfectant!
Remember, be flexible. There's no one clear path to a goal
Is the core of this plan to own a business? Become the artist? Create an inclusive space? Or all three!
For university, there's federal aid. There might be artist scholarships too. You can talk to the financial aid officer. Now is a good time, before the current semester ends.
You could also start your academics in community college and transfer to Tarleton later.
If university isn't accessible right now there are alternative ways of getting into the tattoo business. It is a skill based trade and apprenticeship is a strong option. Get to know the local tattooers and ask them for input. Most will have worked their way up to owning or renting their studio.
Work on your art, follow the diverse artists on social media and get used to the smell of disinfectant!
Remember, be flexible. There's no one clear path to a goal
Jane Wang123
Pre-Sales Project Manager
10
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Following your dream doesn’t have to mean doing everything all at once. Start small, grow smart.
If money’s tight:
Look for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs—they can make college more doable.
Think side hustle: You could start building your tattoo skills now—sketch, build a portfolio, maybe even apprentice locally.
Community college first? It’s a smart, cost-effective step toward your degree (and Tarleton can still be in the plan later).
Most of all, don’t give up on the dream—just adjust the path. It’s totally okay to take the long route, as long as you keep walking it.
And hey, a future tattoo artist with grit and creativity? That’s a dream worth investing in.
If money’s tight:
Look for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs—they can make college more doable.
Think side hustle: You could start building your tattoo skills now—sketch, build a portfolio, maybe even apprentice locally.
Community college first? It’s a smart, cost-effective step toward your degree (and Tarleton can still be in the plan later).
Most of all, don’t give up on the dream—just adjust the path. It’s totally okay to take the long route, as long as you keep walking it.
And hey, a future tattoo artist with grit and creativity? That’s a dream worth investing in.