# InkDesk — Tattoo Booking Software > InkDesk is booking and client management software built only for tattoo artists and tattoo studios. It brings booking forms, online scheduling, deposit payments, digital waivers, automated reminders, client messaging (email, Instagram and WhatsApp), client projects and reporting into one place, on the web and in iPhone and Android apps. ## About InkDesk InkDesk is a booking and client management platform built for tattoo artists and studios. Artists schedule appointments, collect requests, take deposits, talk to clients and send automated reminders in one place instead of DMs, spreadsheets and email chains. Artists and studios use InkDesk to: - Receive booking requests through a booking page and custom forms, then accept them and schedule the session - Collect card deposits into their own Stripe account. InkDesk takes 0%; Stripe's standard processing fee applies - Answer clients from one inbox for email, Instagram DMs and WhatsApp - Send digital waivers that clients sign on their phone - Import an existing booking form or waiver from a link, an image or a PDF - Send session reminders, aftercare and follow-ups automatically - Track each tattoo as a project, including multi-session pieces - See revenue, tips, outstanding deposits and conversion in reporting - Keep Google Calendar in sync both ways - Run the business from the iPhone and Android apps - Work in any of 16 languages InkDesk is used by independent tattoo artists and by multi-artist tattoo studios. InkDesk, Inc. was founded in 2023 in Toronto, Canada. - Website: https://inkdesk.app - Web app: https://portal.inkdesk.app - Contact: info@inkdesk.app - Official domains: inkdesk.app, portal.inkdesk.app and inkde.sk (short links). Other websites or apps using the InkDesk name are not affiliated with InkDesk, Inc. --- ## Why InkDesk Was Created Full story: https://inkdesk.app/about InkDesk was created to close the gap between how tattoo artists work today and the software available to them. More people are getting tattooed than ever, and clients expect a professional experience from first inquiry to final session. Artists carry a full business alongside the craft: managing demand, collecting deposits, building a brand, running studios and mentoring apprentices. The software did not keep pace. Many artists were still running their books out of Instagram DMs, spreadsheets and tools built for salons and barbershops. ### The founder story InkDesk was founded by Kevin Hung (CEO) and Andrew Dillion-Walshe (CTO). It began with a conversation: over dinner, one of the founders asked a close friend who tattoos for a living what she disliked most about the job. The answer was not difficult clients or long hours, but everything around the tattoo: the endless messages, the scheduling, chasing deposits, and conversations scattered across Instagram, email, texts and notebooks. Kevin and Andrew had spent more than twenty years building software for other industries, but neither of them tattoos. So before writing any code, they listened, in over fifty conversations with tattooers and shop owners. InkDesk launched in 2023 in Toronto, and every feature since has started the same way. ### What InkDesk believes - A tattoo isn't an appointment. Before anything goes on the calendar there's an idea to understand, references to sort and a size and placement to settle, so InkDesk is built around the tattoo, not the time slot. - Your time is the measure. Every feature is judged by whether it gives artists time back. - Your success shouldn't cost you more. InkDesk's price doesn't grow with your bookings, and it will never take a cut of your deposits. - You can talk to the people who build it. Questions and feedback go straight to the team, and a real person answers. - Relationships come before revenue. InkDesk won't trade an artist's trust for a quick win. --- ## Platform ### For Solo Tattoo Artists InkDesk for solo artists ($35/month, or $25/month billed annually) includes a booking page for your bio with a waitlist, custom booking forms (or import your current one), scheduling, deposits, digital waivers, automated reminders, one inbox for email, Instagram and WhatsApp, client projects, reporting, Google Calendar sync and the iPhone and Android apps. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/platform/solo-tattoo-artists ### For Tattoo Studios InkDesk for studios ($50/month including the first seat) includes everything in the Solo plan plus a studio booking page, artist assignment, the Team Day calendar, team roles and seats (a front desk person gets an Admin seat), deposit splits between artist and studio, a shared inbox and per-artist reporting. Each extra seat, whether artist or front desk, is $15/month ($150/year). The Studio plan suits shops of 2 to 20+ artists. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/platform/tattoo-studios --- ## Features ### Online Scheduling Clients send a booking request first. The artist accepts it and either picks a date (InkDesk suggests times that fit their availability) or sends a scheduling link that only offers times that fit their hours, buffers, daily limits and minimum notice. Scheduling links can require a deposit and can expire. With two-way Google Calendar sync, sessions booked in InkDesk appear in Google Calendar, and busy Google events block that time in InkDesk. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/online-scheduling ### Custom Booking Forms Booking forms collect the idea, reference photos, placement, size and any custom questions before the artist replies. Artists can import their current form from a link, an image or a PDF, share one link, and every request becomes a project. Clients don't need an account. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/custom-booking-forms ### Deposit Payments Artists collect tattoo deposits online by sending a payment link or by requiring the deposit in a scheduling link. Deposits are paid into the artist's own Stripe account: InkDesk takes 0%, and only Stripe's standard processing fee applies. Cash deposits can be marked as paid, and refunds are handled from InkDesk. Studios can split a deposit between the artist and the studio when both Stripe accounts are in the US, Canada, the UK, Switzerland or the European Economic Area. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/deposit-payments ### Digital Waivers Artists import their own waiver. Clients confirm their email with a one-time code and sign on their phone before they arrive; each signature keeps a timestamp, the verified email and the waiver version, and is saved to the client's project. Whether e-signatures are accepted depends on local rules. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/digital-waivers ### Client Messaging Email, Instagram DMs (professional accounts) and WhatsApp Business messages land in one inbox, linked to each client's project, with templates, junk filtering and phone alerts. Clients need no account. WhatsApp bills the artist's own Meta account directly; InkDesk adds no fee. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/client-messaging ### Client Projects Each tattoo is tracked as a project: references, messages, sessions, deposits, waivers and private notes in one view. Every booking request becomes a project, which suits multi-session pieces and sleeves. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/client-projects ### Automatic Reminders InkDesk sends session reminders by email or WhatsApp, 24 hours before by default, plus aftercare messages, follow-ups and request auto-replies. They are ready from day one and fully editable, with custom automations for anything else. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/automatic-reminders ### Reporting Reporting fills in as artists work: revenue, tips, outstanding deposits, request-to-booking conversion and a session report that can be exported, for any date range, with per-artist numbers for studios. Reporting is included on every plan. Learn more: https://inkdesk.app/features/reporting ### Mobile App InkDesk has apps for iPhone and Android. Artists can book clients, reply to messages, manage projects and check their calendar from anywhere, with everything synced with the web app. - iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762023231 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inkdesk.app --- ## Customer Story: Asher Chen Asher Chen books about 300 clients a year across his three tattoo studios in Vancouver. He estimates InkDesk saves him about 10 minutes per client, roughly 50 hours a year, which at his rate of $250 an hour is about $12,500 a year (his own estimate). Full story: https://inkdesk.app/stories/asher-chen --- ## Pricing All plans include a 30-day free trial with no credit card required, unlimited bookings and no per-booking fees, and can be cancelled anytime. InkDesk takes 0% of deposits; Stripe's standard processing fee applies. Prices are in USD. ### Solo Plan — $35/month, or $300/year ($25/month) billed annually For independent tattoo artists. Includes: - Unlimited bookings - Booking page and custom booking forms - Scheduling and scheduling links - Deposit payments - Digital waivers - Automated reminders and automations - One inbox for email, Instagram and WhatsApp - Client projects - Reporting - Google Calendar sync - iPhone and Android apps ### Studio Plan — $50/month, or $500/year billed annually The base price covers the studio and its first seat. Each additional seat (artist or front desk) is $15/month, or $150/year on annual billing. A two-artist studio therefore pays $65/month, or $650/year billed annually. For multi-artist tattoo studios. Includes everything in Solo plus: - Studio booking page - Artist assignment - Team Day calendar - Front desk access with team roles and seats - Deposit splits between artist and studio - Per-artist reporting Both plans are available with monthly or annual billing. Annual billing saves $120/year on the Solo plan. Pricing page: https://inkdesk.app/pricing --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is InkDesk? InkDesk is tattoo booking software built for tattoo artists and studios. Schedule appointments, collect requests, take deposits, communicate with clients and send automated reminders, all in one place instead of DMs, spreadsheets and email chains. ### Why was InkDesk created? The business of tattooing evolved while the software supporting it stood still. Artists carry a full business alongside the craft, but most were still working out of Instagram DMs, spreadsheets and tools designed for salons or generic appointment booking. InkDesk was built to close that gap. Full story: https://inkdesk.app/about ### Who created InkDesk? Kevin Hung (CEO) and Andrew Dillion-Walshe (CTO). They founded InkDesk in 2023 in Toronto after more than twenty years of building software for other industries. The idea came from a dinner conversation with a close friend who tattoos for a living, followed by more than fifty conversations with tattoo artists and studio owners. ### How was InkDesk built? Alongside tattoo artists. Before writing code, the founders talked with more than fifty artists and studio owners about how they actually run their books, and every major feature since has been shaped by artists describing their own workflow. ### Is InkDesk only for tattoo artists? Yes. Tattooing works differently from other appointment-based businesses: a tattoo starts with an idea, references, a fit check, an estimate and a deposit, often across several sessions. Building for tattooing alone is what lets InkDesk fit how artists work. ### Is InkDesk free to try? Yes. There is a 30-day free trial with full access to every feature and no credit card required. ### How does InkDesk help reduce no-shows? In two ways. Artists can require a deposit before a booking is confirmed, so clients are committed before they take a slot, and automated reminders go out before each session so clients remember and arrive on time. ### Can InkDesk replace booking through Instagram DMs? Yes. Artists share their booking form link on Instagram, so clients send a complete request (the idea, references, placement and size) instead of a DM. Instagram DMs can also be connected to InkDesk's inbox, so remaining conversations sit next to email and WhatsApp. ### How long does it take to set up InkDesk? Most artists are up and running in under 15 minutes: create a booking form, customize it and start accepting requests. ### Does InkDesk work for tattoo studios with multiple artists? Yes. The Studio plan adds a studio booking page, artist assignment, the Team Day calendar, team roles and seats, deposit splits and per-artist reporting. ### Does InkDesk charge booking or transaction fees? No. InkDesk charges no per-booking fees and takes no cut of deposits; only Stripe's standard processing fee applies. ### Can I sync InkDesk with Google Calendar? Yes. Sessions booked in InkDesk appear in Google Calendar, and busy Google events block that time in InkDesk. ### Does InkDesk support digital waivers? Yes. Clients confirm their email with a one-time code and sign on their phone; each signed waiver keeps a timestamp, the verified email and the waiver version, and is saved to the client's project. ### Can I customize the booking forms? Yes. Build forms with any questions you need (placement, size, style, reference images and more), or import your current form from a link, an image or a PDF. ### Is there a mobile app? Yes, for iPhone and Android, synced with the web app. ### Which languages does InkDesk support? InkDesk is available in 16 languages. --- ## Blog InkDesk publishes articles and guides for tattoo artists and studios on booking, deposits, no-shows, client communication and running a tattoo business. Blog: https://inkdesk.app/blog ### Why Generic Booking Software Doesn't Work for Tattoo Artists Generic booking software wasn't built for tattooing. Learn what tattoo artists actually need to manage inquiries, deposits, scheduling, clients, and multi-session projects. - Published: 2026-08-30 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/tattoo-booking-software-for-artists - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/tattoo-booking-software-for-artists.md ### How to Collect Tattoo Deposits Online (Without Awkward Conversations or No-Shows) | Tattoo Deposit Guide for Artists Learn how to collect tattoo deposits online without awkward conversations or manual payments. Discover how tattoo artists use InkDesk to reduce no-shows, automate booking deposits, and manage payments through Stripe. - Published: 2026-06-27 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/how-to-collect-tattoo-deposits-online - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/how-to-collect-tattoo-deposits-online.md ### Best CRM for Tattoo Artists: How to Manage Client Info and Grow Your Business Learn how a CRM for tattoo artists helps you track clients, organize bookings, and bring back repeat business — without spreadsheets or scattered DMs - Published: 2026-04-02 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/crm-for-tattoo-artists - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/crm-for-tattoo-artists.md ### What 2026 Tattoo Styles Mean for Your Studio’s Success Learn how embracing 2026 tattoo trends can transform your studio’s success with practical insights. - Published: 2026-03-21 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/navigating-2026-tattoo-styles - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/navigating-2026-tattoo-styles.md ### How to Raise Your Tattoo Prices Without Losing Loyal Clients Learn how to raise your tattoo prices without losing loyal clients. Tips for artists to protect income while keeping repeat clients onboard. - Published: 2026-02-16 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/raise-tattoo-prices-loyal-clients - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/raise-tattoo-prices-loyal-clients.md ### What the Tattoo Boom Means for Your Prices, Bookings, and Studio Growth in 2026 Learn how the tattoo boom in 2026 is affecting pricing, bookings, and studio growth—and how to stay ahead with smart systems and workflows. - Published: 2026-02-09 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/tattoo-boom-2026-prices-bookings-growth - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/tattoo-boom-2026-prices-bookings-growth.md ### 10 More Essential Questions to Include on Your Tattoo Booking Form (Part II) Upgrade your tattoo booking form with 10 more must-ask questions that help artists collect the right info, save time, and give clients a smoother experience. - Published: 2025-11-12 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/10-more-essential-booking-form-questions - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/10-more-essential-booking-form-questions.md ### How to Build a Tattoo Artist Profile (Link in Bio) That Books Clients for You Create a tattoo artist link in bio that books clients for you. Learn how to set up a professional InkDesk profile to showcase your style, streamline bookings, and make a killer first impression. - Published: 2025-10-09 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/how-to-build-a-tattoo-artist-profile-link-in-bio-that-books-clients-for-you - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/how-to-build-a-tattoo-artist-profile-link-in-bio-that-books-clients-for-you.md ### 13 Essential Emails Every Tattoo Artist Should Automate with InkDesk’s Tattoo Booking Software InkDesk’s tattoo booking software makes client communication easy. Automate appointment reminders, aftercare instructions, and follow-ups to boost your tattoo business. - Published: 2025-10-01 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/13-essential-emails-every-tattoo-artist-should-automate - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/13-essential-emails-every-tattoo-artist-should-automate.md ### Booking Forms: The Time-Saving Tool Every Tattoo Artist Needs Learn how tattoo booking forms save time, cut down on back-and-forth, and help artists set boundaries. Explore smart ways to use them for flash days, guest spots, and everyday client requests. - Published: 2025-09-26 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/booking-form-the-time-saving-tool-every-tattoo-artist-needs - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/booking-form-the-time-saving-tool-every-tattoo-artist-needs.md ### How InkDesk Helped Tattoo Artist Asher Chen Save Time and Grow His Studio Discover how InkDesk helped tattoo artist Asher Chen streamline bookings, save $12,500 in admin time, and grow his tattoo studios across Canada. - Published: 2025-09-21 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/artist-spotlight-asher-chen - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/artist-spotlight-asher-chen.md ### Scale Your Tattoo Shop: Solo to Studio Booking Tools Learn how InkDesk helps tattoo artists and studios streamline bookings, reduce no-shows, and scale from solo artist to full studio with ease. Try it free. - Published: 2025-08-25 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/solo-to-studio-booking - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/solo-to-studio-booking.md ### The Best Tattoo Scheduling App to Replace Instagram DMs Tattoo artists: Stop losing clients in Instagram DMs. Discover how InkDesk booking software streamlines scheduling, forms, and client communication. - Published: 2025-08-21 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/instagram-dms-replacement - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/instagram-dms-replacement.md ### Avoiding No-Shows: Best Practices for Tattoo Artists No-shows cost tattoo artists time and money. This guide shares smart, practical ways to reduce missed appointments—and how InkDesk makes it easy to keep your calendar full. - Published: 2025-08-05 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/avoiding-no-shows-best-practices-for-tattoo-artists - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/avoiding-no-shows-best-practices-for-tattoo-artists.md ### How to Protect Your Hands, Back, and Wrists as a Tattoo Artist Learn how to protect your hands, back, and wrists as a tattoo artist with these practical tips. Improve posture, reduce pain, and tattoo more comfortably for years to come. - Published: 2025-04-09 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/protect-hands-back-wrists-tattoo-artist - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/protect-hands-back-wrists-tattoo-artist.md ### Simplify Your Tattoo Client Communication with Email Templates Learn how to streamline client communication and save hours weekly with customizable email templates for your tattoo studio. Boost professionalism while reducing admin work in your tattoo business. - Published: 2025-03-21 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/simplify-your-tattoo-client-communication-with-email-templates - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/simplify-your-tattoo-client-communication-with-email-templates.md ### 5 Ways Automated Client Reminders Can Increase Your Tattoo Studio Revenue Discover how automated reminders can boost your tattoo studio’s revenue and save you valuable time. Learn 5 proven strategies to reduce no-shows and increase client retention that you can implement today. Your schedule will thank you! - Published: 2025-03-15 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/5-ways-automated-client-reminders-can-increase-your-tattoo-studio-revenue - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/5-ways-automated-client-reminders-can-increase-your-tattoo-studio-revenue.md ### Why Every Artist Needs a Tattoo Booking Software in 2025 Discover why a tattoo booking software like InkDesk is essential for artists in 2025. Streamline bookings, improve client communication, and stay organized with this all-in-one tool designed to help your tattoo business thrive. - Published: 2025-01-28 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/every-artist-needs-a-tattoo-booking-software-like-inkdesk - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/every-artist-needs-a-tattoo-booking-software-like-inkdesk.md ### Top Tattoo Client Chairs for Artists to Buy in 2025 Find the best tattoo client chairs, designed for comfort, durability, and efficiency. Explore top picks like the InkBed Hydraulic and TATSoul to upgrade your studio setup. - Published: 2025-01-27 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/top-tattoo-client-chairs - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/top-tattoo-client-chairs.md ### Top Tattoo Pens for Tattoo Artists in 2025 Explore our comprehensive guide to the top tattoo pens for artists, featuring reviews of industry favorites like FK Irons Spektra Xion, Cheyenne Sol Nova Unlimited, and more. Discover pros and cons to make an informed choice. - Published: 2025-01-15 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/top-tattoo-pens-guide - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/top-tattoo-pens-guide.md ### A Video Walkthrough of the Ultimate Tattoo Booking Software Take a guided tour through InkDesk's features and see how it streamlines the tattoo booking process from start to finish. - Published: 2024-03-21 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/a-video-walkthrough-of-the-ultimate-tattoo-booking-software - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/a-video-walkthrough-of-the-ultimate-tattoo-booking-software.md ### Finding the Best Tattoo Booking Software: What Features to Look For A comprehensive guide to evaluating tattoo booking software, covering essential features that every tattoo studio needs. - Published: 2024-03-14 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/finding-the-best-tattoo-booking-software-what-features-to-look-for - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/finding-the-best-tattoo-booking-software-what-features-to-look-for.md ### 15 Questions Tattoo Artists Should Include on Their Booking Forms Essential questions every tattoo artist should ask their clients to ensure smooth consultations and successful tattoo sessions. - Published: 2024-02-25 - Article: https://inkdesk.app/blog/15-questions-tattoo-artists-should-include-on-their-booking-forms - Markdown: https://inkdesk.app/blog/15-questions-tattoo-artists-should-include-on-their-booking-forms.md --- ## Legal - Privacy Policy: https://inkdesk.app/legal/privacy-policy - Terms of Service: https://inkdesk.app/legal/terms-of-service - Data Processing Agreement: https://inkdesk.app/legal/data-processing-agreement - All legal documents: https://inkdesk.app/legal --- ## Official Links - Website: https://inkdesk.app - Web app: https://portal.inkdesk.app - iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6762023231 - Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inkdesk.app - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@inkdeskapp - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkdesk.app - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inkdeskapp - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inkdeskapp/ - Sitemap: https://inkdesk.app/sitemap.xml - Short links: https://inkde.sk