★ Paradise Artist Retreat — Oct 6–8, Jiminy Peak MAReserve Your Spot
Our Story

Connecting Tattooers & Collectors Since the 90s

TattooNOW started in 1998 with a simple idea: tattoo artists deserve the same professional tools and business support as any other creative industry. 25+ years later, we're still at it.

The TattooNOW Story

Founded by Gabe Ripley in 1998, TattooNOW was one of the first platforms to bring tattoo artists online with professional websites and gallery tools. At a time when most tattoo businesses operated purely through walk-ins and word of mouth, TattooNOW gave artists a digital presence that matched the quality of their work.

Over 25+ years, the platform has evolved from simple artist websites to a full professional services operation — tech consulting, business coaching, event production, and the largest community-rated tattoo artist directory online.

Today, TattooNOW serves the industry at every level: helping collectors find great artists, helping artists build sustainable businesses, and producing events that bring the community together. The mission hasn't changed — just the tools.

Gabe Ripley — Fifteen Years of Nerd Talk

By the Numbers

25+
Years in the Industry
1,847+
Gallery Pages
1,151+
Artists & Studios
500+
Events Produced
Global
Artist Network

Our Brands

The TattooNOW family of products and events

💻
TattooNOW
Core platform — websites, directory, consulting
🏔
Paradise Tattoo Gathering
Annual artist retreat & convention
📚
Reinventing the Tattoo
Educational content & courses
🌟
Icons & Prodigies
Flagship event — legends meet emerging talent
📱
Tattoos.Social
Social platform for tattoo community

Advisory Board

Industry leaders guiding TattooNOW's direction

Marc Lescarbeau
Needlejig — Supply chain & e-commerce
Derek Youngberg
Tattoo Career Builders — Education
Sean O'Hara
Darkside Tattoo — Studio operations
Alex De Pase
Italy — International market
Jake Meeks
Fireside Tattoo — Community building
Conan
Release Form App — Legal tech

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TattooNOW?
TattooNOW is a professional services platform for the tattoo industry, founded in 1998 by Gabe Ripley. We provide tech and business consulting, professional websites, a community-rated artist directory with 1,151+ listings, event production (Paradise Tattoo Gathering, Icons & Prodigies), and educational resources. We serve both tattoo professionals looking to grow their business and collectors looking to find great artists.
How much does TattooNOW cost?
Directory listings are free. Professional websites start at $29/month. Tech and business consulting runs $150–$300/day for intensives or ongoing retainer at ½–1 day per week. No hidden fees, no long-term contracts — cancel anytime. We accept credit card, ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and offer invoicing for retainer clients.
How do I list my studio on TattooNOW?
Visit network.tattoonow.com and click "Add Your Listing." It takes about 90 seconds. Once listed, you can upload gallery images, receive community votes, and appear in our "Best in City" search pages. Verified studios get a badge and priority placement.
What does TattooNOW consulting include?
Our consulting covers the full spectrum of tattoo business needs: website audits and rebuilds, tech stack setup, marketing strategy, booking optimization, social media playbooks, pricing strategy, and ongoing business coaching. We offer 1–3 day intensive deep dives or ongoing part-time support (½–1 day per week). Every engagement starts with a free, no-pressure consult.
What is the Free Studio Audit?
Our AI-powered audit scores your tattoo business across 6 pillars and 43 criteria: Online Presence, Operations, Client Experience, Artist Development, Physical Space, and Financial Health. You get a personalized scorecard with specific, actionable recommendations backed by 25+ years of tattoo industry knowledge. It takes under 2 minutes and it's completely free — no strings attached.
What events does TattooNOW produce?
We produce Paradise Tattoo Gathering (annual artist retreat at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort), Icons & Prodigies (flagship event pairing legendary artists with emerging talent), and educational seminars throughout the year. We also provide event technology and production support for third-party conventions and expos.
How do I find a tattoo artist near me?
Visit our Find an Artist page. You can search by location, browse our interactive map with artist pins, filter by tattoo style (Japanese, Realism, Ornamental, etc.), and view community-voted portfolios. Our "Best in City" pages rank top-rated artists in each metro area.
What is Ask TattooNOW?
Ask TattooNOW is our AI-powered knowledge base at brain.tattoonow.com. It draws from 25+ years of tattoo industry expertise — Google Drive documents, YouTube transcripts, educational content, and more — to answer questions about tattoos, the industry, business operations, marketing, and everything in between.

Get in Touch

Want to work with us? Have questions? Gabe is always happy to talk tattoo business.

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