From your cautiously optimistic Canadian bookkeeper at Beyond the Ink
Ah, the body mod world. Full of high voltage machines,
low-stress clients (ha), and the intoxicating scent of antiseptic and ambition.
But even in our glorious inky utopia, downturns happen.
I’m talking about:
- Construction
right outside your studio for six weeks straight (why is there always
a jackhammer?)
- Surprise
snowstorms that shut down walk-ins
- That
week your piercer got the flu and clients fled like it was the zombie
apocalypse
- Or
that time Instagram’s algorithm decided to yeet your posts into the void
We can’t predict every hiccup—but we can be
financially prepared. So grab your coffee (or yerba mate, you artsy bunch), and
let’s chat about building a resilient studio, one budget line at a time.
💰 Step One: Know
Your Bare Bones
And no, I don’t mean the ones you tattoo on people’s arms.
I’m talking about your core operating costs—the essentials to keep your
lights on and your autoclave humming:
- Rent
and utilities
- Supplies
and PPE
- Payroll
for essential staff
- Insurance
(a.k.a. your “please-don’t-sue-me” policy)
- Licensing
and compliance
Know this number. Memorize it. Tattoo it on your forearm
if you must. (Okay, maybe just put it in a spreadsheet.)
🐿️ Step Two: Squirrel
Away a Studio Safety Fund
You don’t need to be a doomsday prepper, but having three
months of essential expenses in reserve? That’s your financial bunker.
Name it something cool like:
- The
"Client No-Show Cushion"
- The
"Oops My Equipment Broke Fund"
- The
"Instagram Shadowbanned Me Emergency Account"
Tuck a little in every month—even if it's just the cost of a
box of gloves. Future-you will thank you when the Wi-Fi goes down and Square
decides to nap.
📊 Step Three: Track
the Heck Outta Your Cash Flow
Cash is king. And also, like your cat, it can disappear
without warning if you’re not paying attention.
Use your bookkeeping software (or your trusty spreadsheet)
to:
- Monitor
income vs. expenses weekly
- Watch
for slowdowns in appointments
- Identify
peak and off-peak times (and plan promos accordingly)
If you see a dip coming, it’s better to tighten up before it
hits than to be halfway through ordering 50 custom-branded aprons you might
not need right now.
🧾 Step Four:
Flexible Budgeting is Sexy (Really)
Build a budget that bends—not breaks. Plan for:
- Must-haves
(rent, gloves, needles)
- Nice-to-haves
(new signage, extra staff on Saturdays)
- Absolutely-wait-till-we’re-rich-again
items (that neon sign shaped like a skull? maybe next quarter)
Being adaptable doesn’t mean being cheap—it means being
smart. Like choosing a multipurpose cleaning solution. Or not giving free
tattoos to your cousin who still owes you $200 and a parking ticket.
👥 Step Five:
Diversify Like a True Artist
Don’t put all your ink in one basket.
During a downturn, having multiple revenue streams can save
your beautifully pierced butt. Think:
- Selling
aftercare kits and branded merch
- Offering
virtual consults or design services
- Partnering
with other local artists for pop-up events or shared promos
- Teaching
workshops or guesting at other shops
If foot traffic dips, online sales and community collabs can
keep your studio afloat—and your Instagram followers entertained.
🧠 Bonus: Check in
with Your Friendly Neighbourhood Bookkeeper (Hey, That’s Me!)
Look, I know numbers don’t always spark joy. But they do
keep the autoclave running.
Regular check-ins with your bookkeeper (or actual bookkeeper
apps) can:
- Spot
red flags before they’re full-blown emergencies
- Show
you trends that help you plan smarter
- Give
you peace of mind that your art is backed by math
TL;DR for the Tattooed & Time-Strapped:
🦴 Know your essentials:
Bare bones budget = survival plan
🐿️
Squirrel it away: Build that emergency fund
📉
Watch your cash flow: Avoid surprises (unless it’s birthday cake)
🧾
Budget for flexibility: You can’t plan for everything, but you can be
ready
🛒
Get creative with income: You’re already an artist, after all
📊
Call your bookkeeper: They’re not just about taxes, you know
So whether you're prepping for a snowstorm, a slow season,
or a client named Chad who insists on rescheduling six times—remember: resilience
isn’t just about grit. It’s about good numbers.
Let’s build a studio that doesn’t just survive the
downturns—but thrives right through them.
— Your spreadsheet-slinging, maple-syrup-loving,
margin-watching bookkeeper at Beyond the Ink
🧾💉💪
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