Tattooing is more than just ink on skin. It’s an art form, a lifestyle, and for many of us, a calling. It’s a craft that demands relentless dedication, long hours, and the ability to turn someone’s personal story into a permanent masterpiece. But behind the needle, beyond the Instagram highlights and finished designs, there’s a reality to this profession that few outsiders truly understand.
My name is Chris Benvenuto, and I’ve been a tattoo artist for years. It wasn’t an easy road getting here, and it’s not always an easy road staying here. From humble beginnings in New Jersey to building a career in Las Vegas, my journey has been filled with struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices. I’ve tattooed everyone from everyday people to NFL players and rockstars, but like many in this industry, I’ve also faced financial uncertainty, long hours away from my family, and the pressure of staying relevant in an oversaturated market.
This is the life of a tattoo artist—the part people don’t always see.
From Humble Beginnings to the Tattoo Chair
I grew up in New Jersey, always drawn to art. Like most kids, I sketched in my notebooks, but for me, drawing wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion. I was fascinated by tattoos, the idea that art could be permanent, that it could live on a person forever.
My journey into tattooing started the way many do—with an apprenticeship. I got my start in a small shop in New Jersey, sweeping floors, cleaning stations, and watching seasoned artists work their magic. The apprenticeship wasn’t glamorous. It was long hours with little to no pay, but it was a necessary step. You don’t just pick up a tattoo machine and start working on people. You earn your place. You learn discipline, precision, and patience.
Slowly, I worked my way up. I got better, took on clients, and started making a name for myself. Then social media happened.
When Instagram and Facebook became key marketing tools, the industry changed overnight. Suddenly, exposure wasn’t just about word-of-mouth—it was about building an online presence. This was both a blessing and a curse. Social media gave artists the ability to showcase their work to a wider audience, but it also flooded the market. Now, incredible artists were struggling simply because they weren’t seen.
At one point, I was struggling so much financially that I was doing Instacart deliveries just to make ends meet. Then, fate intervened.
I had ordered a piercing tool after seeing a YouTube video, and by sheer luck, the guy selling it happened to be from New Jersey. When I reached out to buy it, he responded with, “Hey, man, you looking for a change of scenery?”
The next day, I was working in a new shop.
The Move to Las Vegas: Chasing a Better Life
Three years ago, I made the decision to move to Las Vegas. It wasn’t just about career growth—it was about family.
I have stepdaughters, but to me, they’re just my daughters. I wanted them to have a better life and still be able to see their father. Moving to Vegas provided an opportunity for all of us, but it wasn’t without sacrifice.
Tattooing in Vegas is different. The market is competitive, but the opportunities are bigger. I found myself working 12-hour shifts, with a three-hour daily commute. That’s 15 hours away from my wife and kids every single day. It was exhausting. It strained my home life, and on top of that, tattooing isn’t a guaranteed paycheck.
Unlike a regular job, we don’t get hourly wages. We only get paid when we work. Some months are incredible—I’ve made upwards of $15,000 in a single month—but then we hit the dreaded slow season.
Right before tax season and around the holidays, the industry slows down. People have bills, travel expenses, and other financial priorities. If you don’t save money, those months can be terrifying.
That’s one of the biggest realities of this career: feast or famine. You can be riding high one month and barely scraping by the next. If you’re not disciplined with your finances, tattooing can be financially devastating.
The Challenges of Being a Tattoo Artist
1. The Struggle of Work-Life Balance
Tattooing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. The hours are long, and for artists like me who have families, the constant push and pull between providing for them and actually spending time with them is brutal.
I’ve missed birthdays, school events, and family nights. There are days I wish I could get that time back, but at the same time, I need to support them. It’s a never-ending internal battle.
2. The Physical Toll
Tattooing isn’t easy on the body.
- Back pain from leaning over for hours
- Wrist pain from repetitive motion
- Eye strain from intense focus
The older I get, the more I feel it. Proper ergonomics and stretching are crucial, but many artists still develop chronic pain over time.
3. Dealing with Clients and Jealousy Issues
Tattooing requires physical contact, which can sometimes lead to issues in relationships. I’ve had to explain to my wife that tattooing someone—regardless of where—is part of the job.
Then there are difficult clients:
- People who don’t take care of their tattoos and blame the artist.
- Those who constantly change their minds during the process.
- Clients who want cheap work but expect perfection.
Despite the challenges, word-of-mouth is still the best advertisement. Someone sees a tattoo, asks where it was done, and boom—that’s how new clients find us.
The Rewards of the Job
For all the struggles, there’s a reason I still do this: I love it.
I love the fact that my art is permanent, that I’m leaving behind a piece of myself on every client I work on. It’s a crazy, beautiful thing to know that when someone looks in the mirror, they see a part of my creativity on their skin.
I’ve been lucky enough to tattoo some amazing people. NFL players, rockstars, celebrities—but at the end of the day, they’re just clients like everyone else. Most people have never even heard of me, and that’s okay. The ones who wear my work proudly are the ones who matter.
A highlight of my career was being featured in Deluxe Version Magazine and nearly making it into Inked Magazine. Recognition feels good, but at the end of the day, it’s about the work.
The Future of Tattooing
The industry is evolving. AI-generated designs, social media saturation, and new technology are changing the game. It’s harder to stand out now, but the core of tattooing will always be the same: real connections and real art.
If you’re considering becoming a tattoo artist, know this:
- It’s hard work.
- It’s physically demanding.
- It’s financially unstable at times.
- But it’s also one of the most rewarding careers you can have.
Tattooing isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who live for it, there’s nothing else
This is Behind the Needle—the raw, unfiltered life of a tattoo artist.
https://deluxeversionnews.com/artist-spotlight-chris-benvenuto
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