get paid for tattoo

How to Get Paid for Getting a Tattoo

Jenny SmedraLeave a comment

How to Get Paid for Getting a Tattoo

With the advent of e-commerce and online marketplaces, there are thousands of unconventional ways you can make money. From starting an online business to hosting your own YouTube channel, thousands of people have found creative ways to make a living. For example, one trend that is gaining popularity is skinvertising, the idea that you sell your skin as ad space. That’s right…you can get paid for getting a tattoo. And, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a permanent one either. For those looking for some easy income and who don’t mind using their body as a canvas for advertisements, there are some unique employment opportunities for you.

The Trend of Skinvertising

Good advertising teams are always looking for new, trendy ways to get their brand name out there. Controversial campaigns and unique marketing techniques attract attention and make headlines. So, it shouldn’t surprise you that people earn money for using their bodies as walking billboards. Although it isn’t a new concept, it has been receiving more lip service recently with the introduction of social media.

Skin advertising, or skinvertising, was first introduced into mainstream media in the early 2000s. However, the practice of selling ad space on visible parts of your body has gained more traction in recent years. Goodyear was among the first companies to offer compensation in the form of free tires to anyone who got a tattoo of their logo. But, many more have jumped on the skinvertising bandwagon.

In fact, several people have made international headlines to get paid for getting a tattoo. Back in 2005, GoldenPalace.com paid Kari Smith $10,000 to get a permanent tattoo on her forehead. Others have made significantly more since then. For example, adult film star Anna Morgan received $500,000 for tattooing MyMMOShop.com across her breasts. While tattoo models can earn good money, your online presence and appeal as a skin model will have a huge impact on how much you can earn.

Get Paid to Get a Temporary Tattoo

If you are uncomfortable with the permanency of traditional ink, there are other ways to get paid for getting a tattoo. A quick search will lead you to companies that are also willing to pay you for temporary tattoos as well. Although you won’t earn as much as permanently tattooed advertisements, you people are still advertising their services for as much as $5,000. So, if you are interested to see what jobs are out there, here are some of the most lucrative places to offer your services.

1. Join an online marketplace.

Some sites cater specifically to companies seeking skinvertising and models who are offering their services. Although it has been inactive recently, LeaseYourBody.com was the first online marketplace to bring companies and skin models together in a common forum. To join, you simply need to create a profile and upload photos to open yourself up to offers. You could also try your luck with ads on Craigslist. Although, local marketplaces are unlikely to bring big-name advertisers and larger offers.

Once you create a profile, you should include detailed descriptions of what space on your body you are willing to advertise on and also indicate how much you hope to earn. Typically, people start at $100 an hour, but some models have earned up to $69,000 a year. If a company is interested in hiring you, they will contact you directly with a contract. Should they make a counteroffer, it will be up to you to decide whether you accept or decline their terms.

After you accept an offer and fulfill the contract, the company will then send you a check for the agreed-upon amount. How much you earn depends on several factors such as the size, location, and company you represent. Your appeal and social media following will also play a deciding factor in your final offers. The more exposure you have, the better it will be.

2. List yourself on an auction site.

Back in 2005, Andrew Fischer started a bidding frenzy when he auctioned advertising space on his forehead on eBay. In the end, Green Pharmaceuticals had the winning bid with $37,375 to advertise their product, SnoreStop. For 30 days, Fischer donned a temporary tattoo in exchange for the large cash payment. While most bids never reach these heights, you can find several current adverts seeking payment ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $5,000.

3. Approach the company to offer your services.

Another option is to find a company you want to approach with your services. This could net you some good offers with the right sales pitch. And, it also gives you more control over your bodily autonomy and who you work with. Other avenues leave you at the mercy of the highest bidder. However, if you approach a company with an offer, you have a better chance to advertise for one that you feel comfortable supporting.

To Ink or Not To Ink…

Over the years, many people have been willing to earn cash and use their bodies for advertising. While it may seem controversial and extreme to some, it has become a way to earn an income for others. Skinvertising isn’t a new idea, but it has gained popularity as body art becomes more mainstream.

Some opposition feels that these companies are exploiting people who need money. But, models are willing to advertise a brand or company because they are well compensated for it. In fact, many volunteer and consent to do it because of the exposure it brings them.

If there is any hesitation about tattoos, you probably shouldn’t get any permanent ink. Temporary tattoos can still bring in a healthy income, and you are less likely to regret it since you won’t have a permanent reminder. Although it doesn’t appeal to everyone, people get paid good money for getting a tattoo. It just goes to show that if you use a little creative thinking and ingenuity, you can create new opportunities capitalizing on your unique skills and talents.

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