At Logan Square Tattoo, we take pride in collaborating with talented tattoo artists from around the world. We have hosted artists from Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Russia, Honduras, Poland, Venezuela, Ukraine, and more! Our guest artist program is designed to bring fresh, unique styles to our studio, offering our clients an opportunity to experience the best tattoo artistry across the industry. If you're interested in becoming a guest artist at Logan Square Tattoo, here's a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen.
Prepare Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your gateway to getting noticed. Ensure it showcases a variety of your best work, highlighting your versatility, technical skills, and unique style. Logan Square Tattoo values creativity and originality, so make sure your portfolio reflects your personal artistic voice.
At Logan Square Tattoo, we’re proud of the diverse array of styles and specialties our artists bring to the table. From fine line black and grey work to vibrant, colorful pieces, we welcome artists from all backgrounds and styles. That said, it’s crucial to have a strong, professional portfolio that showcases your best work. Be sure your portfolio is organized and up to date with high-resolution images. Include a variety of styles to highlight your versatility, but focus on the kind of work you’re most passionate about. Tips for a Standout Portfolio:
Include high-quality images of healed tattoos.
Show a range of designs that demonstrate your expertise in different techniques (black and grey, realism, line work, color, etc.).
Make sure your social media, particularly Instagram, is up-to-date with your latest work. This is often the first place we’ll look when considering guest artists.
Killian Moon @thekillingmoon
Check Your Availability
Before you apply, it's important to review your schedule. We host guest artists for various timeframes, from a few days to a couple of weeks. Whether you're looking for a short stint or a longer residency, ensure that your schedule aligns with ours. We typically book about two months in advance, so the earlier you can arrange your travel plans, the better! Logan Square Tattoo is a busy shop, and we want to make sure our guest artists have a full and rewarding experience while they’re here.
Reach Out with a Professional Email
Once you feel confident in your portfolio, it’s time to introduce yourself to our team. Send a professional and well-thought-out email to admin@logansquaretattoo.com expressing your interest in becoming a guest artist. Include the following: A brief introduction about yourself and your tattooing background.
Your availability and preferred dates for guest spots.
Links to your portfolio or social media, and any other relevant websites.
Contact information and any other studios you’ve guested at before.
Keep your email concise, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through—this is your chance to make a great first impression.
Wait for a Response
After submitting your application, our team will review your portfolio and contact you if we believe you'd be a good fit. We aim to respond to all inquiries within a reasonable timeframe, but due to high demand, please be patient.
After we have agreed to work together and have found dates that work for you, our management team will send a follow up email with many details about your stay and promotion.
You will be asked to send information such as the following:
Your portfolio (either as an attachment or a link to your online portfolio)
A short bio introducing yourself, your background, and your tattooing style
Links to your social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
Any specific requests or needs for your time with us (equipment, inks, etc.)
Amanda @shroomtattoo
Be Prepared to Collaborate
At Logan Square Tattoo, we thrive on collaboration and community. Our guest artists often bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives that complement our team’s dynamic. While at our studio, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our in-house artists and engage with a diverse clientele.
Here’s what we expect from guest artists:
A willingness to work with our booking system and communication team.
Openness to share techniques and learn from our in-house artists.
Professionalism in all interactions with clients and staff.
Cleanliness and Respect
Leave your Ego at the Door! Lol
Prepare for Your Stay
Once your guest artist spot is confirmed, we’ll work with you to arrange all the details for your time at the shop. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your visit:
Licensing: Ensure you have all necessary certifications and licenses to tattoo in Chicago. We take health and safety seriously, and we adhere to all local regulations. A Bloodborne Pathogens certificate is required to tattoo in Illinois. Our management team can guide you to the correct channels to take this required test.
Promotion: We’ll promote your guest spot on our social media channels and encourage you to do the same. The more buzz we can create, the better!
Supplies: While we provide basic supplies, you’re welcome to bring any specialized equipment or inks you prefer working with. If you need to ship supplies ahead of time, our management team is happy to assist you with that.
Promote Your Guest Spot
Once your guest artist dates are confirmed, it's essential to promote your visit to Logan Square Tattoo. Share the dates on your social media and encourage your followers in the Chicago area to book appointments. We’ll help with promotion on our end, too, but getting the word out to your fanbase is key.
Matt "Banjo" Sears @banjotattoo
What to Expect During Your Stay
As a guest artist at Logan Square Tattoo, you’ll be provided with everything you need to deliver top-tier tattoos to your clients. Our studio is equipped with high-quality stations, massage tables and materials needed to ensure a successful tattooing experience. We also ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for both artists and clients. Additionally, our management team will assist with scheduling, payment processing, and any other administrative needs.
Build Relationships
Guesting at Logan Square Tattoo isn’t just about tattooing—it’s also about building long-lasting relationships. Whether it's bonding with other artists, engaging with our regular clients, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Logan Square, we want you to feel like part of our family. Many guest artists return regularly because of the strong connections they make here. We truly miss our guest artists when they're gone and always look forward to their return! Some of our guest artists have even made the move to Chicago and joined us as resident artists!
Enjoy Your Guest Spot!
During your stay at Logan Square Tattoo, you'll have the chance to tattoo in a professional, high-energy environment. Our team and clientele are welcoming and supportive, and we love seeing what guest artists bring to the table. Take advantage of your time here to connect with fellow artists, engage with our loyal clients, and enjoy everything the Logan Square neighborhood has to offer; our management team will even provide you with a guide to local restaurants and shopping for a seamless experience.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a guest artist at Logan Square Tattoo is an exciting opportunity to share your skills with a new audience, collaborate with other talented artists, and grow your professional portfolio. We welcome guest artists who are serious about their craft and ready to create memorable pieces in a dynamic setting. If that sounds like you, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to have you!
If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at admin@logansquaretattoo.com. We look forward to welcoming you into our creative community!
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